The EDB: Food security remains a vital challenge for Central Asian countries
Almaty, 8 November 2023. Despite substantial progress in addressing malnutrition and stunting, food security remains an important and pressing challenge for Central Asian nations. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only hindered the reduction of malnutrition but has exacerbated the situation in certain Central Asian countries. Anna-Maria Chkoniya, Coordinator of the Eurasian Development Bank’s Technical Assistance Fund (EDB TAF), stated this during the Seventh North and Central Asia Multistakeholder Forum on the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in Almaty.
She highlighted the essential role that infrastructure and road networks play in ensuring equitable food distribution, which is necessary to tackle this challenge and achieve the SDGs, including in terms of food security. Enhancing road density and quality could substantially reduce losses in the transportation of perishable goods and significantly contribute to food security.
“An analysis of enterprise survey data in Central Asian countries showed that, in general, food production and distribution enterprises perceive transportation and infrastructure problems more acutely, compared to the regional average for all industries. This is very important as businesses’ perceptions of these challenges can influence their strategies and approach to food pricing. Improving transportation infrastructure could address specific issues in the food system, lower food prices, and increase affordability for more people,” she said.
Projects such as the Bishkek–Naryn–Torugart road (CAREC-1) in the Kyrgyz Republic demonstrate the potential for improving infrastructure and reducing food transportation times. Such improvements could reduce food losses by 8% to 20%. Anna-Maria Chkoniya presented the EDB’s practical recommendations on how to enhance food security in the region. The Bank is committed to helping address critical challenges, including connectivity, water and energy deficits, and food security through the implementation of its key investment mega-projects (KIMP).
According to the TAF Coordinator, the region is already witnessing an increase in obesity and crucial micronutrient deficiencies, reflecting a global trend towards unbalanced diets and excessive food consumption. The cost of a healthy balanced diet is rising annually in the region and is economically unaffordable for a significant portion of the population, especially in countries with lower living standards. Currently, over 10 million people in Central Asia cannot afford healthy food.
The EDB has devised two mega-projects to promote transportation, logistics infrastructure and food security in Central Asia. The first of these is the Eurasian Transport Network, comprising several transcontinental corridors that will significantly improve connectivity in the region and enhance the potential for freight transportation, with positive climate impacts. The second project is the Eurasian Commodity Distribution Network, which aims to bolster food security by establishing a cold chain system and digital infrastructure for more efficient food movement.
“The EDB plans to invest US $1.2 billion or more in its KIMPs and expects a long-term positive impact on the entire region. These innovative approaches and mega-projects are designed to improve the lives of Central Asian people and contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 2, which aims to end hunger and food insecurity in the region,” summarised Anna-Maria.
The Seventh North and Central Asia Multistakeholder Forum on the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals was hosted by the Subregional Office for North and Central Asia of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), bringing together many participants, organisations and international partners.
Additional Information:
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) is an international financial institution promoting integration and development in its member countries. For more than 17 years, the Bank has worked to strengthen and expand economic ties and foster comprehensive development in its member countries. The EDB's charter capital totals US $7 billion. Its portfolio consists principally of projects with an integration effect in transport infrastructure, digital systems, green energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and mechanical engineering. The Bank’s operations are guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals and ESG principles.
The EDB Technical Assistance Fund (TAF) is a special fund helping to create enabling conditions for investment and development projects in the Bank’s member countries. The Fund operates to enhance the Bank’s ability to finance investment projects that are in line with its mission. It supports potential borrowers at the project planning stage as well as national governments and organisations whose projects promote the institutional environment, economic development and growth. The TAF is financed from the Bank’s net profit and donor funds.
Eurasian Development Bank
Aigerim Akhanova
+7 (727) 244 40 44, ext. 6147
+77013283898