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Kyrgyz Republic
SNAPSHOT
Date of independence: 1991
Capital: Bishkek
Population: 5.2 million (2006)
Income per person: $500 (yr)
Source: World Bank Development Indicators 2007
USAID IN KYRGYZSTAN
http://centralasia.usaid.gov
CONTACTS
Regional Mission Director
William Frej
USAID/Central Asia
41 Kazibek bi St
Almaty, Kazakhstan 050010
Tel: 7-327-250-79-12
Pat Shapiro
Country Program Officer
USAID
171 Mira Avenue
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 720016
Tel: 996-312-551-241
Bob Wallin
Central Asia Team Leader
Tel: 202-712-0141
Email: bowallin@usaid.gov
 With the collapse of the Soviet system, Kyrgyz farmers lost access to markets and networks for purchasing quality seeds, fertilizers and crop protection products. Earnings dropped and agriculture became unprofitable.
In 2002, USAID helped farmers and agribusinesses create a cooperative association to procure much-needed supplies and demonstrate new technologies to improve yields and profits.
"In Soviet times, we used to have other people think for us. Now we are independent, we can choose our own way of life," says Asanov Nimatulla, a farmer with 30 years of experience.
Overview
Kyrgyzstan has made substantial progress in the economic reform, health care, basic education, and agricultural sectors. However, corruption remains a major factor, foreign investment is low, and the official unemployment rate is 18 percent. Some 50 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. The government is working to reorganize its judicial system; however, broader democratic reform remains a challenge. Limited energy resources and low agricultural productivity suggest the country could experience a humanitarian crisis during the upcoming winter.
USAID's programs in Kyrgyzstan focus on economic growth, improved governance, democratic institutions, education, and health care services.
Programs
Economic Growth: The Foundation for a Strong Economy
USAID has helped strengthen the National Bank, promote legal and policy changes key to the development of the banking sector, and support the country’s transition to international accounting standards. Through 2006, USAID helped over 200 businesses increase sales by 42 percent and productivity by 36 percent and facilitated the recovery of 179 businesses that were affected by looting during the 2005 civil disturbances in Bishkek. To improve the business climate, USAID assists private business regulatory reforms, promotes removal of trade barriers and constraints, and facilitates the development of regional electricity markets in Central Asia and reform of the country’s electricity system. In agriculture, USAID helps to increase profitability to farmers and supports the management and renovation of critical irrigation networks. Assistance to microfinance institutions helps to improve the legal environment for lending, including agricultural lending. In support of land market development, USAID helps streamline land legislation; assists farmers in leasing, buying, and selling land; and facilitates the reform of state-owned land management.
Investing in People: Better Health Care and Education
In 2008, Kyrgyzstan celebrated its tenth anniversary of family medicine. This USAID-supported system promotes a family-oriented approach to medical care through its 600 practices across the country. USAID has trained all of the country’s family medicine practitioners in the new approach. USAID also helped develop a national health reform plan and is assisting with its implementation. The reform plan supports training for health professionals, financing of medical care, and several other critical areas. A recent mid-term review showed significant progress. For example, tuberculosis incidence has decreased from 116 per 100,000 population in 2005 to 109 per 100,000 population in 2007, and mortality has fallen from 11 per 100,000 to 9.6 per 100,000 during the same time period. USAID also assists the Kyrgyz government in developing and implementing grants from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
To expand access to quality education, USAID helps to improve teacher training and student assessments, promotes teacher involvement in curriculum reform, and assists in reforming the education finance system. Over 20 percent of the country’s primary school students have benefited from this assistance. Additionally, approximately 40 percent of graduates annually participate in the USAID-funded Kyrgyz National Scholarship Test to compete for state grants for higher education.
Governing Justly and Democratically
USAID helps strengthen the parliament, civil society, media, and local governance. Over the past 15 years, USAID has trained hundreds of television, radio, and print journalists; supported the development of a vibrant network of nongovernmental organizations; and introduced civic education to over 250,000 Kyrgyz students. Over 750,000 residents benefited from increased effectiveness and transparency of local governments in over 160 cities and municipalities across the country. To promote community development, USAID works with seven clusters of communities in designing and carrying out local initiatives and supporting youth employment. Through the Eurasia Foundation, USAID provides small grants to strengthen private enterprise, civil society, public administration, and education. Professionals from various sectors receive training in the United States. Through the Millennium Challenge Account program, USAID is helping to improve the transparency, functioning, and independence of the Kyrgyz judiciary, police force, and criminal justice system.
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