Second Livestock Sector Development Project

active

The project seeks to achieve this objective by strengthening public livestock support services for improved, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable service delivery, and enhanced coordination; strengthening market and value addition infrastructure for improved access to market and enhanced value addition; improving the access to improved technologies and practices and finance of livestock farmers, agribusinesses and other value chain actors for the development of competitive, green and resilient livestock value chains. These will further contribute to increased productivity and income, improved livelihood, and creation of new and better paying jobs. The project will foster transformation of the livestock subsector, while ensuring that the supply response to growing demand is sustainable, inclusive, safe, and environmentally conscious. The project aims to support the development of sustainable livestock production system by supporting investments that promote appropriate CSA technologies and practices addressing such aspects as feeding strategies, animal health and welfare, animal husbandry and breeding, as well as manure and waste management (including production of energy), improved storage and processing, and generation of renewable energy from solar and livestock manure sources. Project activities on animal health and food safety will embrace the One Health principles since it will address public health at the human animal interface. The project will systematically ensure that all activities and investments financed include climate‐smart and good environmental management practices, and that the technical support and financial incentives provided by the project facilitate the wide adoption of such practices from adaptation and increased productivity (resulting in lower emission intensities) to specific mitigation options such as covered manure storage, biogas and energy saving devices.Component 1: Strengthen public livestock support services. The objective of this component is to improve the management and service delivery capacity of public institutions. The main areas of support under this component include: (i) improving the enabling environment, (ii) strengthening the capacity of the Committee of Veterinary and Livestock Development (CVLD), including the national network of laboratories (NNLs) and artificial insemination (AI) centers; (iii) strengthening livestock extension and advisory services; and (iv) strengthening research and development. Subcomponent 1.1: Improve the enabling environment. The objective of this subcomponent is to improve the policy and legal framework of livestock production in general and livestock marketing and international trade in particular. Subcomponent 1.2: Strengthen the CVLD’s management and service delivery capacity. The objective of this subcomponent is to improve the technical independence, coordination, management, and service delivery capacity of the CVLD. The current capacity of the CVLD is limited: it is not organized with relevant units/departments, and systems and procedures are either missing or poorly designed. The agency is underfunded, and lacks the requisite physical and human resources, including IT system to support its activities and improve coordination capacity. Subcomponent 1.3: Strengthen public livestock extension and advisory services. The objective of this subcomponent is to improve livestock extension and advisory service provision. Uzbekistan does not have a well-functioning livestock extension and advisory services. The lack of an effective system for disseminating climate smart knowledge and information (linking them with research and education) and effective advisory services to producers and other value chain actors in the livestock subsector is one of the most serious obstacles to the development of the subsector. Subcomponent 1.4: Strengthen public livestock research and development. The objective of this subcomponent is to build the capacity of selected public institutions involved in livestock research and development, including the Research Institute of Livestock Sector and Poultry Farming, Scientific Research Institute of Karakul sheep Breeding and Deserts Ecology, Research Institute of Aquaculture at the Research and Production Center of Livestock and Food supply of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan. There are also universities involved in livestock research and development. However, research and development institutions are seriously underfunded. Component 2: Strengthen market and value addition infrastructure and facilitate trade. The objective of this component is to improve the market access of livestock farmers and agribusinesses and improve international trade i.e., enhance import control of animals and animal products. Subcomponent 2.1: Strengthen livestock market and value addition infrastructures. The objective of this subcomponent is to improve the livestock market infrastructure so that the volume of livestock and livestock products sold is increased, the quality improved and the supply of healthy and quality livestock products ensured. Physical market infrastructure includes well-facilitated market centers, roads, and stock routes or slaughtering houses, processing plants, milk collection centers, etc. that are supported by a real-time market information system to enhance efficiency.Subcomponent 2.2: Strengthen border security and quarantine. The objective of this subcomponent is to enhance international trade by strengthening border security and quarantine. Border security and quarantine are important in controlling animal disease and facilitating international trade by preventing entry of animal diseases into the country as well as facilitating the export of disease-free animal and animal products. Border Inspection Points (BIP) and quarantine stations are critical in this regard. Subcomponent 2.3: Operationalize AIR&T system . The objective of this subcomponent is to support the Government of Uzbekistan in the implementation (rolling out) of the AI&T system in Uzbekistan. Appropriate identification and registration of establishments (farms or units where animals are kept), livestock markets, pastures and animals are essential for improvement of disease prevention and control programmes as well as facilitating trade.Component 3: Green and resilient livestock value chains. The objective of this component is to improve the access to finance of livestock farmers, agri-business enterprises and other actors involved in the livestock value chains. Livestock farmers, agribusinesses and value chain actors operating in Uzbekistan’s livestock subsector lack access to longer-term financing and suitable products and services due to the funding structure of financial institutions, limited use of appropriate lending methodologies and higher risks associate d with the subsector. Subcomponent 3.1: Improve access to finance . The objective of this subcomponent is to improve the access to finance of livestock farmers, agribusinesses, and value chain actors. The subcomponent will be compliant with World Bank Guidance for Financial Intermediary Financing and adopt a set of acceptable Credit Line Guidelines. Subcomponent 3.2: Strengthen the capacity of Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) . The objective of this subcomponent is to build the capacity of PFIs. The capacity building includes trainings, study tours and exchange visits to staff and managers of PFIs so that they are able to introduce innovative financing instruments such as digital financial services and value chain financing modalities for livestock farmers and agribusiness enterprises. Component 4: Project management and coordination. This component will support project management, coordination, M&E, and implementation of environmental and social standards, and fiduciary aspects of the project. The proposed project would utilize the capacity of the existing PIU for LSDP at CVLD, that is