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USAID/Uzbekistan 

Operational Plan 

FY 2006 

June 13, 2006 
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Please Note: 

The attached RESULTS INFORMATION is from the FY 2006 Operational Plan and was assembled 

and analyzed by the country or USAID operating unit identified on the cover page. 

The Operational Plan is a "pre-decisional" USAID document and does not reflect results stemming 

from formal USAID review(s) of this document. 

Related document information can be obtained from: 

USAID Development Experience Clearinghouse 

8403 Colesville Road, Suite 210 

Silver Spring, MD 20910 

Telephone: (301) 562-0641 

Fax: (301) 588-7787 

Email: docorder@dec.cdie.org 

Internet: http://www.dec.org 

Portions released on or after July 1, 2006 
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Program Performance Summary FY 2005: DEMOCRATIC REFORM 

Country Situation: The deterioration in the relationship between the USG and Government of Uzbekistan 

(GOU) has significantly affected democratic reforms in the past year. The role of civil society groups has 

been seriously curtailed, and it is inconceivable that independent political parties will become a significant 

force in the near future. In response to the perceived threat (of revolutions similar to Georgia and 

Ukraine) that civil society and democracy-based non-governmental organizations (NGOs) pose, the GOU 

deputized the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) to control NGO activities within Uzbekistan. In 2004, the MOJ 

began audits of many international NGOs operating in Uzbekistan. While these have stopped, the break 

may be temporary. The audits have led to court proceedings against three USAID implementing 

partners; two of which subsequently have ceased operations (the third case has not yet been decided). 

All USAID partners (and partners of other donors) have at one time or another been affected by banking 

restrictions and difficulties obtaining visas and accreditation for expatriate staff. Surprisingly, even with all 

the problems, many democracy/civil society programs are making measured progress. Ways of providing 

direct support, training, and advocacy are being found related to anti-trafficking and civil society 

strengthening activities. 

U.S. Assistance Priorities: USAID will broaden the definition of civil society to include non-traditional 

groups such as professional and membership associations and organizations to include condominium, 

water users, and health organizations. Additionally, USAID assistance will focus on strengthening our 

participation in human rights protection and advocacy; expanding housing reform activities (condominium 

associations); conflict prevention activities related to local economic development, access to information, 

and economic opportunity for youth; combating trafficking in persons; and, studying the feasibility of 

information dissemination through a new satellite (direct-to-home) broadcast program. 

Program Performance: Despite the increasingly hostile environment and the overall negative trends in 

terms of democratic reforms and protection of Human Rights in Uzbekistan over the past year, USAID 

partners continued to work and did achieve some successes. Even after the events in Andijan, GOU law 

enforcement services participated in activities designed to encourage dialogue between the government 

and civil society, including human rights defenders, the media, and others. This provided a chance to 

exchange information and identify ways in which relationships among these groups could be improved. 

As a result of this opening, human rights defenders were able to participate in investigations of deaths-incustody for the first time. Surprisingly, these events were able to continue even when other activities 

could not, providing limited optimism for future governmental reform. 

Public Defender Centers, which were developed around established law firms, were able to continue 

representing indigent clients and developing a network of skilled advocates willing to handle difficult and 

sometimes sensitive cases; they also set examples for other advocates to follow. The difficult 

environment had the effect of consolidating and unifying the previously disparate and competitive network 

of human rights defenders, as they had to work together for protection. 

Anti-trafficking programs made positive impact. Procedures for repatriating victims were streamlined, with 

a reduction in the time for confirming nationality from six months to one week; in addition, approximately 

17,000 people were trained on the dangers of trafficking-in-persons. USAID sponsored a shelter in 

Tashkent for victims of trafficking, the first shelter of this kind in Uzbekistan. The shelter provides living 

quarters, legal and medical assistance, and rehabilitation for victims. The shelter opened with a waiting 

list and provided shelter for 68 victims this year. While the GOU prosecuted a higher number of 

traffickers, almost all were amnestied under provisions of legislation that provide for amnesty for female 

first-time offenders. 

The Civil Society Development Program suffered significant setbacks when the GOU suspended USAID’s 

partner for six months and forced the network of support centers to close down; however, many of the 

network organizations converted into commercial non-profit organizations so that they could continue 

operations. The expected nationwide civic advocacy campaigns did not materialize due to the inability of 

partners to obtain program funding and the deteriorating environment. Nonetheless, many NGOs 

continued to advocate, with some success, at the regional level on “national level” issues. 
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The only area where USAID was able to meet expectations in terms of strengthening civil society was in 

the development of condominium associations in six sites. These programs were slowed by difficulties 

with transferring money, but were able to continue operations. Because local governments no longer 

have the resources to effectively manage large apartment blocks, they welcomed the technical assistance 

and training that enabled these associations to assume responsibility for maintenance and utilities. 

USAID continues mitigating conflict in targeted communities of Uzbekistan, where tensions grow as a 

result of ethnic divides and uneven resource allocation, by raising citizen participation in decision making, 

improving the delivery of social services, and creating employment. This year, USAID concentrated its 

conflict programs on 110 communities in the Ferghana Valley and the Southern Uzbekistan regions. 

These interventions addressed availability of services and access to job opportunities, especially for 

youth. More than 500 infrastructure and social projects have been completed over the span of the 

project, benefiting more than a million residents. Projects resulted in 3,512 short-term and 1,324 longterm jobs. In FY 2005, on average, 37% of total project costs came from community contributions, which 

represented a positive trend. Communities have continued to implement their own projects without 

USAID financial support, which doubled the total value of such projects since last year. There were 175 

such projects reported in FY 2005, with a value of $665,000, representing a 25% increase over the 

course of a year. Projects include community centers offering vocational training and space for small 

enterprises; and construction of a local market and irrigation system to boost farming production and 

trade. 

USAID’s Religion, State and Society (RSS) Initiative was a new cross-cutting program which began work 

at the close of FY 2004 when a RSS Specialist was hired. During FY 2005, the RSS Specialist carried 

out outreach efforts to Muslim communities through two bus tours in Southern Uzbekistan, regular 

meetings with Islamic leaders, and a lecture on Islam in the United States for university students. In 

addition, USAID sponsored participation in international conferences and workshops on the relationship 

between religion and democratic public life. Despite tense relations between the USG and the GOU, 

these and other embassy outreach efforts, allowed the USG to maintain positive relations with Muslim 

religious leaders in Uzbekistan. RSS program elements were also developed to address religious 

freedom issues in USAID’s human rights programming and to proactively include religious believers in 

other USAID programs. 

ECONOMIC REFORM 

Country Situation: Governance in Uzbekistan remains autocratic, over-regulated, and the normal practice 

for doing business involves corruption at all levels of government. Uzbekistan is plagued by widespread 

underlying grievances, including unemployment, poor social infrastructure, weak educational and health 

facilities, and pervasive government interference and human rights abuses. Nearly one-third of Uzbeks 

live below the national poverty line. Fearing unrestricted imports, the Government is making it difficult, if 

not impossible, for citizens to cross borders, and the shortage of cash in circulation, while having the 

effect of stabilizing the currency, has nearly crippled the informal sector. Excessive and increasing import 

controls have led to several public outbreaks of unrest between traders and government officials in the 

last two years. With approximately 50% of the population below the age of 30, and youth unemployment 

estimated as high as 30%, pressure on the Government to institute genuine reform is mounting. The 

banking system remains in full state control and has little public trust. The GOU is not exercising effective 

and efficient management of its natural resources (water, natural gas, etc.). After the events in Andijan 

and the subsequent cooling of USG/GOU relations, several recent trends have been observed, including 

an unwillingness of the central government to relax control in many areas of economic reform. 

Consequently, the USG has suspended, with a few exceptions, assistance provided directly to the Central 

Government of Uzbekistan. Despite high unemployment, there is a shortage of skilled workforce due to 

labor migration. There is a general lack of an educated population (for example, in business 

management) and clearly skills do not match the economy. The highly centralized government structure 

results in nepotism and corruption, compounded by enormous red-tape. Inconsistent legislation gives 

room for arbitrary interpretation and application, and ensuing abuse of power. 
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U.S. Assistance Priorities: Uzbekistan is an agricultural country. The agriculture sector generates over 

30% of GDP, and is arguably the main income generator for 60% of the rural population. Declining 

economic conditions and reduced living standards set the environment that USAID is working in and 

reinforce the need to improve incomes and provide employment opportunities. While USAID’s 

engagement with the GOU is very limited at this time, current USAID programs focus on direct assistance 

to the private sector. However, there are areas of opportunity in the private sector where we can remain 

engaged and continue to provide assistance. One area of opportunity is rural development, the focus of 

the USAID Economic Growth Strategy in Uzbekistan. The main goals of this strategy are to increase 

incomes of the rural population by establishing strong market linkages between farmers and consumers, 

based on market demand; improve competitiveness through the promotion of better industry policies, 

standards, trade facilitation, investment, and management, in partnership with industry associations and 

non-government groups; develop producer and processor organizations to facilitate technology transfer, 

advocacy, and productivity; improve access to inputs and markets necessary for efficient production; and, 

improve access to credit. 

Program Performance: Because the GOU did not meet the conditions required for certification, as stated 

in Section 578 of the FY 2005 Foreign Operations Assistance Act, USAID suspended its assistance to the 

Central Government in preparing submissions to the World Trade Organization (WTO). This assistance 

previously increased the quality of the Government's submissions, according to the WTO Secretariat. The 

Regional Trade Promotion (RTP) network of the Enterprise Development Project (EDP) trained four local 

partners in facilitating web-based trade. Together, trade advisors and local partners conducted 86 trade 

deals worth $9,642,994, or 28% of the RTP trade deals in the Central Asia Region. 

Due to restrictions on central government assistance, the Economic Policy Reform Project has shifted its 

focus to identifying and supporting non-government think tanks, universities, and other entities that have 

potential to influence economic policymaking. The project went through a slow period after the violence in 

Andijan in May, which resulted in evacuation of the expatriate advisor and cancellation of some activities. 

Uncertainty still remains about appropriateness of holding public events and training. A positive highlight 

to note is continued Government support for the quarterly "Uzbekistan Economy," one of the few 

publications that provide extensive statistical data and analysis. 

In year three of the project, USAID local business advisors helped 119 firms, leading to substantial 

increases in sales and productivity. The Russian language Certified International Professional 

Accountant (CIPA) Program continued to grow in demand and move incrementally toward sustainability. 

This year, 221 accountants became Certified Accountant Practitioners, surpassing the anticipated target 

of 150. Recognizing the value and quality of USAID-supported accounting training, the Ministry of 

Finance proposed using CIPA exams for qualifying auditors. Efforts by the Small Equity Assistance Fund 

(SEAF) continued to push forward on investment opportunities but faced challenges, as the closure of a 

partner bank left SEAF’s assets of $300,000 for business leasing frozen. Additionally, the unrest in 

Andijan affected the profits of target businesses. 

In Uzbekistan, where the banking sector is nearly entirely state-controlled and far from being customeroriented, access to capital is a paramount barrier to small businesses. USAID is addressing this by 

supporting microfinance institutions and credit unions in providing capital to micro and small business in a 

reliable, hassle-free, and sustainable fashion. With just one exception, all such businesses have posted 

robust growth rates ranging from 70% to over 200% in the past year. These rates of growth reflect the 

vast unmet demand for small and micro loans in the country. 

USAID accomplished only a nominal amount of programmatic work under its Business and Economics 

Education Program, as the program was terminated in September 2005 due to an unfavorable political 

climate in the country. 

USAID assistance is helping Uzbekistan to improve the management of water resources, especially water 

used for irrigation. Over the last five years, USAID has made significant progress in several aspects of 

water resources management, including in Karakalpakstan, an autonomous Republic within Uzbekistan. 
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In 2005, the Karakalpakstan partners continued to rehabilitate and extend the drinking water delivery 

system to over 61,000 additional residents through the provision of piping and tools, heavy equipment, 

and work vehicles granted by USAID. But, with the unrest in Ferghana Valley, USAID cooperation with 

the Central Government became more difficult. Even though USAID succeeded in implementing a few 

programs in Uzbekistan aimed at improving regional cooperation of shared water and energy resources, 

the GOU has not shown any interest in pursuing such measures; therefore, USAID has discontinued 

these programs. 

One of the areas where USAID has been able to work with limited GOU support is agriculture. USAID is 

strengthening water user associations as a means of improving water management at the farm level. 

More than 137,000 residents across four regions benefit from the program. USAID’s latest activity in 

agriculture, the Agricultural Finance Plus (AgFin+) Program, was initiated this past year and began with a 

solid start, but slowed after events in Andijan in May. Approximately 370 farmers and 500 greenhouse 

producers in Andijan have received training from the program to date. 

SOCIAL REFORM AND HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE 

Country Situation: Uzbekistan’s population of almost 27 million is expected to double over the next 50 

years if current growth rates remain unchanged. The result will be even greater demand on social 

services, especially in the health and education sectors. Unfortunately, both sectors remain critically 

under-funded, and recent events have further hampered meaningful dialogue with the GOU toward 

developing joint solutions with donors. Meanwhile, tuberculosis (TB) cure rates remain low, and 

infectious diseases impact a very high percentage of the population. Infant mortality remains high due to 

inadequate nutrition, acute respiratory diseases, and diarrhea. The HIV epidemic continues to grow 

rapidly. Fortunately, infection prevalence remains below 1%; but, among the growing numbers of IV drug 

users, rates range from 10% in some cities to 60% in others. Teacher salaries, facilities, and teaching 

materials are not close to meeting any minimal international standard. Low salaries force health care 

providers and teachers to establish informal payment systems that, in turn, change treatment and 

education priorities from a needs-based system to a payment-based system, which devastates both 

sectors. 

U.S. Assistance Priorities: Despite the rather bleak setting, USAID is able to successfully complete very 

specific, targeted activities in Uzbekistan, an approach USAID will continue to use in both the health and 

education sectors. In health, priorities will focus on technical guidance and leadership in the reform of 

finance, management, and quality of primary care services; support for surveillance of key infectious 

diseases including TB, HIV/AIDS, vaccine-preventable diseases, and pandemic influenza; technical 

assistance with implementation of the World Health Organization-recommended Directly-Observed 

Treatment Short-course (DOTS) strategy and the national HIV/AIDS response, including drug demand 

reduction activities; and support for policy reform on maternal and child health (MCH). In education, 

priorities will focus on increased community involvement in local schools; in-service teacher training, 

particularly in inclusive education methods and pre-service training; management training for school 

principals; and, support for education finance reform. 

 

Program Performance: Ten surveillance sites for TB, covering 84% of the population, now use software 

designed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), giving decisionmakers access 

to consolidated program data. Uzbekistan secured its $14 million TB grant from the Global Fund for AIDS, 

TB, and Malaria (GFATM), in large part though assistance from USAID. Seconding USAID specialists to 

GFATM’s implementation unit also has improved operational transparency. USAID helped Uzbekistan’s 

TB Control Program reach 100% geographic coverage and decrease TB mortality and incidence rates. 

Better planning for drug-resistant TB and patient adherence to treatment should further improve 

outcomes. 

CDC’s sentinel surveillance revealed that in some cities, HIV infection has hit 60% of injecting drug users, 

20% of prostitutes, and 9% of prison inmates, forewarning of a shift from a concentrated epidemic to the 

general population. The national HIV/AIDS program now uses this data in implementing the country’s 
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$24 million GFATM HIV grant, although acceptance has been slower for surveillance of high-risk 

behaviors. The Asian Development Bank’s $40 million MCH program will extend CDC’s USAID-funded 

work on blood safety. USAID’s Central Asia Program on AIDS Control for Youth and High-Risk Groups 

(CAPACITY) expanded condom social marketing and voluntary counseling and testing, trained providers 

in anti-retroviral therapy, and helped develop protocols for patients dually infected with HIV and TB. Two 

pilot sites were selected for the Prevention of Maternal to Child Transmission (PMTCT) Project, and six 

Uzbek policymakers received USAID-funded PMTCT training in the Ukraine. USAID’s Drug Demand 

Reduction Program (DDRP) broadcasted a documentary film on drug use and HIV/AIDS; opened a center 

in Samarkand targeting young people at-risk of injecting drugs; developed the region’s first drug use 

prevention curriculum for secondary schools; assisted drug demand reduction activities in prisons; and 

awarded small grants for drug rehabilitation services. USAID-funded NGOs reached Afghan refugees, 

1,500 migrants, and almost 3,000 street kids. DDRP’s anonymous tracking system for users of the 

program’s services was adopted by both the national HIV/AIDS program and the World Bank. 

In 2005, a larger share of health expenditures went to primary health care (PHC), more people were 

served by clinics meeting quality standards, and Uzbekistan began rolling out USAID’s model of PHC 

reform with funding from the World Bank and Asian Development Bank. USAID helped develop evidencebased guidelines on hypertension, integrated management of childhood illnesses (IMCI), and anemia, as 

well as the national grade school health curriculum. Decreases in perinatal morbidity and mortality 

resulted from training by USAID’s MCH Project, which also opened an adolescent reproductive health 

center and three schools for expectant parents, and delivered humanitarian assistance shipments valued 

at $500,000. In 2005, USAID and the Israeli Foreign Ministry marked the completion of a joint five-year 

program, which trained 350 nurses in clinical skills, leadership, and decisionmaking. Approximately 215 

undergraduate medical students were trained using a new health management curriculum developed with 

USAID support, and USAID assisted the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Ministry of Education in starting a 

regional medical school accreditation database. USAID sponsored a second regional public health 

conference which improved coordination between donor agencies and the MOH, allocation of resources 

for TB and HIV/AIDS programs, and support for work in prisons. A four-day conference brought together 

nearly 400 public health officials from all five Central Asian Republics to mark CDC’s ten-year effort to 

modernize the region’s epidemiological services. USAID and CDC also sponsored the region’s first 

Bioethics Congress. Additionally, through its MCH Project, USAID wrote the MOH’s infection prevention 

and antenatal care guidelines. A multi-agency group organized by USAID reached consensus on a 

national Reproductive Health Strategy, addressing such key issues as adolescent health, contraceptive 

security, sexually transmitted infections, and screening for breast and cervical cancer. CDC’s work on 

international birth definitions, supported by USAID, has rescued 81 newborns that would have been 

pronounced dead under the old criteria. 

In 2005, through its Basic Education Program, USAID successfully piloted new teacher training modules; 

however, the target of 400 teachers trained was not met. In total, 180 teachers completed the full training 

course, while another 149 teachers were exposed to the training modules at the Central Teacher Training 

Institute. 

In 2005, USAID continued to promote community participation in education through the establishment of 

37 new Community Education Committees (CEC) and children’s clubs at 37 schools. CECs successfully 

mobilized community resources to help disabled children by building ramps, assisting parents with 

transportation to the school, and procuring simple prosthetics. Since the start of the program, 65 children 

have been enrolled in mainstream schools with the help of the CECs. USAID supported 29 schools with 

small grants for infrastructure repair. The communities’ contribution, in the form of unskilled labor, cash, 

and construction materials, averaged 36% of the project value, which is twice the level of 2004. 

In 2005, USAID trained 240 administrators, exceeding the target by 32%. A new course for school 

directors on managing innovation was rolled out to 78 pilot schools and 65 schools not included in the 

pilot. At the policy level, USAID worked closely with the GOU on the introduction of a more efficient percapita-based education finance pilot in Akkurgan, Tashkent Oblast. Training on the principles of percapita financing and the basics of effective financial management was provided to the directors of all 50 

schools in Akkurgan, as well as to 25 school accountants and 20 district education officials. To build 
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ownership for the pilot, USAID facilitated a working group consisting of officials from the Ministry of 

Education and Ministry of Finance. The initial outcomes of this pilot will inform not only future USAID 

activity in education finance, but also the activities of the World Bank’s new education program, which is 

currently in the final design stage. 

USAID promoted healthy lifestyles and childrens' sports activities in 40 schools throughout the Ferghana 

and Andijan regions. The schools benefited from week-long camps, which combined seminars in health 

education with sports competitions and games. In 2005, technical assistance and training was provided 

to help teachers and child sports professionals to institutionalize school-community sports by organizing 

children’s sports leagues. 
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FY 2006 Program 

SO: 122-0131 An Improved Environment for the Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises 

Improve Economic Policy and the Business Environment 

Improve Economic Policy and the Business Environment ($20,000 FSA, $120,000 FSA carryover). 

USAID will work on building the capacity of local non-government entities involved in economic analysis 

and advice, including economics universities and think tanks. Principal contractor/grantee: Bearing Point 

(prime). 

Improve Private Sector Competitiveness 

Improve Private Sector Competitiveness ($985,000 FSA, $562,358 FSA carryover). USAID will shift its 

work in the area of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) development from firm-level assistance to 

strengthening local business service providers to increase the competitiveness of Uzbekistan’s SMEs. 

Future work will entail provision of technical assistance to non-government SME support institutions, 

professional business associations, and the private sector, including agribusiness. USAID will support 

implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards through increased sustainability of the 

professional certification program and professional accounting associations, to improve transparency and 

competitiveness of SMEs. Principal contractors/grantees: to be determined (TBD) (primes). 

Improve Quality of Workforce through Vocational/Technical Education 

Improve Quality of Workforce through Vocational/Technical Education ($240,000 FSA carryover). USAID 

will improve the quality of business and economics education at the high-school level. Principal 

contractor/grantee: TBD (prime). 

Increase Trade and Investment 

Increase Trade and Investment ($455,000 FSA, $303,000 FSA carryover). USAID will provide assistance 

to implement reforms required for liberalizing Uzbekistan’s trade regime and increased participation in the 

global economy. Pending notwithstanding authority to work with the Government of Uzbekistan, this 

assistance will include support to draft new legislation and amend existing legislation required for 

Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Principal contractor/grantee: TBD 

(prime). 

Strengthen The Financial Services Sector & Increase Access to Capital 

Strengthen the Financial Services Sector and Increase Access to Capital ($490,000 FSA, $569,027 FSA 

carryover). USAID will continue to strengthen the capacity of non-bank financial institutions to provide 

financial services to micro and small entrepreneurs on a sustainable basis. Special attention will be given 

to expanding services to rural areas. Principal contractors/grantees: World Council of Credit Unions, Inc. 

(prime), TBD (prime), and TBD (prime). 

FY 2007 Program 

SO: 122-0131 An Improved Environment for the Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises 

Improve Private Sector Competitiveness 

Improve Private Sector Competitiveness ($1,109,000 FSA). Further support will be provided to expand 

opportunities for businesses to grow and become more competitive. USAID will continue its work on 

accounting reform. Principal contractors/grantees: TBD (prime) and TBD (prime). 
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Increase Trade and Investment 

Increase Trade and Investment ($500,000 FSA). USAID will continue assistance in implementation of 

reforms required for liberalization of Uzbekistan’s trade regime and increased participation in the global 

economy. Principal contractor/grantee: TBD (prime). 

Strengthen The Financial Services Sector & Increase Access to Capital 

Strengthen the Financial Services Sector and Increase Access to Capital ($460,000 FSA). USAID will 

also support further expansion of access to finance for micro and small entrepreneurs through non-bank 

financial institutions and, possibly, local commercial banks. Principal contractors/grantees: Bearing Point 

(prime) and TBD (prime). 

FY 2006 Program 

SO: 122-0161 Improved Management of Critical Natural Resources, Including Energy 

Improve Economic Policy and the Business Environment 

Improve Economic Policy and the Business Environment ($148,000 FSA carryover). USAID is starting a 

Regional Electricity Market Program (REMAP) and is planning to work closely with the United Dispatch 

Center (UDC) located in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The center is entitled to monitor and control electricity 

generation and transmission throughout the Central Asian Republics. REMAP will provide UDC with 

technical assistance and training that will help improve its capacity to coordinate and regulate the 

increased regional electricity trade. Principal contractor/grantee: to be determined (TBD) (prime). 

Increase Agricultural Sector Productivity 

Increase Agricultural Sector Productivity ($1,140,000 FSA, $85,350 FSA carryover). Agricultural Finance 

Plus (AgFin+) is part of USAID/CAR’s agricultural development program, the purpose of which is to 

stimulate economic growth throughout the farm-to-market value chain. Agriculture plays a significant role 

in the economy of Uzbekistan, including 35% of employment. The AgFin+ Program will increase the 

income of Uzbekistan’s farmers by linking targeted groups of farmers to specific markets. Through 

training and technical assistance, AgFin+ will assist farmers to overcome constraints they face in 

delivering products to targeted markets and to capture a return on their investment. The AgFin+ 

Program, complementing USAID/CAR’s economic development activities (such as small business 

development), will also stimulate agriculture-related businesses such as agri-services, agri-trade, and 

agri-processing, which are critical to the farm-to-market chain. Through improved production tied to 

specific markets, AgFin+ will link farmers to underserved markets, address financial constraints, provide 

on-farm support, and coordinate with other agricultural sector programs and institutions. Principal 

contractors/grantees: Development Alternatives Inc. (prime) and Winrock International (sub). 

The growth of rural economies in Central Asia depends on local control of resources and increased 

citizen participation in decisionmaking. Local management of water resources is critical to the agricultural 

economy of Uzbekistan, which represents nearly 40% of GDP. USAID will continue its assistance to 

Water User Associations (WUA) in Uzbekistan to promote and stimulate WUA policy and procedural 

reforms, develop irrigation system demonstration models, conduct public outreach campaigns, and 

implement a grants program to assist WUAs. Principal contractors/grantees: Winrock International 

(prime), Academy for Educational Development (sub), and New Mexico State University (sub). 

FY 2007 Program 

SO: 122-0161 Improved Management of Critical Natural Resources, Including Energy 
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Increase Agricultural Sector Productivity 

Increase Agricultural Sector Productivity ($1,072,000 FSA). USAID will continue to invest in agricultural 

development through AgFin+ by expanding the number of target groups and markets, and assisting them 

to identify opportunities and overcome constraints in the farm-to-market value chain. USAID will also 

continue assistance to Water User Associations, including replication of efficient irrigation demonstration 

models; expanding public outreach to farmers, government, and other donors; and continued 

implementation of a competitive small grants program. Principal contractors/grantees: Winrock 

International (prime), Academy for Educational Development (sub), and New Mexico State University 

(sub). 

FY 2006 Program 

SO: 122-0211 Strengthened Democratic Culture Among Citizens and Target Institutions 

Establish & Ensure Media Freedom & Freedom Of Information 

Establish & Ensure Media Freedom & Freedom of Information ($657,222 FSA, $45,000 FSA carryover). 

USAID will provide training, technical assistance, and production support to independent journalists to 

expand the availability of objective programming. Principal contractor/grantee: Internews (prime). 

Protect Human Rights 

Protect Human Rights ($500,000 FSA, $850,000 FSA carryover). USAID will provide financial support to 

a network of human rights defenders, and to encourage dialogue among the human rights community, the 

media, and governmental actors working on these issues. Principal contractors/grantees: Freedom House 

(prime), American Bar Association Central European and Eurasian Law Initiative (ABA/CEELI) (sub), and 

Eastern Kentucky University (prime). 

Reduce Trafficking In Persons 

Reduce Trafficking In Persons ($600,312 FSA, $262,801 FSA carryover). USAID will provide financial 

support for information campaigns on trafficking, for the provision of services to trafficking victims through 

a network of shelters, and for the opening of a crisis center for victims of labor exploitation and a new 

shelter for women in a major city. USAID will also provide training to health workers on the treatment of 

victims, and to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working on counter-trafficking to increase their 

financial and institutional sustainability. Principal contractor/grantee: International Organization for 

Migration. 

Strengthen Civil Society 

Strengthen Civil Society ($1,542,466 FSA, $230,000 FSA carryover). USAID will provide training and 

technical assistance to law students to prepare them to teach classes on civic rights and responsibilities 

in a democracy to secondary school students. USAID will also provide financial support to leading NGOs. 

Principal contractors/grantees: ABA/CEELI (prime) and to be determined (TBD) (prime). 

Strengthen Democratic Political Parties 

Strengthen Democratic Political Parties ($442,242 FSA carryover). USAID will provide training and 

technical assistance to political parties to develop their organizational structures and strategic planning 

capacities, with a focus on citizen outreach and communications. Principal contractor/grantee: National 

Democratic Institute (prime). 
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FY 2007 Program 

SO: 122-0211 Strengthened Democratic Culture Among Citizens and Target Institutions 

Establish & Ensure Media Freedom & Freedom Of Information 

Establish & Ensure Media Freedom & Freedom of Information ($498,790 FSA). USAID will work with 

local media organizations to increase access to information and protect the rights of journalists. Principal 

contractor/grantee: TBD (prime). 

Protect Human Rights 

Protect Human Rights ($1,001,900 FSA). USAID will provide training and financial assistance to a 

network of human rights defenders, and support dialogue between the government and other actors on 

the human rights situation. Principal contractors/grantees: Freedom House (prime), American Bar 

Association Central European and Eurasian Law Initiative (ABA/CEELI) (sub), and Eastern Kentucky 

University (prime). 

Strengthen Civil Society 

Strengthen Civil Society ($1,602,310 FSA). USAID will provide training and technical assistance to NGOs, 

with a focus on youth organizations, to strengthen their institutional capacity. Principal contractor/grantee: 

TBD (prime). 

FY 2006 Program 

SO: 122-0240 Conflict Mitigation 

Mitigate Conflict and Support Peace 

Mitigate Conflict and Support Peace ($550,000 FSA, $914,650 FSA carryover). The final year of the 

Peaceful Communities Initiative will focus on building stronger relationships among citizens and local 

government to reduce the potential for conflict through more effective allocation of budgetary and physical 

resources. A second aspect of the program will focus on social activities such as youth summer camps or 

tolerance trainings to bridge differences between ethnic communities living in close proximity. The first 

full year of a follow-on conflict program will target a combination of prior USAID-assisted communities as 

well as new communities in the same geographic area, focusing on decreasing the risk for conflict 

through economic development, youth empowerment, and information dissemination. Principal 

contractors/grantees: Mercy Corps (prime), Cooperative Housing Foundation (prime), and Counterpart 

International (sub). 

FY 2007 Program 

SO: 122-0240 Conflict Mitigation 

Mitigate Conflict and Support Peace 

Mitigate Conflict and Support Peace ($517,000 FSA) The program will focus on strengthening local 

economic development councils as they draft local civic enterprise plans for community clusters. The plan 

will focus on income-generating and job creation projects and the promotion of youth leadership. The 

program will also improve the skills of local government, religious, business, and community leaders to 

form partnerships, communicate more effectively, and develop stronger businesses. Principal 

contractors/grantees: Cooperative Housing Foundation (prime) and Counterpart International (sub). 

FY 2006 Program 

SO: 122-0320 Increased Utilization of Quality Primary Health Care for Select Populations 
13

Address Other Health Vulnerabilities 

Address Other Health Vulnerabilities ($2,087,000 FSA, $473,009 FSA carryover). ZdravPlus II, USAID’s 

health reform program, will provide technical assistance for the nationwide roll-out of pilot activities 

related to high-quality PHC, evidence-based medicine, and capitated financing. Facilities in pilot sites will 

hold town meetings to explain health reforms and available services to citizens, and support groups will 

be formed for people with specific illnesses. ZdravPlus II will begin demonstration pilots of a hospital 

case-based payment system, as well as new pilots in urban PHC. ZdravPlus II will assist the Tashkent 

Medical Academy with lesson plan development, and train teachers on curriculum design. The USAIDsupported Evidence-based Medicine Center will continue to provide technical assistance, promote 

evidence-based medicine, and develop Uzbekistan’s National Quality Improvement Strategy. 

USAID’s maternal and child health program, Healthy Family, will conduct training related to facility 

supervision, clinical protocols, antenatal care, delivery management, and integrated management of 

childhood illnesses. Volunteer health educators and visiting nurses will communicate key health 

promotion messages, and religious leaders and madrassa students will receive training in community 

health education. Management of pregnancy and childbirth complications will be introduced as subject 

material for Uzbekistan’s medical institutes. USAID will continue to support implementation of the World 

Health Organization-recommended live birth definition on a pilot basis. In response to a request from the 

Uzbek Minister of Health, USAID will be partially funding a measles vaccination campaign conducted by 

UNICEF throughout Uzbekistan. This campaign is intended to correct problems caused by interruptions 

in routine vaccination, which occurred immediately after independence. Principal contractors/grantees: 

Abt Associates (prime), Morehouse University School of Medicine (sub), John Snow Inc. (sub), Boston 

University (sub), Institute for Sustainable Communities (sub), U.S. Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention (CDC) (prime), UNICEF (prime), and Project HOPE (prime). 

Prevent & Control Infectious Diseases Of Major Importance 

Prevent and Control Infectious Diseases of Major Importance ($1,058,000 FSA, $42,015 FSA carryover). 

Through its TB Control Program, USAID will continue to support implementation of the Directly Observed 

Treatment Short-course (DOTS) beyond pilot areas, through the use of “mentoring sites." The program 

will assist to collect and disseminate critical data for effective DOTS programming, and support the 

nation's high level working group on TB. USAID’s program will work to improve the drug management 

system to reflect current National TB Program budgetary limitations. CDC will continue to train Uzbek 

professionals to be skilled epidemiologists through the Applied Epidemiology Training Program (AETP). 

CDC will expand its electronic surveillance activities on TB and improve TB laboratory capacities through 

quality assurance training. Quality assurance training will also be provided for laboratory staff at the 

Primary Health Care level. Principal contractors/grantees: CDC (prime), Project HOPE (prime), Johns 

Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health (sub), John Snow Inc. (sub), New Jersey Medical 

School National TB Center (sub), Chemonics International (sub), and CAMRIS International (sub). 

Reduce Transmission & Impact Of HIV/AIDS 

Reduce Transmission and Impact of HIV/AIDS ($1,205,000 FSA, $58,339 FSA carryover). Through the 

Central Asian Program on AIDS Control and Intervention Targeting Youth and High-Risk Groups 

(CAPACITY), USAID will continue to assist the Government to implement its HIV grant from the Global 

Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria, if notwithstanding authority is granted. The project will also 

increase the capacity of local non-governmental organizations to reach vulnerable groups and will work 

with other donors to leverage additional resources. Training will be provided to health professionals to 

improve their skills in counseling, testing, and antiretroviral treatment. The project will also address coinfection of HIV and TB. CDC will intensify efforts to train officials on the utilization of data from HIV 

surveillance for programmatic and policy decisionmaking. Uzbekistan’s blood screening systems will 

continue to be advanced. USAID’s innovative Drug Demand Reduction Program (DDRP) will focus on 

developing the Youth Power Center network aimed at preventing drug use by vulnerable young people. 
14

The national HIV/AIDS program will employ DDRP’s Unique Identifier System for client tracking. Principal 

contractors/grantees: John Snow Inc. (prime), Population Services International (sub), Abt Associates 

(sub), International HIV/AIDS Alliance (sub), Howard University (sub), Alliance for Open Society 

International (prime), Eurasia Foundation (sub), AIDS Foundation East-West (sub), Accord (sub), 

Internews-Uzbekistan (sub), and CDC (prime). 

FY 2007 Program 

SO: 122-0320 Increased Utilization of Quality Primary Health Care for Select Populations 

Address Other Health Vulnerabilities 

Address Other Health Vulnerabilities ($1,515,000 FSA). In its last year, Healthy Family will transition its 

activities to local governments, and will work to ensure sustainability of the project. As part of the strategy 

to encourage the Uzbek Ministry of Health to sustain training in maternal, child, and reproductive health, 

health policy specialists will conduct orientations on the new National Antenatal Care prikaz, the 

Reproductive Health Strategic Plan, and gender equity. Healthy Family will assist with the development 

of new standards on pediatric care and evidence-based medicine policy. Principal contractors/grantees: 

same as above; additional contractors/grantees TBD. 

Prevent & Control Infectious Diseases Of Major Importance 

Prevent and Control Infectious Diseases of Major Importance ($859,000 FSA). USAID will continue to 

expand DOTS implementation beyond pilot areas while supporting the high level working group on TB 

control in Uzbekistan. CDC will continue the AETP to support the Ministry of Health with identification, 

investigation, documentation, and dissemination of information about outbreaks of infectious diseases 

through a trained cadre of public health epidemiologists, and will expand its electronic surveillance 

activities on TB. Principal contractors/grantees: same as above; additional contractors/grantees TBD. 

Reduce Transmission & Impact Of HIV/AIDS 

Reduce Transmission and Impact of HIV/AIDS ($1,012,000 FSA). CAPACITY will continue to strengthen 

implementation of the national strategy to prevent and control HIV/AIDS, and CDC will continue to 

improve capacity for HIV surveillance and blood screening. In 2007, DDRP will transfer its best practice 

models for work with vulnerable youth and other target groups to local government and private 

counterparts. Principal contractors/grantees: same as above; additional contractors/grantees TBD. 

FY 2006 Program 

SO: 122-0340 Improved Quality and Access to Basic Education in Target Areas 

Achieve Equitable Access to Quality Basic Education 

Achieve Equitable Access to Quality Basic Education ($250,000 FSA, $185,000 FSA carryover). Funding 

in FY 2006 will be used primarily for program management needs and assessment of future directions. 

This is due to the Government of Uzbekistan's political disengagement from USAID-supported 

programming in the sector. USAID will explore options for continuing training in interactive methodology, 

and rolling out the newly redesigned modules to teachers and administrators in target areas. The 

modules are based on best international teaching practices and include both traditional instruction and 

digital materials, such as PowerPoint presentations and digital video. USAID will also seek to continue 

assistance in streamlining education finance through the pilot activity in per capita financing, which was 

launched in Akkurgan district in 2005. Principal contractors/grantees: Academy for Educational 

Development (prime), Ziyo Center (sub), Abt Associates (sub), and Save the Children/U.S. (sub). 

Training and technical assistance to schools on developing sustainable sports networks, along with sports 

and health promotion activities for children will continue to the extent possible, given the limitations on 

school-level work. Principal contractor/grantee: Abt Associates (prime). 
15

FY 2007 Program 

SO: 122-0340 Improved Quality and Access to Basic Education in Target Areas 

Achieve Equitable Access to Quality Basic Education 

Achieve Equitable Access to Quality Basic Education ($470,000 FSA). USAID may fund small-scale 

initiatives tackling narrowly-defined issues in the basic education sector. Options include continuing the 

education finance pilot effort launched in 2005, institutionalizing the interactive teaching modules 

developed during the current program with in-service or pre-service teacher training institutions, and 

providing assistance at the community level, potentially targeting children with special needs. Although 

the impact of such assistance may be limited, USAID believes that continued engagement at this level of 

funding would improve sustainability prospects for the investments made during the initial 4.5 years of the 

program. Principal contractor/grantee: to be determined (TBD) (prime). 

FY 2006 Program 

SO: 122-0420 Cross-Cutting Programs 

Program Support 

Program Support ($1,400,000 FSA, $1,912,119 FSA carryover, $126,181 FSA prior year recoveries). 

Participant Training Program: USAID will continue participant training to complement ongoing technical 

assistance in the following areas: improved environment for growth of small and medium enterprises, 

enhanced trade through cross-border opportunities, strengthened democratic culture, improved 

management of critical natural resources, increased utilization of quality primary health care, sources of 

conflict mitigated in target communities, and quality of education improved. Of particular note, in FY 

2006, the Participant Training Program will expand agricultural training porgrams to inform an additional 

1,680 farmers about their legal rights and to strengthen their business management and marketing skills. 

Additionally, in spring 2006, a conference will be organized in Tajikistan with training resources to bring 

together religious leaders from across the region to discuss religious extremism, including participants 

from Uzbekistan. Also, training that raise awareness of international norms of religious freedom will be 

organized for varied groups, including advocates, religious leaders, and human rights activists through 

the participant training program. More than 2,000 participants will be trained through Participant Training 

activities in Uzbekistan during FY 2006. Principal contractor/grantee: Academy for Educational 

Development (prime). 

Community Connections. In FY 2006, USAID will begin implementation of the Community Connections 

Program, a public diplomacy initiative previously funded by the State Department. Through the program, 

approximately 60 Uzbek citizens per year will participate in exchanges to promote mutual understanding 

between the United States and Uzbekistan through exposure to U.S. society and personal connections 

with Americans. In addition, a Muslim outreach program will be supported as a follow-on program to the 

previously FSA-funded/State Department-implemented Cultural and Religious Pluralism Program. The 

program will support training and exchange of religious leaders and will emphasize religious freedom, 

cultural diversity, and the active role that religion can play in the development process in transition 

countries. The Community Connections Program will help achieve USG priorities in Uzbekistan by 

targeting professional groups and individual entrepreneurs that are central to economic and democratic 

reform. Exchange programs will last from 3-5 weeks, and be tailored to the individual needs of 

participants. Principal contractor/grantee: World Learning (prime) and American Councils for International 

Education (sub). 

Eurasia Foundation. The Eurasia Foundation will target approximately 40 non-governmental 

organizations (NGOs) that contribute to private sector development and civil society strengthening 

through small grants. The NGOs will also benefit from institutional strengthening through intensive 

planning, reporting, and financial management training. In particular, in FY 2006, Eurasia Foundation will 

expand its Ferghana Valley Initiative to provide targeted grants to increase dialogue and cross-border 
16

linkages in this conflict-prone region. The Eurasia Foundation will promote NGO advocacy and 

accountability to both inform the government and public about the positive contributions of NGOs and to 

give NGOs the tools to better defend and advocate their interests. Principal contractor/grantee: Eurasia 

Foundation (prime). 

Program Support A wide range of program support will continue to be funded, including evaluations, 

technical assistance, management needs, public outreach, and staff costs. As required, funding will 

enable USAID to take advantage of unanticipated opportunities to advance or reinforce USAID strategic 

objectives. Furthermore, USAID will expand outreach efforts to engage traditional religious leaders in the 

region. The goal of this initiative is to better inform religious leaders about USAID programs and to bridge 

the gap with traditional community leaders whose views, in the past, have not generally been 

incorporated into USAID programmatic decisionmaking. In accomplishing this goal, USAID will conduct 

tours of its programs for religious leaders and the media, hold regular representational events with 

religious leaders, and work with technical assistance providers to incorporate religious leaders into 

development activities. Principal contractor/grantee: N/A. 

FY 2007 Program 

SO: 122-0420 Cross-Cutting Programs 

Program Support 

Program Support ($1,551,000 FSA) 

Community Connections: USAID will continue the Community Connections Program, providing both 

professionals and businessmen with the opportunity to learn about U.S. society while enhancing their 

knowledge in areas of expertise. Approximately 60 Uzbek citizens will participate in the program during 

FY 2007. Principal contractors/grantees: World Learning (prime) and American Councils for International 

Education (sub). 

Eurasia Foundation: The Eurasia Foundation will continue to provide grants and institutional 

strengthening on an open-door basis to approximately 40 non-governmental organizations in Uzbekistan 

that work in the sectors of private enterprise development, civil society strengthening, and public 

administration. Principal contractor/grantee: Eurasia Foundation (prime). 

Program Support: A wide range of program and personnel support activities will continue. As required, 

funding will enable USAID to support unanticipated opportunities to advance or reinforce USAID 

objectives. Additionally, religious outreach efforts will continue and be expanded, through tours for and 

representational events with religious leaders. Principal contractor/grantee: N/A. 
17

Results Framework 

122-0131 An Improved Environment for the Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises 

Program Title: Small and Medium Sized Enterprises 

 IR 1.3.1: Increased Opportunities to Acquire Business Information, Knowledge, and Skills 

 IR 1.3.2: More Responsive Financial Institutions, Instruments, and Markets 

 IR 1.3.3: Increased Implementation of Laws and Regulations 

122-0161 Improved Management of Critical Natural Resources, Including Energy 

Program Title: Energy and Water 

 IR 1.6.1: Increased Management Capacity in the Natural Resources Sector 

 IR 1.6.2: Improved Policy and Regulatory Framework 

 IR 1.6.3: Sustainable Models Developed for Integrated Natural Resources Management 

 IR 1.6.4: Public Commitment Established for Natural Resources Management Policies 

122-0211 Strengthened Democratic Culture Among Citizens and Target Institutions 

Program Title: Democratic Culture and Institutions 

 IR 2.1.1: Stronger and More Sustainable Civic Organizations 

 IR 2.1.2: Increased Availability of Information on Civic Rights and Domestic Public Issues 

 IR 2.1.3: Enhanced Opportunities for Citizen Participation in Governance 

 IR 2.1.4: More Effective, Responsive, and Accountable Government Institutions 

122-0240 Conflict Mitigation 

Program Title: Conflict Prevention 

 IR 2.4.1: Strengthened Community Participation 

 IR 2.4.2: Improved Local Services Through Community Decisions 

122-0320 Increased Utilization of Quality Primary Health Care for Select Populations 

Program Title: Health and Population 

 IR 3.2.1: Select Populations are Better Informed about Personal Health Care Rights and Responsibilities 

 IR 3.2.2: Improved Quality of Health Care including Infectious Diseases and Maternal and Child Health 

 IR 3.2.3: Improved Use of Health Care Resources for Primary Health Care 

 IR 3.2.4: Improved Legislative, Regulatory and Policy Framework 

122-0340 Improved Quality and Access to Basic Education in Target Areas 

Program Title: Improved Quality of and Access to Basic Education 

 IR 3.4.1: Improved Quality and Access to In-Service Teacher Education in Target Areas 

 IR 3.4.2: Increased Parent and Community Involvement in Target Areas 

 IR 3.4.3: Strengthened Institutional, Management, and Technical Capacity in the Education System 

122-0420 Cross-Cutting Programs 

Program Title: Cross-Cutting Programs