Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture for Kyrgyzstan – second phase: Training for Trainers (ToT) capacity building program for Rural Service Providers (RSP) started

The Mountain Agro Ecosystem Network (MAAN), is a project by the IFOAM, promotes rural communities in mountainous regions, to improve access to sensitive nutritious food through facilitating innovation diversification of proven agro-ecological practices. An essential pillar for the projects effectiveness is the strengthening of Rural Service Providers as well educated and passionate multipliers into Kyrgyz society.
To achieve this goal Bio Service implemented a three-days training program for the chosen 25 Rural Service Providers in the Jalal-Abad Oblast. These RSP were selected through an orderly application procedure. In a varied programme using different methods, the participants were taught the basics of a diverse diet and the importance of organic farming. In this integrated way, the numerous interfaces between these topics were made visible.
Training programs needs an open, respectful and lively atmosphere. The experienced Bio Service Trainers Buajar Raimkulova, Kenjekulova Asylgul, Joldoshov Bolot, Bekzhanov Altynbek and 25 very motivated participants created such an environment. The training brought together information in order to increase the knowledge and capacity of the 25 participants to help improve nutrition through nutrition-sensitive agriculture.
In several field excursions for the participants, such forms of agro-ecological practices have been shown directly in locations of successful organic farmers around Jalal-Abad City. At the first stop the upcoming trainers made their own impression of a professional composting. The farmer Inamov Mamyrjan explained the future RSP success aspects for effective composting. The most important factor is to prevent the compost from drying out. Therefore a cover or a shady place is recommended. Second the future RSPs visited Teshebaev Ikramzhan own built vegetable store (refrigerator room). Through this smart innovation he offers his organic farming products out of main season, and get now better prices. This experienced organic farmer also mentioned the importance of collecting and analysing data for monitoring and optimizing their own value chain. Such tasks are important to include in the coming trainings of the RSPs. At the last stop Ulmasov Uldashbai have shown the diversity of his field and shared his knowledge about crop rotation and the disadvantages of monocultures.
Inspired by their success stories, appeals and gained knowledge the attendees will train now other people in their villages. Zalkar Zhumabekov (28), from Nooken/Shaidan plants his own organically strawberries and raspberries to increase the diversity of nutrition in his village. With his role as a RSP and the potential of a nutrition-sensitive agriculture he would like to give the families in his village an extra income and to help them to bring food diversity into their daily life.
This approach of the project is focusing education and sharing of knowledge about nutrition and organic farming in an open and active network of collaboration, supported by the digital collaboration platform MAAN. Effective Long-term progresses based on raising awareness and knowledge, not on quick funds. The RSPs will curry on this spirit in their own trainings and contribute to improved nutrition in mountainous Kyrgyzstan. Bio Service is supporting them with necessary information and materials for example handouts and stationaries.