In Uzbekistan, problems of coverage and quality of infrastructure with low availability of centralized public services, such as supply of quality drinking water, gas, sanitation and road infrastructure, mainly affect rural areas where 49.2% of the population live.  

Agricultural activities provide 49% of the population's income, but intensive agricultural practices have led to the degradation of arable land and depletion of water resources, especially in areas affected by the Aral Sea disaster. 

An important factor in improving the well-being of the population is their active participation in shaping the priority development of infrastructure to meet the needs of their communities.

A joint project  "Sustainable Rural Development" of the Ministry of Economic Development and Poverty Reduction, IsDB, OPEC and UNDP aims at improving the livelihoods of rural people through better access to basic infrastructure and services by strengthening participatory community process in infrastructure planning, implementation and sustainable management.

Read more about the project objectives and achievements here