A regional virtual workshop marked the launch of an FAO project that aims to increase the effectiveness of small ruminant production and reduce greenhouse gas emission intensity. Funded by Turkey, the project is designed to increase knowledge on efficient small ruminant production systems in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

The project will last until the end of 2024 and contributes to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

The workshop was opened by Eran Raizman, Senior Animal Health and Production Officer and Lead Technical Officer of the project and Burhan Demirok, Deputy Director-General for Livestock at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Turkey. Highlighting the particular importance of small ruminant production for developing countries, Raizman noted that the project addresses multiple constraints that affect sustainable production of small ruminants. Demirok emphasized that the project will contribute to the sustainability of small ruminant production in the sub-region through the provision of technical support and expertise to farmers in the beneficiary countries. Demirok also pointed out that the project will empower women in rural areas.