Lolazor

Lolazor village, located in the Hisor mountains near Dushanbe, is home to 837 residents living in 116 households. The village has a youthful population, a small elderly community, and includes vulnerable individuals such as those with disabilities and single mothers. The local economy relies on table grape farming, particularly the cultivation of the "Toiphy" species, as well as on livestock farming with special focus on the "Hisari" sheep breeding.

For many generations, agriculture has been the primary source of income for the village inhabitants, who have continuously adapted to the challenges of mountain life and the ever-changing climate. However, the village now faces new obstacles due to unpredictable weather patterns and increasing land erosion caused by overgrazing and exacerbated by intensive rainfalls and mudslides. These circumstances have prompted the villagers to innovate and persevere in order to sustain their traditional agricultural practices.

Challenges

Lolazor village struggles with infrastructure issues, including power and water shortages, poor roads, and a lack of medical, educational and recreational facilities. The lack of employment options compels the young people of the village to seek opportunities abroad, such as in Russia. While 3G Internet is available, it is often disrupted during power outages and is thus unreliable. The nearest broadband connection is a considerable distance from the village, and significant infrastructural investments would be needed to improve signal strength and coverage.

Droughts and diminishing water resources have a severe impact on the village's access to water for drinking and agriculture. Changing weather patterns, including unexpected droughts and hot summers, have made water scarce, with an adverse effect on both crops and livestock. While drought in 2022 resulted in a sharp decline in fruit and vegetable yields, the vineyards were hit badly by frost in 2023, reducing harvests and incomes. Nowadays, the village residents are finding the need to dig deeper wells as natural springs and streams dry up, incurring additional costs and challenges

While the village has embraced mobile technology, its use of advanced technology, particularly in agriculture, remains limited, relying mainly on basic mobile functions and not employing more sophisticated tools in their productive activities. Additionally, cultural norms and societal restrictions significantly hinder women's digital integration, affecting their education, employment, and broader social involvement.

Lolazor’s limited pastures (1.5–2 km away) and distant and expensive mountain pastures (30 km away) pose challenges for livestock breeders, and while the breeders cooperate and share the pasture, there are fairness concerns. Historical pastoral migration patterns have ceased, the quality of the local pasture has been degraded, and the lack of fodder and veterinary extension services has all reduced smallholder livestock profitability. Livestock breeders are turning increasingly to orchard farming for a less labour-intensive livelihood and more secure income, highlighting the impact of pasture degradation and unsustainable grazing practices.

DVI interventions

Increasing access to meaningful mobile connectivity

In 2023, the villagers petitioned successfully for a 3G Internet connection, although they are now seeking an upgrade to 4G after recognizing the growing importance of the Internet for agricultural practices. Multiple Internet providers have thus been approached under a project to secure 4G connectivity for the village.

Promoting agritourism and cultural engagement through digital marketing

A new tourism route featuring nature trails and local activities has been developed supported by digital maps, other digital content and a social media guide, showcasing the unique cultural heritage and authentic experiences the community has to offer, and developing its capacity to host tourists while creating economic opportunities in the form of tourism-related activities.

Digital demo farm

Under this initiative, a digital demo farm has been established on the Tajik Agrarian University campus, providing students, academic staff, local community members and farmers with a valuable opportunity to witness the practical application of smart insect traps and smart irrigation in a real-world agricultural setting.

DVI twinning with Fergana Valley, Uzbekistan

Lolazor and the village of Yuksalish in Fergana Valley in Uzbekistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding, after a week of intense knowledge sharing, while Fergana State University and Tajik Agrarian University have agreed to partner in joint research projects and academic exchanges.

Nurturing agripreneurship through living labs

Three living labs have been established focused on stimulating business and social entrepreneurship with the involvement of community stakeholders and external experts. The living labs have produced a shortlist of potentially fundable ideas and business plans (e.g. fruit chopping and drying workshops, the use of digital QR codes for the control of dairy collection and supply operations, etc.).

Empowering the community with digital skills

The Lolazor community has been provided digital literacy training covering the use of mobile apps and digital services, and the practical use of agricultural apps, digital marketing and photography. As a result, young entrepreneurs in the community are now actively using Instagram to advertise their produce, while the “Digital Lolazor” Telegram group now has 34 active members sharing farming practices and updates.

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13/05/2024

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The Digital Villages Initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is rolling out at full speed in Uzbekistan and...

FAO and agritech innovators join hands to create digital demo farm

19/01/2024

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Connecting Uzbekistan and Tajikistan under DVI twinning

26/05/2023

As part of FAO’s Digital Villages Initiative (DVI), two Memoranda of Understanding were officially signed to foster cooperation between Fergana valley...

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Digital Agriculture team

FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia

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Digital Villages Initiative in Europe and Central Asia

Lolazor, Tajikistan

Challenges