On June 21, 2024, the USAID-funded Market Driven Rural Development Activity (MDRD), which we proudly implement, organized an exchange with representatives from other private sector development initiatives and global development projects in Tajikistan. Supported also by the Aga-Khan Foundation and USAID's Employment and Enterprise Development Activity (EEDA), the event aimed to gather insights into market systems development (MSD) practices across diverse development projects. Around 40 participants from GIZ, ITC, Aga Khan, and other USAID-funded initiatives discussed the applicability and scope of the market systems approach within Tajikistan's context. They shared perspectives on integrating this framework into their respective projects and learned about each other’s approach to MSD, including partnership strategies and promotion efforts. Key topics included enhancing efficiency in business-to-business interactions, ensuring the sustainability of current interventions in Tajikistan's business sector, and promoting cross-cutting approaches among businesses. Discussions also explored avenues for fostering green innovation, improving access to finance, and innovating workforce development across various sectors. The event served as a platform for fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and synergies among stakeholders committed to advancing sustainable inclusive development initiatives in Tajikistan. MDRD will actively continue leading efforts to promote market systems in Tajikistan, striving to increase cooperation among relevant projects aiming to enhance collaboration and maximize impact across the country's development landscape.
*Aga Khan Foundation is probably meant here)
Great work sharing market systems approaches!
Climate-Smart Agriculture/Agrobiodiversity/Sustainable Value Chains/Green Technologies/Social Innovation/ICT in agri-food systems
2wIt was a pleasure to learn about the ecosystem of market system developers within our USAID-funded projects family in Tajikistan, including catching insights on green growth and innovation opportunities. Thank you, #MDRD for gathering us around the table 🙂.