Kyrgyzstan

In Kyrgyzstan, people are dealing with challenges coming from rapidly changing climatic conditions and the volatility of the economy. The initiatives of Helvetas include supporting people in the production and marketing of new local products, providing vocational training, and promoting sustainable tourism. We also help mitigate conflicts over water and advise municipalities on improving public services.
  • Capital
    Bishkek
  • Area
    199,949 km²
  • Poverty rate*
    1% of the population live under the poverty line of $1.90 per day
  • UN DEVELOPMENT INDEX*
    Rank: 118 out of 191
  • Population
    6,034,000
  • People supported per year
    47,636
  • Thematic focus
    Private Sector Development
    WASH & Water Governance
    Climate & Disaster Resilience
    Education and Vocational Skills
    Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion
* Source: UN Data

Kyrgyzstan’s economy has significantly developed since it broke away from the former Soviet Union in 1991. But many people still live below the poverty line, and there are not sufficient jobs for the mostly young population. The gaps are widening between rich and poor, city and country, and north and south.

Improving lives in the mountainous communities 

Helvetas has been active since 1994 in rural areas, particularly in the impoverished Alai Mountains, where the local population is faced with harsh climatic conditions, a weak infrastructure and a lack of jobs. We support development of such sectors as cattle, apiculture, handicraft and tourism with the aim of systematically improving these sectors and increasing incomes and earnings for the poor. 

Advancing sustainable tourism 

Helvetas plays a pivotal role in enhancing the sustainability and competitiveness of the tourism sector in Kyrgyzstan. We contribute to increasing decent jobs and income opportunities for women and men, with the perspective of year-round jobs through the development of a sustainable tourism value chain. This involves adopting and replicating sustainable consumption and production practices, e.g. reducing plastic usage, developing greener products (eco-tours), bringing businesses into green tourism practices, and achieving competitive advantages in the global tourism market. 

Fair share of water resources

This Central Asian republic is a very arid country with little precipitation. Most farmers depend on irrigation to water their crops. Helvetas supports the elaboration of water use plans to make sure all users get their fair share of this vital resource. And farming families learn how to use scarce water resources more efficiently and improve crop yields by adapting simple irrigation methods. These efforts serve to increase agricultural production and mitigate conflicts over water.

Supporting the municipalities

For some time now, Kyrgyzstan has no longer been centrally governed. Many policy decisions are now taken at the municipal level. But many municipalities do not yet have the capacity to carry out their new responsibilities. Helvetas supports them in increasing their capacity to provide better public services to their citizens, e.g. to improve access to drinking water and waste management.

Visit the website of Helvetas Kyrgyzstan.

The country programme in Kyrgyzstan is co-funded by the SDC programme contribution.

Our Projects in Central Asia

 If you would like to know more about our work in Kyrgyzstan, click on each project for details.

© Helvetas
Kyrgyzstan Private Sector Development

Creating Jobs to Escape Poverty

© Helvetas
Tajikistan Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

Justice for All

© Helvetas
Tajikistan Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

Water for Sustainable Development

© Helvetas
Tajikistan Rural Access

Organic to Markets

© Helvetas
Tajikistan Climate & Disaster Resilience

For a Self-Determined Life in Dignity

© Helvetas
Kyrgyzstan Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

Public service improvement in Kyrgyzstan

© Helvetas
Kyrgyzstan Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

Contributing to a More Cohesive Society in Kyrgyzstan

International bloggers visited Kyrgyzstan | © Helvetas
Kyrgyzstan Private Sector Development

Sustainable Winter Tourism Development Project

© Helvetas
Kyrgyzstan Education and Vocational Skills

Providing the Local Industry With Professionals

Rasht Valley Tajikistan | © Helvetas
Tajikistan Gender & Social Equity

Improved Nutrition and Health for Rural Families

Kyrgyzstan Private Sector Development

Sustainable Tourism Strengthens People and Nature

© Helvetas Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan Climate & Disaster Resilience

Green Economy for People and Environment

WASH & Water Governance

The most vulnerable communities suffer from dirty and scarce water. Annually we help up to 500,000 people get new access to drinking water and basic sanitation.

Education and Vocational Skills

Lack of education perpetuates inequality because poor countries cannot compete economically without a skilled workforce.

Private Sector Development

Youth need access to reliable, fairly paid jobs to break the cycle of poverty. Helvetas creates partnerships and promotes policies that build more inclusive economies.
Contact

HELVETAS Kyrgyzstan
7-Линия, д.65
пересекает ул. Гагарина
720044 Бишкек
Kyrgyzstan

Phone:+996 312 21 45 72/73/74/75
E-Mail: kyrgyzstan@helvetas.org