IN TAJIKISTAN

To enrich school meals and improve their nutritional value, we installed 22 unheated greenhouses equipped with drip irrigation systems across 20 schools.

International project in collaboration with FAO

In 1999, just two years after the civil war ended, Tajikistan faced severe economic hardships, becoming one of the poorest countries in the world. Chronic malnutrition hindered the country’s social and economic progress.

Evolution of Tajikistan’s

Children were the most vulnerable, prompting the UN World Food Programme (WFP) to launch the "Improving Access to Education for Vulnerable Children" initiative. The project provided rural schools with a basic food package: fortified flour, peas, vegetable oil, and iodized salt. However, this was insufficient for a balanced diet.

growing their own food

To enhance the quality of school meals, incorporating fresh vegetables and herbs—key sources of essential vitamins and minerals for children, particularly during the winter and spring months—became a priority.

In 2016, we proposed FAO to construct greenhouses equipped with drip irrigation systems on school premises, enabling the cultivation of fresh produce specifically for school lunches.

As a result, 22 unheated greenhouses were installed in 20 schools in the Khatlon region. These structures are cost-effective and can be maintained independently by schools after staff training.

Why Khatlon? Located in southern Tajikistan, its climate, combined with proper irrigation and care, allows for year-round agricultural production, improving both the nutritional value and sustainability of school meals.

Project

After studying Tajikistan’s legal framework, we confirmed that schools have the right to establish greenhouses on their plots. Moreover, they can sell surplus produce and use the income to satisfy school needs.

Recognizing the lack of experience among school staff, we developed a comprehensive guide to vegetable production in unheated greenhouses under local climatic conditions. Training sessions were conducted to teach school staff about soil preparation, planting, and plant care, ensuring successful greenhouse management.

School greenhouses offer more than fresh produce—they provide a unique hands-on learning environment. Middle and high school students can engage in practical lessons in environmental science.

as educational tools

Seeing, touching, and observing plants firsthand enhances understanding and retention, transforming abstract lessons into tangible experiences.

Practical learning

Primary school children also benefit from greenhouse activities. To support their learning, we created a Methodological Guide for Grades 1–4 Teachers and a Student Workbook with exercises and assignments.

Through interactive lessons, children learn about personal hygiene, the principles of healthy eating, and the importance of a balanced diet for staying energetic and focused at school. They explore how vegetables grow and how to care for them, documenting their observations in the workbook during practical greenhouse activities.