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AMENDMENT #1 TO THE PROGRAMMATIC FEED THE FUTURE INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL

EXAMINATION (IEE)

PROGRAM/ACTIVITY DATA:

Project/Activity Name:

1.FTF Sustainable Agriculture and Land Tenure (SALT) 2.FTF Sustainable Water in Tajikistan (SWIT)3.FTF New Maternal and Child Health Activity and Nutrition (MCH)4. Any other Feed the Future Activity within the IEE approved budget ceiling, duration, scope, nature and type of work

Country /Region: Tajikistan /Central Asia

F Objectives: Objective 1: Economic Growth Objective 2: Governing Justly and DemocraticallyObjective 3: Investing in People

Objectives: DO1: Expanded diverse and competitive trade and marketsDO 3: More effective and inclusive governance institutions that serve the public good

Program Areas: SALT: EG 3 Agriculture SWIT: HL.8.0, DR.2MCH and Nutrition: HL.6 and HL.9

Original IEE funding amount $60 million1

New activities Funding: $75 millionAmended IEE funding amount $175 million Funding Period: FY2020 – FY2027IEE Prepared by: USAID/CA/Tajikistan Country Office:

Mukhiddindzhon Nurmatov, Economic Development Project Management Specialist

Munisa Abrori, Governance Project Management SpecialistMalika Makhambaeva, Health Project Management Specialist

Date: 10/17/2019

IEE Amendment? Yes No ☒ ☐ Date of Original FTF Programmatic IEE December 10, 2014 (Asia 15-010)2

Additional references: Tajikistan PERSUAP Update3

Fall ArmyWorm Global PERSUAP 4

1Note: Through the end of FY2020 USAID obligated est.$80 million for Tajikistan FTF activities2 ECD link to the programmatic FTF IEE: https://ecd.usaid.gov/repository/pdf/42251.pdf3 ECD link to 2019 Tajikistan PERSUAP Update (Asia-17-022-MTF-2): https://ecd.usaid.gov/repository/pdf/52121.pdf4 ECD link to 2019 FAW PERSUAP: https://ecd.usaid.gov/repository/pdf/52069.pdf

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Asia 20-004

ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION RECOMMENDED: (Place X where applicable)

Categorical Exclusion (CE): ☒ Deferral (D): ☐Positive Determination (PD): ☐ Negative Determination (ND): ☐Negative Determination With Conditions (NDC): ☒

Exemption (E): ☐

CLIMATE RISK RATING(S): (Place X where applicable)

Low: [X] Medium: [X] High: [-]Adaptation /Mitigation Measures: Applicable

CONSTRUCTION: Will this project/activity involve construction5 as defined by ADS 201 and 303?

Yes [X ] No Implementing partners will have to conduct construction risk assessment in ☐accordance with ADS 201 requirements

1.0 PURPOSE :

The purpose of this programmatic Feed the Future (FTF) IEE (P-IEE) Amendment #1 is to timely and duly:● Reflect on the FTF LOP extension from FY2021 to FY 2027. ● Account for the increase of the total Life of Program (LOP) funding of the P-IEE from $60 mil, to

$175.000 mil. ● Account for three new activities: Sustainable Agriculture and Land Tenure (SALT) activity; Sustainable

Water in Tajikistan (SWIT) and Maternity Child Health and Nutrition (MCH) 6 ; and for any other future FTF activities in Tajikistan for a period of up to seven years within IEE budget ceiling, scope, nature and type of work.

● Confirm that the scope, nature and type of proposed projects and activities is consistent with those of regional and country-specific activities described in the original FTF P-IEE.

● Stipulate that all previously approved Threshold Decisions and related conditions and limitations shall fully apply to new activities.

● Conduct the first review of climate risk screening and management (CRS) for SALT, SWIT and MCH activity as required by the ADS 201mal and stipulate that prior to commencement of projects and activities with approved Negative Determination with Conditions (NDC) the implementing partner(s) (IP) shall conduct CRS for all sectoral and sub-sectoral activities with the approved NDC (see: https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/200/201mal).

● Stipulate that CRS for projects/ activities shall be presented in Environmental Review Checklist (ERC, see template in Annex 4) and appropriate commensurate mitigation and adaptation measures shall be developed and presented in integrated Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring plans (EMMP), as part of the ERC. ERCs shall be reviewed and approved by the Regional Mission Environmental Officer (RMEO), Climate Integration Lead (CIL) and Agreements/Contracting Officer Representative (A/COR);

5 Construction, as defined by ADS 201maw and 303maw, includes: construction, alteration, or repair (including dredging and excavation) of buildings, structures, or other real property and includes, without limitation, improvements, renovation, alteration and refurbishment. The term includes, without limitation, roads, power plants, buildings, bridges, water treatment facilities, and vertical structures. In the box below, describe any construction planned for this project/activity. Required Construction Risk Management procedures are available in ADS 201 maw.6 Note: All these activities, except for drinking water construction, are not “new” activities rather change of name of earlier existing programs operating under original FTF IEE. It is also expected that the awards might be issued with other names.

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● Stipulate that construction risk screening and management shall be conducted for all small construction activities as required by ADS 201 maw and ADS 303.

● Stipulate that all approved Threshold Decisions, conditions, including limitations and revisions, shall be fully transposed into procurement instruments;

● Stipulate that at the post-award conference, the A/COR together with the RMEO and CIL shall explain to the implementing partner(s) approved Threshold Decisions, conditions and limitations in force as provided in this P-IEE Amendment #1; and

USAID/Central Asia (CA) Mission and Tajikistan Country Office A/CORs shall regularly check, including site visits and engaging RMEO/CIL on implementation of activities and shall seek to ensure that all activities are in full compliance with the environmental conditions approved in the original and amended IEEs.

2.0 BACKGROUND AND NEW ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

The three new FTF activities (SALT, SWIT and MCH/Nutrition) will further the U.S. FTF strategy7 in Tajikistan, initiated in 2012 and extended for the period of 2017 – 2021 based on U.S. Government Food Security Strategy (GFSS)8. This strategy is helping the Government of Tajikistan (GOT) to reduce hunger, malnutrition and poverty of smallholder farmers. FTF assistance targets the Zone of Influence (ZOI) in 12 of the 24 districts of Khatlon Region, located in southwestern Tajikistan, bordering Afghanistan and Uzbekistan (see Figure 1 below).

Figure 1. 12 ZOI districts in Khatlon province of Tajikistan

Relative to other areas in the country, Khatlon is a key region for agricultural production, and it also has the highest rate of undernutrition and the largest number of people living below the poverty line in the country. Khatlon’s irrigated lands, which have been dominated by cotton production since the Soviet era, are promising places to demonstrate the effects of water and land reform and the economic and health benefits of producing higher value, nutritious fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Farming households in the ZOI have

7 Tajikistan Feed the Future Strategy, 2011- 2015

8 https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1867/USG-Global-Food-Security-Strategy-2016.pdfhttps://www.usaid.gov/what-we-do/agriculture-and-food-security/us-government-global-food-security-strategy

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greater potential to increase incomes through agricultural production activities. Under this IEE amendment USAID will continue working on three Multi-Year FTF strategy pillars:

●Pillar One: To assist household and small commercial farms to increase income and food for home consumption, and provide support to improve nutritional and health outcomes.

●Pillar Two: To build the capacity of local institutions and community-based organizations. Support public and private agricultural extension agents to share modern technologies, food utilization, and assist producer groups to facilitate access to markets and inputs. This will support village organizations to help rural residents tackle local development problems themselves, and it will assist local governments to become more effective, thus supporting and expanding community-based health efforts.

●Pillar Three: To complete effective agrarian reform in selected districts of Khatlon Province. Agrarian reform includes changes in land and water regulations and rights, institutions, policies, and incentives.

Results reached so far in FTF sector might be found in various documents, e.g. in 9. Relationship of new FTF activities to other USAID and donor programs is shown in Annex 5. 2.1 SALT:

Goal: SALT activity will assist the GOT to sustainably reduce hunger, malnutrition and poverty of smallholder farmers by developing more productive and efficient agriculture systems, building the resilience of smallholders, improving the enabling environment to facilitate sustainable and long term ag-led growth, increasing off-farm employment opportunities and diversifying livelihoods. Collectively these interventions will increase household resilience to shocks and stressors in vulnerable communities, further advancing Tajikistan on its pathway to self-reliance. SALT contributes to USAID GFSS top-line goals of accelerated agricultural growth, better nutritional outcomes, improved food security, greater resilience, and better water security. The interventions are designed to ensure long term sustainability and ongoing progress.

SALT will contribute to all three pillars of the Tajikistan FTF Strategy. In addition, SALT will support the Regional Development Cooperation Strategy (RDCS)10 Development Objective 1, “expanded diverse and competitive trade and markets,” particularly IR 1.2, “enhanced agricultural competitiveness and food security.” SALT will also support the Tajikistan FTF PAD with the following objectives, “The completion of effective agrarian reform in selected districts of Khatlon province includes changes in land and water relations and rights, institutions, policies and incentives."

The activity components and illustrative activities are presented below and in Annex 1.

Component 1: Enhance productive agriculture systems Subcomponent 1.1 Increase productivity and expand access to markets of existing and newly organized value chains The Activity will increase efficiency and productivity of market driven value chains through introduction of new production methods including new technologies that extend production through the lean season. The Activity will provide support to the organization of producers groups or similar organization and their apex organizations and strengthen existing value chains. Through working with producer groups the Activity will improve access to sustainable agricultural extension services and nutrition-sensitive agriculture by strengthening existing service providers; creating new sustainable models of service provision; building collaborative research opportunities; and promoting nutrition- sensitive agriculture.Subcomponent 1.2 Increase availability and consumption of diverse and nutritious foods This Activity will seek to increase access to quality nutrition information and education so that ZOI households know what and how much to eat, how to safely prepare and preserve nutritious foods, how to feed and care for 9 https://www.usaid.gov/tajikistan/agriculture-and-food-security.10 RDCS CAR Final June 2014.pdf

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children, how to ensure maternal nutrition, and how to reduce environmental or agricultural-related risks that can lead to illness and hamper nutrition. The Activity should strive to facilitate the market’s ability to promote good health by offering a diverse set of nutritious and safe foods year round that are affordable and convenient for local consumers. The activity will consider the most successful agricultural and environmental management best practices (including natural resource management and climate smart agriculture increasing homestead availability).

Component 2: Strengthen the resilience of vulnerable smallholdersSub component 2.1 Improve adaptation to and recovery from shocks and stresses through diversification of livelihoods. Diversifying livelihood risk is a critical adaptive strategy and source of resilience. This Activity willpromote alternative livelihood strategies by analyzing household economic assets and prospects and working with members of these households to diversify livelihoods through non-farm employment and entrepreneurship options; sustainably strengthen marketing groups and cooperatives, and facilitate market linkages where appropriate; address asset accumulation, protection, and management within the drought cycle and before and during other shocks in order to avoid the downward spiral of divestment during the lean season. This includes implementing good agricultural practices which reduce risks, including water conservation and the critical role of vaccination and animal health and crop protection services in protecting the asset base. Subcomponent 2.2 Reduce vulnerability through strengthened institutions and improved natural resource management Tajikistan is the most climate vulnerable country in Central Asia11. More than one million individuals are consistently food insecure and exposed to recurrent climate shocks. In addition to the cumulative effects of repeated climate related disasters, Tajikistan faces extreme seasonal climatic changes. This activity will work closely with extension service providers to introduce sustainable agriculture practices, improved land use and natural resource management practices; continue to increase access to sustainable sources of water for farmers by strengthening existing local institutions providing services to farmers and households including the Water Users Associations and their Federations; collaborate with USAID energy activities with a purpose to gain considerable energy savings; consider threats such as agricultural pests and diseases which cause major shocks and potential for backsliding. Simple measures will be put into place to create access to the most disease and climate resistant seeds along with implementation of integrated pest management strategies that reduce the exposure and impacts to pests and disease.Subcomponent 2.3: Develop a more inclusive nutrition-sensitive agriculture systemsThe Activity will support the development and expansion of micro-, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that provide off-farm economic opportunities in agricultural value chains, particularly for women. The Activity will proactively plan interventions and build partnerships that promote inclusion of program participants who are poor and marginalized. Similarly, the Activity will include a focus on youth who face tremendous barriers to finding employment in the ag-sector and who are the most likely to migrate to Russia. These value chains will align with nutrition-sensitive agriculture practices to support better nutrition in the family and the community. These interventions should also add value or provide services to rural agriculture communities and help the sector move beyond primary agriculture production. On-farm diversification is critical for resilience too. The key for the Activity is to ensure these various options are more accessible and competitive in the ZOI.

Component 3: Improve the Enabling EnvironmentSubcomponent 3.1: Improve the land governance enabling environment at national and local levelsWithout an improved agricultural and land governance enabling environment, farming households in the ZOI, particularly those supported by female farmers, will be unable to improve their productivity, incomes, nutrition, and food security. USAID projects have significantly advanced agricultural and land governance laws and policies in recent years. National laws expected to be passed by the end of LMDA include: Regulation regarding the right of alienation; Rules regarding transacting with land use rights in the land use rights market; Appraisal Law; amendments to the Land Appraisal Law; and amendments to the Mortgage Law. In addition,

11 https://www.osce.org/secretariat/355471?download=truehttps://germanwatch.org/sites/germanwatch.org/files/Global%20Climate%20Risk%20Index%202019_2.pdf

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GOT currently has before it drafts of a Long-Term Land Policy Concept and a Short-Term Land Strategy. Collectively these laws and policies will be the culmination of a market-driven reform process, which started in earnest in 2003. Once passed, they will provide a clear legal path for smallholder farmers to obtain individualized household rights to use land as collateral, and transfer through lease, sale, gift, or inheritance. Once these reforms take hold current trends will accelerate. Sub component 3.2: Increase access to, and use of, high quality agronomic and land use information for government, smallholder farmers, and the private sector Improved agronomic and land use information will contribute to improved productivity, incomes, nutrition, and food security for smallholder farming households in several ways. Such information will allow governmental agencies to improve coordination, further reducing the cost and time required for smallholder farmers to obtain and register their land share. Local government authorities will also more effectively manage public land and more efficiently allocate lease rights to those lands, as land management and allocation will be based on land quality and vulnerability to climate change, among other factors. In addition, improved agronomic and land use information is of critical importance to smallholder farmers. SALT will leverage activist networks, agricultural extension services, and other local partnerships to get the best available agronomic and land use information to smallholder farmers. Subcomponent 3.3: Strengthen the agriculture policy environmentA stronger agriculture policy environment is necessary not only to generate adequate income and jobs for Tajiks but also to implement the policy reforms required by various commitments to national and international agreements. Tajik's current policy environment inhibits their ability to generate higher productivity, investment, trade and employment. The potential benefits resulting from the implementation of various laws and policies will not be realized without some external assistance. At present, budget, effective coordination and leadership, and human resource constraints inhibit actual implementation.

Grants management: The Activity will provide grants for various purposes under the Activity components. Whenever possible, the program will link existing suppliers with buyers. Small grants will be utilized when there is a demonstrated willingness to change and improve practices that facilitate sustainable Activity outcomes.

2.2. SWIT:

Goal: The overall intent of this activity is to support the Government of Tajikistan, specifically local governments, in providing safely and efficiently managed drinking water services. While the program proposes to address drinking water needs in targeted communities, its key aim is to identify successful implementation models that ensure the viability of the water service delivery beyond the life of the project.

In support of RDCS DO3 More effective and inclusive governance institutions that serve the public good, and at the country level, Tajikistan’s Feed the Future Strategy: IR 5 - Nutrition improved, through IR5.2 Access to potable water in villages increased, Sustainable Water in Tajikistan is to provide a range of long- and short-term technical assistance, along with funding for small and medium scale construction and rehabilitation of drinking water systems. This activity supports the GOT, specifically local governments, in providing sustainable drinking water services in unserved and underserved rural areas. While the activity proposes to address drinking water needs in targeted communities, its key aim is to identify successful implementation models that ensure the viability of the water service delivery beyond the life of the project.

This activity is designed to contribute to two of the four Development Results of the USAID Water and Development Plan in the U.S. Government Global Water Strategy 16: Strengthen Sector Governance and Financing (Development Result 1); Increase Sustainable Access to Safe Drinking Water (Development Result 3). This activity also supports the implementation of Tajikistan’s National Water Strategy (for the period to 2030). Improving life in rural areas, including increasing and improving the availability of drinking water with a focus on the needs of women and children in rural areas is stated as one of the top priorities in this strategy.

To contribute to a more equitable access, the activity will focus on unserved and underserved rural and peri-urban areas, and encourage women and youth to participate in all aspects of implementation. To ensure that

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access improvements are sustained, the activity will be guided by the theory of change, requiring activities which contribute to the achievement of three mutually reinforcing intermediate results. These results include:

● Improved drinking water supply and treatment infrastructure in target communities, with co-financing by the water operators

● Improved management capacity for rural and peri-urban drinking water services among both subnational government entities and water operators

● An enabling environment that includes an engaged and mobilized civil society that advocates for safely managed drinking water services and holds local government and service providers accountable


Objective 1: Increase access to safely managed drinking water in rural Tajikistan through the rehabilitation/construction of small and medium scale infrastructure projects.To continue USAID’s long-standing efforts to increase access to a sustainable, safe drinking water supply in rural Tajikistan, this activity will provide financial resources, through flexible, transparent and competitive contracts with local construction companies, to fund new or rehabilitation of existing water supply and sanitation infrastructure investments. The activity will expand access to safe drinking water to 150,000 -200,000 citizens within targeted districts through the rehabilitation/construction of 25 small and medium scale infrastructure project in 20 selected districts over the life of the project, with an estimated value of $150,000-$200,000 per project.

Objective 2: Establish reliable and commercially viable drinking water services through improved governance and blended finance instruments. To ensure long term sustainability and financial viability of water infrastructure that the activity invests in target districts, (Objective 1) the implementing partner (IP)(s) will build water operators’ capacity to plan, finance, and manage the assets over time. To meet bigger water and sanitation needs and use USAID limited funds strategically, this activity will seek opportunities for blended financing, including USAID grants, local governments’ resources and investment from the private sector, wherever possible. The project will identify small-scale drinking water providers, particularly community-based organizations and local small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which hold a comparative advantage and can play a key role in reaching underserved groups of rural households and will assist local governments in the selection of appropriate contractual arrangements that are compatible with local socioeconomic constraints and objectives and address the specific needs of poor consumers.

Objective 3: Engage and mobilize community with a focus on reducing gender disparities in the sustainable management of drinking water service delivery. For the purpose of continuity of work force and to ensure sustainability of drinking water management, engaging women and youth in the decision making and management process is strategically important. Especially because youth of this generation are influenced heavily by new technological advances and can better utilize available means of communication with consumers.

Rural areas in Tajikistan are defined more by lack of public institutions and services than by population density. The water service level in these areas is characterized by piped networks with standpipes, in transition to household connections. Service providers range from single or combined system community-based management (Mahalla committees or water users associations), with some small scale private providers, and state owned enterprises. The geographic coverage will depend on identified gaps in coordination with other donor agencies and government counterparts. Criteria for final selection of geography include lack of significant engagement by USAID or other partner in drinking water sector; size and density of rural unserved population; potential for financial viability (population density, willingness and ability to pay); potential for private sector engagement as investors/operators; existence of a pool of interested private sector entrepreneurs;district Government support for delegated management of services under different business models.

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Grants under Contract (GUC). The Contractor will award grants where appropriate, in combination with technical assistance, training, and/or other inputs toward achievement of specific objectives that respond to expressed local needs and contribute to the achievement of stated Contract Results. In keeping with the principles of the USAID’s Journey to Self-Reliance, Contractors are encouraged to leverage funding from other non-USG resources, e.g. as a “matching grant” for a local organization or private sector activity. Illustrative examples of Small Grants include: Information/education/communications campaigns by local organizations, such as mahalla committees, civil society or the private sector to promote water services improvement. Activities, equipment, materials to develop citizen-based mechanisms for monitoring performance of water service.

There are only a limited number of donor agencies working in rural drinking water sector. While major international financial institutions, such as the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development are focused in major urban cities, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (through OXFAM and the United National Development Program (UNDP) and USAID have been continuously working in rural drinking water services. However, until now, the main focus of those activities was mainly on increasing access to water in rural districts; rather ensure financial viability of the services. Therefore, with this activity, USAID will explore ways of covering the financial gap in this particular service, by exploring various business models, including public private partnership.

2.3 MCH AND Nutrition:

The remote Khatlon Oblast -- FTF Zone of Influence -- has some of the country’s poorest agricultural and maternal and child health statistics. The region has the highest under-five mortality rate in the country (40 per 1,000 live births), nearly four times as high as in the capital, Dushanbe. Nearly one-fifth of children in the oblast are stunted. Stunting, measured as height for age, is the impaired growth and development that children experience from poor nutrition, repeated infection, and inadequate psychosocial stimulation. Stunting in early life, particularly the first 1000 days from conception until the age of two, has adverse functional consequences in the child, which include poor cognition and educational performance, low adult wages, lost productivity, and when accompanied by excessive weight gain later in childhood, an increased risk of nutrition-related chronic diseases in adult life.

The new MCH and Nutrition activity will align with multiple USAID and Republic of Tajikistan priorities. This activity is fully aligned with USAID’s Journey to Self-Reliance, where all objectives support improving both commitment and capacity of the Government to improve the nation’s health and nutrition. The new activity aligns with USAID Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Strategy 2014-2025, Global Health Bureau priority Preventing Maternal, Newborn, and Child Deaths, and with the Global Food Security Strategy (GFSS). This activity will be principally implemented in GFSS Feed the Future ZOI in the Khatlon region of Tajikistan with the ability to expand as needed. In addition, this aligns with the Tajikistan Multi-Year Feed the Future Strategy and the Central Asia RDCS.

More importantly the activity will address the priorities of the Republic of Tajikistan’s National Health Strategy (current and new) and the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement Strategic Priorities as well as the Republic of Tajikistan Country Strategic Review of Food Security and Nutrition. This activity should also be in alignment with and address all other Republic of Tajikistan policies and strategies related to MCH and nutrition that are already approved or are approved over the life of the activity, including the pending Food Fortification Law.

The Goal of this new activity is to improve the nutritional status and prevent morbidity and mortality of mothers and children under two as well as improve the quality and availability of lifesaving, evidence-based health interventions for women and children in the FTF ZOI, Khatlon Province. This new activity will intentionally build upon Tajikistan Health and Nutrition Activity (THNA) successes and incorporate lessons learned.


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Objective 1: Support the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Population in scaling-up and institutionalizing quality health and nutrition services to mothers, newborns and children.While the current USAID MCH and nutrition activity has brought about quality improvements in health facilities in the ZOI, more work is necessary to continue to improve the quality of care provided by health workers. Utilization of maternal and child health services is reasonably high, particularly for antenatal care and facility deliveries, but as the quality of care increases, demand for and use of health services is likely to also increase.

Objective 2: Support the Scaling up Nutrition Movement and Republic of Tajikistan’s national strategies. (i.e. New Health Strategy, 1000-day Communication Strategy, Nutrition and Physical Activity Strategy, Food Fortification Action Plan, SUN Common Results Framework-SUN Multisectoral Action Plan, plus others in development).

Objective 3: Implement SBC activities to improve nutrition and maternal and child health practices

The Government of Tajikistan has demonstrated their commitment to maternal and child health and nutrition through the number of high quality national strategies and policies they have enacted. Their capacity to fully implement these strategies and policies still requires strengthening. This activity should support the Government of Tajikistan to roll out nutrition and MCH-related strategies within the ZOI.

2.4 Lessons learned

During implementation of FTF activities launched under the FTF P-IEE, it became clear that some activities have potential for negative environmental and social impacts, including due to climate change, and are prone to failure if proper design and environmental monitoring and mitigation measures are not in place. The activities included: Agribusiness Competitiveness Activity in Tajikistan (ongoing through 2023); Tajikistan Agriculture and Water Activity (runs through March 2020); Family Farming Activity (closed); Women’s Entrepreneurship for Empowerment Project (closed), Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity (runs through August 2020); Tajikistan Health and Nutrition Activity (THAN, runs through September 2020).

All of them had activities qualifying for a Negative Determination with conditions and included along with conducting training courses, workshops, and awareness campaigns, multiple demonstrations, voucher programs, purchasing agricultural inputs, procurement of equipment and agricultural machineries, dealing with agrochemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides, food additives, drip irrigation, procurement and feeding livestock, improvement of cold storages, procurement of fruit and vegetable processing equipment, small rehabilitation activities during installation of small water storages, rehabilitation of water pipelines and other water systems. Implementing partners in practically all cases reported to USAID in accordance with FTF P-IEE requirements. More than 300 environmental review checklists with EMMPs have been submitted for the A/COR and MEO/CIL approval. Overall, all activities have been in full compliance with USAID requirements established in IEE, Framework Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan and other USAID acceptable recommendations. CORs and MEO visited multiple project sites and conducted environmental compliance monitoring of these activities.

The following findings and recommendations have been made as a result of screening of the above activities for improvement of environmental compliance and sustainability of the activities:

● Drinking water meters are usually not installed in piped systems, so there is little or no data available for managing performance of water operators, leaving no incentives for households to use water efficiently. With a flat tariff, many households underpay for the amount of water they actually consume. Water fees are usually well below cost-recovery, yet still collections rates are low due to lack of communication and lack of trust between the service providers and water users regarding the actual costs of providing water services.

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● Community based drinking water management models, with consumers’ monetary and in-kind contributions, did not demonstrate long term financial viability. International organizations, with community support, established various forms of water operators, such as community action groups, water boards, and water consumer associations, all of which have either in-kind contributions or financial investments into water systems. In the past, the interest of such small scale, informal water operators were not protected by legal agreement or contract. With local government turn over, any state-owned enterprise, may take over the business. If such businesses are registered under the PPP unit of the State Committee for Investment and Property Management, the water operator’s interest is protected in terms of revenue.

● The role of women as key agents of change is critical in building institutional knowledge and their participation and decision-making processes are critical for securing access to clean, safe and affordable water and sanitation for all and for ensuring sustainable development. However, because of established gender roles which do not associate women with technical work, this has not been taking place widely enough. In order to involve women in effective management, women need access to training related to management financial literacy.

● Even very small construction activities such as installation of latrines at rural medical facilities, or farmer’s greenhouses require well justified design, high-quality materials, planning in clean-up and application of disinfection maintenance. In number of USAID sites, these requirements were not followed and correction actions had to be undertaken at some point.

● For drip irrigation installation IPs were supposed to follow a set of requirements though this didn’t happen in most cases. This relates to correct displaying of hosts, using only clean water for irrigation and in case of fertigation, water cisterns were supposed to be cleaned up from polluted water spilled off into specially designated ground pits. The use of pesticides along with drip irrigation (chemigation) was practically not practiced, but in several cases when it was used, PERSUAP requirements were not pursued. Overall drip irrigation in USAID-assisted greenhouses didn’t replace furrow irrigation, as farmers didn’t trust drip irrigation and continued practicing routine types of irrigation along with or instead of drip one.

● Despite many years of USAID trainings of pesticide application, targeted farmers in ZOI continue having low culture and knowledge in doing that correctly. All farmers should go through multiple basics trainings in integrated pest management and national agrochemical laws and sub-laws and requirements of USAID’s Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safer Use Action Plan.

● Demonstration plots and pilots for growing various nutritious crops or demonstrating innovative technologies continued being organized by USAID IPs without passport data recorded to reflect environmental, soil, water, agronomy and other factors. Having information on this data allows to avoid cases which may result in obtaining un-representative results and poor crop yields.

The above and various other good practices should be reinforced by new FTF activities, and corrective actions shall be promptly taken by IP(s) for any non-compliance identified by A/COR and MEO/CIL and reported back to USAID.

3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE SCREENING OF NEW ACTIVITIES

3.1 Environmental compliance screening

It is expected that up to 30-50 % of new FTF activities will fall under the Negative Determination with Conditions (NDC) and will require further environmental screening, monitoring and reporting to USAID. They may potentially directly, indirectly or cumulatively affect the environment, including social life or have the potential to do so through small construction/renovation activities; procurement of electric and electronic and/

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or professional equipment; developing demonstration and piloting agricultural activities, introduction of new technologies, irrigation and drinking water supply in rural areas. All these impacts, mitigation, monitoring and reporting measures, and corresponding environmental actions needed are discussed in the original FTF P-IEE. If IPs work on such NDC activities they shall provide environmental management in accordance with the terms established in this parent document. Environmental compliance screening of new SALT, SWIT and MCH and Nutrition activities is available in Annex 1. Illustrative mitigation measures for Water and Sanitation activities not included in FTF P-IEE are available in Annex 2.

3.2 Climate Risk Management Analysis (CRM)12

This IEE amendment presents a targeted climate risk analysis that focuses specifically on proposed agricultural and agriculture policy reform sectors in Tajikistan. To provide context for how projected climate change may impact the long-term benefits of proposed activity components, Climate Risk Profile (CRP)13 for Tajikistan and Central Asia14 outlines mid-term and long-term climate change scenarios in Central Asia. Based on these profiles, and multiple other climate change reviews such as Third National Communication for Tajikistan (TNC)15, projected change in Central Asian countries includes likely increases in average annual temperature of about 2°C across the region by 2050, and by 5-6 °C by the end of century; high variability and uncertainty of projected changes in precipitation across the region; and a higher frequency of heavy rain events along with the increased concentration of rainfall in winter months. The region will experience a hotter and drier climate overall, and will particularly experience change in water resources – including an increase in water resource levels until 2020-2030 and then a decrease in water resource availability by the end of XXI century because of exhaustion of glaciers due to accelerated melting. Noted should be that in small river basins, the flow decrease has already started taking place. In addition, changes in climate may increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather and natural events such as heavy rainfalls, floods, flash floods, mudflows, land-slides, avalanches, droughts, heat waves, wildfires, pest and disease infestations, increase in duration of extremely hot summer periods with air temperature above 40°C.

These predictions suggest that potential impacts of climate change on the FTF near to medium efficacy may include extreme events that could lead to loss of agricultural production, reduction of drinking water availability from various springs, challenges in transporting agricultural production to markets and possible businesses failure. The FTF sector is exposed to numerous direct and indirect impacts from climate change in CA. As temperatures rise, the cropping pattern of many crops, specifically vegetables, are changing. In Khatlon region, vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and melons are drying up earlier creating gap in availability of nutritious vegetables. Heat waves are increasing amount of water demand by crops putting more pressure on already depleted irrigation and drainage systems. Irregular rainfalls are causing floods and local droughts in some areas. Rising temperatures will also worsen a post-harvest handling of perishable produces increasing

12 Links to climate change reviews:http://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/env/epr/epr_studies/ECE.CEP.180.Eng.pdf;http://www.carpathianconvention.org/tl_files/carpathiancon/Downloads/04%20Publications%20-%20Press%20-%20Gallery/CAsia_Summary_screen.pdf;https://www.e3g.org/docs/Central_Asia_Report_Expert_Working_Group_on_Climate_related_Security_Risks_Final.pdf;https://idea.usaid.gov/cd/tajikistan/environment-and-global-climate-change;https://zoinet.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/CC-Tajikistan-web-2016.pdf;https://www.climatelinks.org/sites/default/files/asset/document/2018-April-30_USAID_CadmusCISF_Climate-Risk-Profile-Central-Asia.pdf;https://www.climatelinks.org/sites/default/files/asset/document/2019_USAID_Tajikistan%20Factsheet.pdf;https://zoinet.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/WB_Presentation_CentralAsiaWaterSecurity.pdf;https://www.gfdrr.org/en/tajikistan;https://zoinet.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/CCCA_dec2009_0.pdf;13 Reference to Tajikistan CRP: https://ecd.usaid.gov/document.php14 Reference to Central Asia CRP: https://www.climatelinks.org/sites/default/files/asset/document/2018-April-30_USAID_CadmusCISF_Climate-Risk-Profile-Central-Asia.pdf.)15 Third National Communication under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 2014

11

percentage of decayed fruits and vegetables. Currently, rising temperature and pest invasion are becoming severe challenges for local farmers to be productive and sustainable.

Cumulatively, the proposed FTF potential to accelerate development of climate resilient crops and development of sustainable activities far outweighs the relatively low to medium climate risk that climate poses to the activity components in the region. These risks are acceptable, however the contractor will have to take into account adaptation measures suggested in the Climate Change National Communications, National Action Plans for Climate Change Mitigation, FAO and other donors recommendations available in various internet and literature sources. Under SWIT, Contractor will utilize country lead Integrated Water Resources Management tools, through coordination with other key stakeholders. It will improve overall water governance and establish water safety plans, including mitigation measures, such as controlling of water losses and maximization of water use efficiency. It will explore available technologies to recycle grey water and reuse of wastewater, and where possible, advance appropriate water catchment and storage technologies.

Based on the results of EC screening available in the referenced profiles and fact sheets, CRM table in Annex 3 outlines some Climate Change risks to the activity components, and opportunities that exist for integrating climate resilience or mitigation measures. All new activity components are rated as Low or Moderate Climate Risk. Though there is a moderate or sometimes high risk of negative climate change to agricultural and water supply systems and construction process, the climate risk to the achievement or sustainability of planned USAID activities will be presumably low, or sometimes moderate, not higher due to multiple risks addressed at the planning stage. Additional climate risk screening should be conducted for all NDC activities by the IP (s) as required by ADS 201mal.

3.3 Threshold Determinations and recommended environmental actions

a) Recommended Action: Categorical Exclusion (approximately 50-70% of funding) for actions specified in the Table 3, Section I of the P-IEE (Asia15-010) that are not expected to have direct, indirect, cumulative or induced adverse environmental and social effects. No reporting is required. The originator of the proposed action has determined that the proposed activities are fully within the following classes of actions:-Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.) [22 CFR 216.2(c)(2)(i)];-Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings [22 CFR216.2(c)(2)(iii)];-Document and information transfers [22 CFR 216.2(c)(2)(v)]; and-Studies, projects or programs intended to develop the capability of recipient countries to engage in development planning, except to the extent designed to result in activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc). [22 CFR 216.2(c)(2)(xiv)].

b) Recommended Action: Negative Determination with Conditions (approximately 5-10% of all funding) for activities related to the development of policy recommendations, strategic plans and regulatory and legal changes. IP can recommend and assist in the implementation of these actions only if environmental screening is done and mitigation measures are proposed to prevent potential negative impact of proposed recommendations implementation: MEO/CIL shall review related scope of work

c) Recommended Action: Negative Determination with Conditions (approximately 10-20% of all funding) for activities, when following normal good practices, engineering methods, and standard instructions will help to avoid potential environmental problems. This includes procurement of computers and other electric and electronic equipment, commodities, and materials as listed in Section 2 of Table 2 of FTF P-IEE. The proposed action is that the IP should provide evidence that equipment and materials are procured from certified retailers; environmental safety and quality certificates conforming with national and/or international standards are available; equipment and materials are used in an environmentally sound and safe manner, properly disposed of when applicable at the end of their useful life in a manner consistent with best management practices according to USG, European Union or equivalent standards.

12

d) Recommended Action: Negative Determination with Conditions (approximately 10-20%) for activities involving grants that have a potential for an adverse impact on the natural or physical environment. The originator of the action has determined that pursuant to 22 CFR 216.2(d) (2), such activities as small-scale construction and reconstruction, agricultural pilots, demonstrations, technologies and techniques, and procurement of services and professional machinery and equipment, as listed in Section 3 of Table 2 of FTF P-IEE may have the potential for significant adverse environmental impacts and the IP should conduct due diligence and reporting to USAID as established in P-IEE terms. ERC template should be used for EC reporting on all NDC activities (See Annex 4).

Assistance for the procurement or use of pesticides shall go forward in accordance with the terms of the Tajikistan P-PERSUAP as indicated in sections 3.4 and 4 below.

3.4 Implementing partner requirements:

● The IP shall follow requirements and conditions established in the “Implementer Procedures Resource Allocation, Training and Reporting” of the FTF P-IEE.

● SALT, SWIT, and MCH shall develop an Environmental Manual (EM) and Framework EMMP (FEMMP) or adapt any existing FTF EM and FEMMP. This EM and FEMMP will then be approved by the MEO, in consultation with the Asia Regional Environmental Advisor (REA), adapted to a specific site before the activity implementation, and incorporated into the project design. Each site-specific activity with NDC will require development of ERC with EMMP and its approval by the MEO prior to an activity start. The Standard Conditions List and Table 2 of the FTF P-IEE may be used as a guide in developing of EM and EMMP, and ERC with EMMP.

● In addition, a Tajikistan PERSUAP16 shall be used and/or updated for any activity involving assistance in procurement or use of pesticides including crop protection trainings Note: activities affected cannot go forward until the PERSUAP is amended by BEO/Asia approved professional and then approved by the BEO/Asia with subsequent amendment to the FTF P-IEE. The PERSUAP- allowed pesticides should be reviewed annually to ensure that they stay compliant with US EPA registration status. Findings and recommendations of the PERSUAP and approved pesticide list shall be translated in new awards and modifications of all relevant FTF awards. Also see section 4 below for limitations.

● Per mandatory reference ADS 201 mal, IP shall conduct climate risk management screening for all sectoral and sub-sectoral activities with the approved NDC prior to commencement. CRS shall be presented in an ERC and appropriate commensurate mitigation and adaptation measures shall be developed and presented in EMMP and shall be reviewed and approved by the RMEO/CIL and A/COR.

● Per mandatory reference ADS 201 maw, IP shall conduct construction risk screening prior to the start of each small construction activity, develop construction implementation plan including quality control plan, health and safety plan and water testing/ water quality management plan for drinking water systems. This documentation shall be attached to the ERC. USAID licensed civil engineer and A/COR will then review and approve the required documentation. A/COR and IP shall ensure implementation of risk mitigation measures through the project cycle.

● Use ADS 312, ADS 312 mac and 312 mad for procurement of various types of commodities, including

16 ECD link to 2019 Tajikistan PERSUAP Update (Asia-17-022-MTF-2): https://ecd.usaid.gov/repository/pdf/52121.pdf

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agricultural.

4.0 LIMITATIONS OF THE IEE

● Assistance for the procurement (including payment in kind, donations, guarantees of credit) or use (including handling, transport, fuel for transport, storage, mixing, loading, application, clean-up of spray equipment, and disposal) of pesticides or activities involving procurement, transport, use, storage, or disposal of toxic materials shall go forward in accordance with the terms of the P-PERSUAP Update17. The IP shall be responsible for an annual P-PERSUAP update of previous evaluation of environmental, social and economic factors required by 22 CFR 216.3(b) to determine whether the use may result in significant environmental impact. Pesticides cover all insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides, etc. covered under FIFRA - ‘Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act’.

● Activities involving support to wood processing, agro-processing, industrial enterprises, and regulatory permitting. Scoping Statement and Environmental Assessment (EA) to be conducted, in the event the screening process indicates that USAID activity may have a potentially significant negative environmental impact. The Scoping Statement and EA Report shall be approved by the Bureau Environmental Officer prior to start of activities.

● Assistance, procurement or use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) will require preparation of biosafety assessment (review) in accordance with ADS 211 in an amendment to the P-IEE approved by Asia BEO.

● No procurement or use of asbestos, lead and mercury Containing Materials (ACM) (i.e. piping, roofing, etc.), Polychlorinated Biphenyl’s (PCB) or other toxic/hazardous materials prohibited by US EPA as provided at: http://www.epa.gov/asbestos and/or under international environmental agreements and conventions, e.g. Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants as provided at: http://chm.pops.int.

● No procurement, use or recommendation for use of ammonium nitrate (AN) and calcium nitrate (CAN) fertilizers as required by the USAD/Central Asia Mission Order.

Any of these actions would require an amendment to the FTF P- IEE duly approved by the Asia BEO.

4.0 REVISIONS

Pursuant to 22 CFR 216.3(a)(9), if new information becomes available which indicates that activities to be funded by the Project might be "major" and the Program's effect "significant", this determination will be reviewed and revised by the originator of the project and submitted to the BEO/Asia for approval and, if appropriate, an environmental assessment will be prepared. It is the responsibility of the USAID A/COR to keep the USAID/CA mission, and the BEO/Asia informed of any new information or changes in scope and nature of the activity that might require revision of the P-IEE. USAID/CA Mission shall regularly check the implementers on any changes in the scope and nature of the approved activities, which may warrant the revision of the approved Threshold Decisions.

USAID APPROVAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION RECOMMENDED:

Clearance:

17 https://ecd.usaid.gov/repository/pdf/52121.pdf

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Regional Mission Director, USAID/ CA: cleared Date: Oct. 17, 2019

Christopher W. Edwards

Tajikistan Country Director: cleared by e-mail Date: Oct. 10, 2019 Paul Richardson

Regional Environmental Advisor for Central and South Asia & OAPA: cleared by e-mail Date: Oct. 4, 2019

Andrei Barannik

Regional Mission EnvironmentalOfficer & CIL,USAID/CA: cleared Date: Oct. 17, 2019

Nina Kavetskaya

Concurrence:

Asia Bureau Environmental Officer: cleared __________________ Date: Oct. 22, 2019William Gibson

Approved:

Disapproved:

Cced: Project files, MEO tracking, OAA, RLO

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ANNEX 1. Environmental Compliance Screening of FTF Illustrative ActivitiesProject/Activity Illustrative Activities Threshold

DeterminationRemarks

SALTComponent One: Enhance productive agriculture systemsSub component 1.1 Increase productivity and expand access to markets of existing and newly organized value chains Sub component 1.2 Increase availability and consumption of diverse and nutritious foods

● Support the sustainable organization of producers groups or similar organizations and their apex organizations● Strengthen existing value chains through expanded access to markets and improved post-harvest processing and storage● Identify and develop new market driven value chains● Provide access and links to markets● Improve nutrient quality, dietary diversity and safety of food supply across the value chains ● Strengthen existing service providers ● Create new models of sustainable service provision● Promote collaborative research opportunities● Promote nutrition-sensitive agriculture● Increased availability of diverse, nutritious foods, or of a nutritious food basket● Promote nutritional quality of the available food basket● Convenience of target nutritious foods (e.g. value of sales; clientele profile, including the number of poor or nutritionally-vulnerable customers; customer satisfaction surveys; etc.); Nutritional value of home production● Food Safety across the value chain and final consumer in the home● Adoption of best practices (nutrition, agricultural, and environmental best practices)● Improve crop and food production, increase productivity, diversity, and proportion reserved for home consumption

CE

CE, NDC

CE

CECE

CE, NDCNDCCECE. NDCCE, NDC

CE, NDC

CE, NDC

CE, NDC

CE, NDC

CE

See conditions in Table 2, Sections II and III of FTF P-IEE and section 3.4 of this amendment

Component Two: Strengthen the resilience of vulnerable smallholdersSub component 2.1 Improve adaptation to and recovery from shocks and stresses through diversification of livelihoods

Sub component 2.2 Reduce vulnerability through strengthened institutions and improved natural resource management

Sub component 2.3: Develop a more inclusive nutrition-sensitive agriculture systems

● Conduct a labor market analysis to determine underlying constraints to and pathways for increased employment. ● Examine the qualitative differences in the risk exposure of various livelihoods, as well as costs and other barriers to entry. ● Introduce techniques to cultivate multiple crops to reduce the risk of crop production loss or its value due to adverse weather, pests and disease attacks or unfavorable market conditions.● Work with farmers to identify niche crops, livestock options, or assist with improving basic farm level processing or identifying opportunities for aggregation. ● Develop interventions to address seasonal (or longer) labor migration.● Support the establishment of extension services that address natural resource constraints● Build institutional and technical capacity of WUA to manage funds and memberships, maintain facilities and provide services. ● Support policy development and implementation● Increase access to new technologies, ● Support infrastructure development● Build environmental resilience through the adoption of more resistant varieties and a greater diversity of crops, introduction of shelterbelts planted, installation of drip irrigation, shading on greenhouses, composting, mulching, reduction of water waste, reduced and/or targeted fertilizer use, reduced salinization and improved soil management● Address economic resilience through increased income stability or diversification, asset accumulation, protection and management ● Provide sustainable access to and use of risk information. This includes weather and climate forecast information, risk modeling datasets, and observational data.

CE

CE

NDC

NDC

CE, NDC

CE, NDC

CE, NDC

CE, NDCCE, NDCCE, NDCNDC

CE, NDC

CE, NDC


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Component Three: Improve the enabling environmentSub component 3.1: Improve the land governance enabling environment at national and local levels

Sub component 3.2: Increase access to, and use of, high quality agronomic and land use information for government, smallholder farmers, and the private sector

Sub component 3.3: Strengthen the agriculture policy environment

● Continue support to Legal Aid Centers (LAC) in targeted areas deemed cost effective despite their inability to cover all operating costs from fees.● Continue support to the activist tashabbuskor network but ensure they target smallholder farming households, particularly women. In addition, consider linking the LACs, tashabbuskors with WUAs and facilitate training and awareness raising on resilient agronomic, efficient water use and land use management practices. ● Conduct trainings and awareness raising for smallholder farming households, particularly women, on resilient agronomic and land use management practices tailored to their needs and vulnerabilities.● Facilitate the development of a land use market, for leases and sales, through trainings, awareness raising, analysis, and pilots.● Assess potential to reform taxes for dehkan farmers including WUAs, with an emphasis on reforms that will benefit smallholder farmers. Based on the results of the assessment, undertake strategic engagement with relevant GOT ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Finance. ● Assess the policy, legal, and institutional barriers to improving the agricultural extension agent profession such that their services are available in an affordable and timely manner to vulnerable farmers. Based on the results of that assessment, undertake tasks to improve the availability of agricultural extension agents to vulnerable farmers in a sustainable manner.● Work with the Inter-Ministerial Working Group to develop and facilitate the adoption of relevant laws and policies to promote tenure security for smallholder farmers, farmer access to credit, and a land use market.

CE

CE

CE

CE

CE

CE, NDC

CE, NDC


SWITObjective 1: Increased access to safely managed drinking water in rural Tajikistan through the rehabilitation/construction of small and medium scale infrastructure projects

● Take inventory of available drinking water services, both

those that are centralized and those which are community managed within identified sample and priority districts.

● Support local government by rehabilitating and/or

constructing small and medium scale drinking water infrastructure. The water systems may include building/cleaning reservoir of clean water; building a reinforced concrete reservoir for clean water; laying main and distribution system using polyethylene pipes; building a cabin for chlorination and pump control system; purchasing and installation of rotary pumps; rehabilitation the artesian well at the well-field and install a pump set; building well-field with new artesian well; reconstructing pump station and replace rotary vane pumps

● Identify existing water supply networks and improve the

services by extending water to individual households and installing water meters.

NDC

NDC

NDC


Objective 2: Establish reliable and commercially viable drinking water services through improved governance and blended finance instruments

● Improving operational performance and

governance/management of water operators through development of Standard Operating Procedures, staffing improvements, metering, non-revenue water reduction, energy efficiency improvements, billing systems

● Improving water operators’ financial performance and

credit worthiness through financial and investment plan development, full cost recovery tariff setting, debt management, and performance monitoring tools for water operators to obtain an investment-grade credit rating that will attract investment to the water sector.

● Improving capacity of subnational governments to

manage contracts and other forms of public private partnerships for

CE, NDC

CE

CE

CE


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drinking water service delivery

● Expanding engagement and outreach to a broad range of

local private sector as suppliers, potential operators, and sources of finance, including but not limited to corporate social responsibility

● Facilitating dialogue and the process of

registering/establishing PPPs between local private entities and local government entities;

● Assess demand/willingness/ability to pay, collect

consumers’ consent to justify cost recovery fees, seek co-financing opportunities to effectively induce meaningful engagement with local communities from an early stage;

● Assist in establishing monitoring systems to track

indicators of infrastructure functionality, service provider performance, and levels of service delivered against norms and standards.

● Building capacity to leverage resources from

government/donors/private sectors/investors to fund expanding water services to unserved or underserved populations.

● Strengthening reporting and other means of

accountability to local government and citizens.

● Identify local sources to establish subsidies for poor and

low-income households;

CE

CE

CE

CE

CE

CE

Objective 3: Engage and mobilize communities with a focus on reducing gender disparities in the sustainable management of drinking water service delivery

● Establish a mechanism for continuous engagement

between service providers and water consumers

● Seek concurrence of community (including any gender-

specific community CSOs) before finalizing infrastructure design

● Develop and institutionalize hotline for feedback and

customer service skills within the water operator unit

● Identify women activists and establish working groups to

determine and implement appropriate water and sanitation solutions to meet the specific needs of women and girls;

● Conduct regular women and youth focus groups to lobby

for women's engagement in drinking water management process;

● Engage women and youth in training and mentor them in

financial literacy and sustainable management

CE

CE

CE

CE, NDC

CE

CE


MCHObjective 1: Support the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Population in scaling-up and institutionalizing quality health and nutrition services to mothers, newborns and children

● Build capacity of health providers to deliver high impact, evidence- based services at a sustained level of quality and respectful care.

● Create incentives for health workers to deliver quality care and test the effectiveness of performance-based financing.

● Cooperate with the MOHSPP as well as local Universities to update the pre-service education and skills development of family nurses and midwives and institutionalize improvements in pre-service training on MCH and nutrition.

● Support the MOHSPP to design, approve and implement the terms of reference for family nurses and midwives.

● Support the MOHSPP in introduction of continuous medical education (CME) for family nurses and midwives with a focus on provincial and district-level training.

CE

CE

CE

CE

CE

CE

See conditions in Table 2, Sections II and III of Table 2 FTF P-IEE and section 3.4 of this amendment.

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● Identify and implement appropriate responses to the financial barriers to seeking care, including reducing out-of-pocket costs for MCH services for the poor (at subnational and local levels).

● Create stronger linkages between levels of health services, from community to primary health center to hospital to district to national level.

● Engage communities in quality improvement initiatives at primary health centers and hospitals.

● Increase capacity to analyze and use data for decision making at all levels of the health system.

● Institutionalize baby-friendly hospital initiative to ensure that all infants begin breastfeeding within the first hour of birth.

CE

CE, NDC

CE,

CE

Objective 2: Support the Scaling up Nutrition Movement and Republic of Tajikistan’s national strategies. (i.e. New Health Strategy, 1000-day Communication Strategy, Nutrition and Physical Activity Strategy, Food Fortification Action Plan, Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Common Results Framework-SUN Multisectoral Action Plan, plus others in development).

● Support MOHSPP in improving the quality,

comprehension, and appeal of their mass media campaigns related to MCH and nutrition (e.g. TV spots, printed materials).

● Support MOHSPP and Ministry of Education in design

and introduction of the educational package on health and nutrition for secondary schools.

● Identify ways domestic resources (i.e. CSO and private

sector) can be mobilized for nutrition and MCH efforts and work to increase government allocations for nutrition and MCH (at national and local levels).

● Support development of the Food Fortification Action

Plan.

● Facilitate multi-sectoral engagement for nutrition at the

district and community level, with efforts to engage the private sector, civil society, and other actors to collaborate in improving nutrition in the first 1000 days.

CE

CE

CE

CE. NDC

CE, NDC


Objective 3: Implement social and behavior change (SBC) activities to improve nutrition and maternal and child health practices

● Continue to work on a community level through health

providers, village authorities, volunteer networks, and civil society to improve MCH and nutrition practices for pregnant and lactating women, children under 2 years of age, and adolescent girls, with a focus on increasing optimal practices related to seeking care when danger signs emerge during pregnancy and child illnesses, birth spacing, preventing malnutrition and introducing good breastfeeding/weaning practices, as well as drinking water and sanitation.

● Use creative, community-level approaches, such as

storytelling, community video, etc.to engage communities and change social norms around selected MCH and nutrition behaviors.

● Implement peer support groups to help break down

barriers to adopting improved nutrition and MCH practices.

● Engage with men and mothers-in-law to gain their

support for improved MCH and nutrition behaviors.

● Create and/or strengthen links between community-level

approaches and primary health centers.

● Work with families and communities to foster joint

decision-making and budgeting within families to improve the status and agency of young women.

CE, NDC

CE

CE

CE

CE

CE


Various cross-cutting components with NDC

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All FTF activities ● Procurement of agricultural, medical, other professional

and electric and electronic equipment, commodities and materials.

● Pilots, trials or demonstration activities, introduction of

new technologies, new production techniques, procurement of equipment, inputs (seeds, fertilizers, pesticides) and services to improve productivity and quality management

● integrated sanitation plans

● Small scale construction, reconstruction and renovation

activities such as:- Construction/renovation of rural community

drinking water systems including sewerage - Construction of multiple water use system

(MUS) in communities and institutions- Construction/ Reconstruction of small vertical

structures- Construction of various types of latrines and

septics- Irrigation systems renovation including

irrigation and drainage canal clean-up- Procurement and installation of weirs, water

meters, hydrometric bridges, lining canals- Rainwater harvesting through rooftop

catchment and tank or small pond storage system

- Other climate -resilient technologies/practices, such as greenhouses, tunnel structures, low technology shelter against sun and wind,

- Build protection at spring sources - small scale stone walls to stabilize slopes

against erosion- multiple small scale works associated with

installation of equipment and renovation of space not qualified as “construction” in accordance with ADS 201 maw but requiring EC screening and reporting

All NDC See conditions in Table 2, Sections II and III of FTF P-IEE and section 3.4 of this amendment

CE= Categorical Exclusion, NDC = Negative Determination with Conditions

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ANNEX 2Illustrative Environmental Effects and Mitigation Measures for WASH activities

Activities Effect on Natural or Physical Environment

Illustrative Mitigation Measures and related links

Water storage, potable water supply and distribution system

Potential for significant adverse effect.If not implemented properly, water storage and distribution systems may have a variety of negative effects on health and the environment. (Elements from pipes leak into the water system when pipes are cracked. Electricity outages are frequent, and when the electric pumps cease, positive pressure in pumps immediately becomes negative pressure, drawing in harmful elements from the metal pipes.

-Design project in accordance with all applicable standards as established in the national construction, drinking water supply, and sanitary and hygiene regulations, rules and norms, as well as in accordance with best international practices including USAID Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Environmental Guideline (WSS)18

- Work only with reliable source of water.- Conduct water testing of all main parameters required by national and regional SES for a particular geochemical area. For ground water source Arsenic test is mandatory.- Develop and document water quality management plan that would assure adequate water quality at the time of commissioning and during ongoing operation and maintenance. - Include focus on proper use and maintenance of the improvement as part of behavior change and education program- Monitor drains and soakways and keep them clear of debris - Monitor and repair leaks from cracked containment structures, broken pipes, faulty valves, and similar structures- Give the community training in operating the system- Include a focus on proper use and maintenance of the improvement as part of the behavior change and education program- Survey for, and avoid, wetlands, estuaries or other ecologically sensitive sites in the project area.- Identify nearby areas that contain endangered species and get professional assessment of species’ sensitivity to construction at site- Train and monitor workers on best practices in construction of buildings and structures- Gather data on soil type, slope and topography to determine the potential for significant erosion- Use silt screens, straw bales or similar erosion control measures- Avoid damaging vegetation- Re-vegetated areas damaged during construction. - Do not remove erosion control measures until re-vegetation is complete- Use proper bedding materials for pipes

Well rehabilitation Potential for significant adverse effect

If not implemented properly, wells may have a variety of negative effects on health and the environment. Improperly cited, constructed, and maintained wells may:- Contaminate water with human pathogens - Contaminate water with animal manure - Create pools of stagnant water- Exhaust water supply (not applicable to improved springs or hand-dug wells) - Provide water contaminated with nutrients and bacteria from animal waste - Create pools of stagnant water- Change groundwater flow- Create saltwater intrusions

-Design project in accordance with all applicable standards as established in the national construction, drinking water supply, and sanitary and hygiene regulations, rules and norms, as well as in accordance with best international practices, including WSS- Work only with reliable source of water.-Do rehabilitation of wells with available passport data - Conduct water testing of all main parameters required by national and regional SES for a particular geochemical area. For ground water source Arsenic test is mandatory.- Develop and document water quality management plan that would assure adequate water quality at the time of commissioning and during ongoing operation and maintenance.- Include focus on proper use and maintenance of the improvement as part of behavior change and education program- Construct spigot or similar system that prevents people from touching impounded water with their hands or mouths - Use fencing or equivalent that will keep livestock from grazing uphill or up gradient of the wellhead - Do not allow animals to drink directly from the water source- Monitor drains and soak-ways and keep them clear of debris - Monitor and repair leaks from cracked containment structures, broken pipes, faulty valves and similar structures- Put in place a system for regulating use, such as a local warden or appropriate pricing- Give the community training in operating the improvement- Monitor water levels in wells or impoundment structures to detect overdrawing- Don’t let animals graze or be watered up-gradient from wellhead- Include a focus on proper use and maintenance of the improvement as part of the behavior change and education program

18 https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1860/SectorEnvironmentalGuidelines_Water_San_2015.pdf

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Rehabilitation or expansion of pumping systems including water supply pipelines

Potential for significant adverse effect Pumping systems are susceptible to the same negative health and environmental effects described for water storage and supply. In addition, building the facilities for these systems, if not conducted properly, may:

- Damage sensitive ecosystems or endangered species.- Cause erosion and sedimentation.

-Design project in accordance with all applicable standards as established in the national construction, drinking water supply, and sanitary and hygiene regulations, rules and norms, as well as in accordance with best international practices including WSS- Work only with reliable source of water-Do rehabilitation of wells with available passport data - Conduct water testing of all main parameters required by national and regional SES for a particular geochemical area. For ground water source Arsenic test is mandatory.- Develop and document water quality management plan that would assure adequate water quality at the time of commissioning and during ongoing operation and maintenance.- Survey for, and avoid, wetlands, estuaries or other ecologically sensitive sites in the project area.- Identify nearby areas that contain endangered species and get professional assessment of species’ sensitivity to construction at site- Train and monitor workers on best practices in construction of buildings and structures- Gather data on soil type, slope and topography to determine the potential for significant erosion- Use silt screens, straw bales or similar erosion control measures- Avoid damaging vegetation- Re-vegetated areas damaged during construction. - Do not remove erosion control measures until re-vegetation is complete- Use proper bedding materials for pipes

Digging new boreholes Digging new wells in unknown environments may cause spending USAID money for unsustainable and polluted water sources environmental impact assessment of geological, hydrogeological

-A detailed analysis of geological, hydrogeological, biodiversity, and other related information required by the GOT and USAID, including water quality and debit estimates should be done along with construction risk factors screened prior to drilling new boreholes. Findings should be reviewed and approved by USAID engineer.-All the above requirements should be followed in digging wells and related water pipeline construction.

Renovation/construction of small-scale latrines for rural schools and /or health facilities

Potential for significant adverse effect. If considered improperly, latrines may have a variety of negative effects on health and the environment. Improperly cited, constructed and maintained latrines may contaminate water and soil with human feces, i.e. bacteria and pathogens

Based on best international practices and recommendations of CIS sanitation rules and norms the following measures / requirements should be taken into account:

● Each latrine should have a design approved by authorized bodies. If a typical design is used, it should be approved by USAID engineer.

● The design should take into account the type of soil and water table depth, including seasonal fluctuation and groundwater regime. Pit latrines should not be installed where water table depth is less than 3 m water or where the composition of the overlying deposits make groundwater or an aquifer vulnerable to contamination

● Locations for latrine construction are chosen down gradient of water supply wells and away from water sources. The distance might vary depending on local conditions if Sanitary Service allows. The general requirement is that it is located at a distance of 10-20 m from all buildings, not less than 50 m from drinking water source such as well, not less than 10 m from central water pipeline.

● The design should include the following elements: -- Ventilation pipe-- Window wire net that traps insect vectors-- Cesspool bottom has a gradient towards hatch through which the cesspool will be cleaned up --The hole (holes) has a right size (not too big or small) and number (not less than 50 people per hole)--Cesspool is lined with isolating materials, such as special hydrotechnical type of concrete --Washstands are attributed to the latrine

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ANNEX 3. CRM Assessment Matrix for Feed the Future Activities in Tajikistan L: LowM: ModerateNote: All Moderate Risk activities require additional screening by the IP

Defined or Anticipated Project Elements (Purpose/Sub-purpose, Area of Focus, or Activity/ Mechanism, etc.)

Climate Risks - List key risks related to the project elements identified through either the strategy or project level climate risk assessment.

Risk Rating - Low/ Moderate/High

How Risks are Addressed at Project Level - Describe how risks have been addressed at the project level. If a decision has been made to accept the risk, briefly explain why.

Further Analysis and Actions for Activity Design/ Implementation- Describe CRM measures to be integrated into activity design or implementation, including additional analysis, if applicable.

Opportunities to Strengthen Climate Resilience -Describe opportunities to achieve development objectives by integrating climate resilience or mitigation measures.

SALTEnhanced Productive Agriculture Systems andStrengthening agricultural value chains

Climate change poses a higher threat to air temperature rise in Central Asia above global mean increases, causing droughts and, prolonged heat waves in lowland plains and heavy rainfalls and increased frequency of extreme events (mudflows, avalanches, etc.) in upper parts of Tajikistan.

As agricultural project plans to work with various elements of agricultural value chains, examples of key risks may include:- Higher air and soil surface temperatures may significantly reduce yields and cause seedling mortality or thermal injuries- Under warmer climate and increased CO2 levelsdrastic increase in weeds, pests and fungi thriving may take place in USAID demo sites which will require application of additional pesticides-High air temperature around flowering can reduce pollen viability in USAID demo plots and partner’s ag. fields-Increased glacial melting can cause floods while after ice resources are exhausted, water deficit for irrigation in plain parts can cause loss of crop yield in areas where USAID provides technical assistance

M

M

M

M

The design considers multiple adaptation measures. These include: -introduction of efficient water technologies (drip irrigation; water measuring devices in the irrigation canals); -introduction of heat resistant varieties of fruit trees and crops; -introduction of principles of sustainable crop and land management, including nutrition management and integrated pest management.-applying protected agriculture systems – greenhouses; high and low tunnels; using heat reflecting, insect prohibiting, and hail protecting nets. -using bio- pesticides and natural enemies of harmful insects. -using different types of mulching to reduce soil temperature and suppress weeds.-using early ripening varieties of field crops-production of more fodder, and processed feeds to reduce pressure from pastures located around settlements.

--IP will have to conduct additional climate risk analysis when the list of activities, innovative partnerships and technologies is well defined. This condition should be included in the solicitation and award environmental compliance language.

-- IP may increase the climate change resilience knowledge of agricultural, marketing and nutrition sectoral players --IP may increase the capacity of businesses, firms and farm to support disaster planning and management to ensure their protection from extreme events, insurance and/or relocation--IP may select innovation technologies with a lower greenhouse gases footprint and a reduction in waste where feasible

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- Higher temperatures with lack of precipitation can cause loss of rain-fed crops and decrease of productivity of orchards -Due to increase in length of period of abnormally hot weather in summer, plants and trees will be subjected to huge stress and may die earlier significantly decreasing production period.-Prolonged heat waves will cause discomfort for field workers -Weather extremes generating floods or landslides leading to delays, interruptions and detouring needs.-Since number of hot days are increasing in year and the temperature rises, this will create additional hardships to farmers, post –harvest handlers, aggregators, transporting companies and sellers because percentage of spoiled produce will increase. -Hot temperatures will force cold storage owners to spend more electric energy to keep adequate temperature inside chambers. -Due to extreme high temperature degradation of pesticides and other inputs kept in conventional storages will increase

L

L

M

L

M

M

L

-introducing good post-harvest handling practices: shading harvested produces, immediate pre-cooling, and keeping in cold storages.-adequate packaging, using refrigerated trucks, and selling in stores having refrigeration units-Better design and improving insulation of cold storages. -All agricultural inputs sensitive to air temperature and humidity must be stored in climate controlled storage.

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SALTStrengthen resilience of vulnerable smallholders

-Due to extreme high temperature the income from household kitchen garden and presidential land will decrease-Livestock and dairy production may get sick -Lean periods may get longer -Most of irrigation water will be used by commercial farms and no adequate irrigation water will be available to farmers.-Problems with storing harvested or produced products

L

M

L

L

L

Multiple adaptation measures are included in the activity design. These include: -Establishing agriculture extension systems that will provide services to households sustainably and continuously.-Raising awareness of households on impact of climate change -Diversification of agricultural production through introducing new varieties and crops, and livestock breeds which are more tolerant to hot weather.-New production and processing technologies in fodder crop production-Introducing of farm income generating activities.-Households should become a members of local Water Users Associations to claim adequate water for their kitchen gardens.-Introducing of small cold storage technologies (Cool Bots)

--IP will have to conduct additional climate risk analysis when the list of innovative partnerships and competitive industries is well defined. This condition should be included in the solicitation and award environmental compliance language

-IP may work jointly with private sector and country governments to include climate resilience in future policies, strategies and programming. -IP may increase climate change resilience knowledge of agricultural, marketing, and transportation sectoral players -IP may increase the capacity of businesses to support disaster planning and management to ensure businesses protection from extreme events --IP may select innovation technologies with a lower greenhouse gases footprint and a reduction in waste where feasible. - Consider energy efficient technologies for cold chain transport

SALT, SWIT, MCH

Improve the Enabling Environment

Rising temperature and extreme weather events such as increased rainfall intensity that may result in flooding, work/office suspensions, and damage to infrastructure and equipment. If legislation and regulatory base doesn’t consider climate change effects, this can undermine all project success

L So far the risks are not considered sufficiently in national/local legislation in land, agriculture, and water use as well as in current activity design

IP will have to conduct additional climate risk analysis and consider incorporating climate change information/ projections/risks in the design of an activity sub-awards and grants and in all laws/regulatory acts which USAID works with in Tajikistan

--IP may work jointly with private sector and country governments to include climate resilience in future policies, strategies and programming. --Include climate-proofing in the activities and documents being developed together with the GOT. --Encourage GOT to develop climate risk analysis and management when applicable

SALT, SWIT, MCHTrainings, workshops, public events

Participants may not be able to get to training venues due to flooding, mudflows, landslides or other extreme weather-caused phenomena especially in mountain areas;

L Given that this assumption is true for mountainous areas, this should be taken in events planning Not in all events cases so far this has been considered.

IP should consider the climate change impacts on venue accessibility where applicable

-IP may consider alternative routes to project sites and event venues; Consider virtual site visits and trainings and flexibility built in schedule/virtual meeting

SALT, SWIT, MCHRenovation/ small construction of potable water and irrigation systems and

Possibility of damage to infrastructure due to increased frequency and intensity of floods and other extreme events.

Possibility of water source depletion

Latrines placement and design depends on a set of natural resources

M

M

L

Climate change adverse consequences are planned to be taken into account during each concrete case of water system or latrine design development in accordance with GOT legislation. IP will ensure that full study of a water source including its dependence on climate change (springs, aquifer, surface waters) is

IP will have to conduct additional climate risk along with other construction risks for small construction activities. This condition shall be included in the award environmental compliance language.Additional adaptation measures such as water source

Recommend inclusion of missing elements of climate resilience in national /local construction policies and procedures that may include relocation of some building and structures. Work with national, provincial and municipal government officials and planners on the availability and importance of construction standards; to alert designers and construction workers of enforcement of

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sanitary facilities such as latrines

conditions, including ground water level. If the level is raised due to climate change factors, the latrine should either be relocated or its design should be adjusted.

done prior to planning its further use with USAID financing.

protection, forest conservation and reforestation, water storage and recharge including ponds and rainwater harvesting may be considered.

standards

MCH, SWIT:Small construction activities; Provision/installation of medical, laboratory, and office equipment

Success of small construction/rehabilitation of buildings, as well as installation of medical, laboratory, and office equipment, depends on stability and quality of buildings where this equipment and supplies are going to be installed and used.

LThis normally presents low risk as currently in accordance with national legislation and construction code all designs are developed by licensed engineers and architects and approved by authorized governmental bodies in areas where construction is permitted (not flooded, no landslide threat, no mud-slide threat, not high seismicity, and various site-specific mitigation measures are taken into account)..

IP should consider all possible adaptation measures during construction planning stage. IP should explore all construction risks including climate change based on ADS 201 maw preferable approach and national legislation

Same as above

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ANNEX 4

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW CHECKLIST FOR IDENTIFYING POTENTIAL

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES AND

PROCESSES

for [Activity Name]

Implemented under: [Project Name]

DCN: [of Parent IEE]

Prepared by: [Implementer]

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ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW CHECKLIST FOR IDENTIFYING POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES AND PROCESSES

The Environmental Review Checklist for Identifying Potential Environmental Impacts of Project Activities and Processes (ERC) is intended for use mainly by implementing partners to: assess activity-specific baseline conditions, including applicable environmental requirements; identify potential adverse environmental effects associated with planned activity(s) and processes; and develop environmental mitigation and monitoring plans (EMMPs) that can effectively avoid or adequately minimize the identified effects. This ERC can also be substituted for other ERC versions that may have been attached to project initial environmental examinations (IEE). If implementing partners are in doubt about whether a planned activity requires preparation of an ERC, they should contact their Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)/Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) for clarification. (When preparing the checklist, please indicate “not applicable” for items that have no bearing on the activity.)

A. Activity and Site Information Project Name: (as stated in the triggering IEE)Mission/Country:DCN of Triggering IEE: Activity/Site Name:Type of Activity:Name of Reviewer and Summary of Professional Qualifications:Date of Review:

B. Activity Description 1. Activity purpose and need2. Location of activity3. Beneficiaries, e.g., size of community, number of school children, etc.4. Number of employees and annual revenue, if this is a business5. Implementation timeframe and schedule6. Detailed description of activity and site, e.g., size of the facility or hectares of land; steps that

will be taken to accomplish the activity7. Existing or planned certifications, e.g., ISO 14001 EMS, ISO 9000, HCCP, SA 8000, Global

Gap, Environmental Product Declarations, Eco Flower, EcoLogo, Cradle to Cradle, UL Environment, GREENGUARD, Fair Trade, Green Seal, LEED, or various Forest Certifications

8. Site map, e.g., provide an image from Google Earth of the location9. Photos of site (when available)

C. Activity-Specific Baseline Environmental Conditions 1. Population characteristics2. Geography3. Natural resources, e.g., nearby forest/protected areas, ground and surface water resources4. Current land use5. Proximity to public facilities, e.g. schools, hospitals, etc.6. Other relevant description of current environmental conditions in proximity to the activity

D. Legal, Regulatory, and Permitting Requirements1. National environmental impact assessment requirements for this activity2. Applicable National or local permits for this activity, responsible party, and schedule for

obtaining them:

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Permit Type Responsible party ScheduleZoningBuilding/ConstructionSource Material ExtractionWaste DisposalWastewaterStorm Water ManagementAir QualityWater UseHistorical or Cultural PreservationWetlands or Water bodiesThreatened or Endangered SpeciesOther

3. Additional national or other international environmental laws, conventions, standards with which the activity might be required to complya. Air emission standardsb. Water discharge standardsc. Solid waste disposal or storage regulationsd. Hazardous waste storage and disposale. Historical or cultural preservationf. Other

E. Engineering Safety and Integrity (for Sections E. and F., provide a discussion for any of the listed issues that are likely to have bearing on this activity)1. Will the activity be required to adhere to formal engineering designs/plans? Have

these been or will they be developed by a qualified engineer?2. Do designs/plans effectively and comprehensively address:

a. Management of storm water runoff and its effects?b. Reuse, recycling, and disposal of construction debris and by-products?c. Energy efficiency and/or preference for renewable energy sources?d. Pollution prevention and cleaner production measures?e. Maximum reliance on green building or green land-use approaches?f. Emergency response planning?g. Mitigation or avoidance of occupational safety and health hazards?h. Environmental management of mobilization and de-mobilization?i. Capacity of the host country recipient organization to sustain the environmental

management aspects of the activity after closure and handover?3. Are there known geological hazards, e.g., faults, landslides, or unstable soil structure,

which could affect the activity? If so, how will the project ensure structural integrity?4. Will the site require grading, trenching, or excavation? Will the activity generate

borrow pits? If so, how will these be managed during implementation and closure?5. Will the activity cause interference with the current drainage systems or conditions?

Will it increase the risk of flooding?6. Will the activity interfere with above- or below-ground utility transmission lines, e.g.,

communications, water, sewer, or natural gas?7. Will the activity potentially interfere with vehicle or pedestrian traffic? 8. Does the activity increase the risk of fire, explosion, or hazardous chemical releases?

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9. Does the activity require disposal or retrofitting of polychlorinated biphenyl-containing equipment, e.g., transformers or florescent light ballasts?

F. Environment, Health, and Safety Consequences 1. Potential impacts to public health and well-being

a. Will the activity require temporary or permanent property land taking?b. Will activities require temporary or permanent human resettlement?c. Will area residents and/or workers be exposed to pesticides, fertilizer, or other

toxic substances, e.g., as a result of farming or manufacturing? If so, how will the project:

i. Ensure that these chemicals do not contaminate ground or surface water? ii. Ensure that workers use protective clothing and equipment to prevent

exposure?iii. Control releases of these substances to air, water, and land?iv. Restrict access to the site to reduce the potential for human exposure?

d. Will the activity generate pesticide, chemical, or industrial wastes? Could these wastes potentially contaminate soil, groundwater or surface water?

e. Will chemical containers be stored at the site? f. Does the activity remove asbestos-containing materials or use of building materials

that may contain asbestos, formaldehyde, or other toxic materials? Can the project certify that building materials are non-toxic? If so, how will these wastes be disposed of?

g. Will the activity generate other solid or hazardous wastes such as construction debris, dry or wet cell batteries, fluorescent tubes, aerosol cans, paint, solvents, etc.? If so, how will this waste be disposed of?

h. Will the activity generate nontoxic, nonhazardous solid wastes (subsequently requiring land resources for disposal)?

i. Will the activity pose the need to handle and dispose of medical wastes? If so, describe measures of ensuring occupational and public health and safety, both onsite and offsite.

j. Does the activity provide a new source of drinking water for a community? If so, how will the project monitor water quality in accordance with health standards?

k. Will the activity potentially disturb soil contaminated with toxic or hazardous materials?

l. Will activities, e.g., construction, refurbishment, demolition, or blasting, result in increased noise or light pollution, which could adversely affect the natural or human environment?

2. Atmospheric and air quality impactsa. Will the activity result in increased emission of air pollutants from a vent or as

fugitive releases, e.g., soot, sulfur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, volatile organic compounds, methane.

b. Will the activity involve burning of wood or biomass? c. Will the activity install, operate, maintain, or decommission systems containing

ozone depleting substances, e.g., freon or other refrigerants?d. Will the activity generate an increase in carbon emissions?e. Will the activity increase odor and/or noise?

3. Water quality changes and impacts a. How far is the site located from the nearest river, stream, or lake?

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b. Will the activity disturb wetland, lacustrine, or riparian areas?c. What is the depth to groundwater at the site?d. Will the activity result in increased ground or surface water extraction? If so, what

are the volumes? Permit requirements?e. Will the activity discharge domestic or industrial sewage to surface, ground water,

or publicly-owned treatment facility?f. Does the activity result in increased volumes of stormwater run-off and/or is there

potential for discharges of potentially contaminated (including suspended solids) storm water?

g. Will the activity result in the runoff of pesticides, fertilizers, or toxic chemicals into surface water or groundwater?

h. Will the activity result in discharge of livestock wastes such as manure or blood into surface water?

i. Does the site require excavation, placing of fill, or substrate removal (e.g., gravel) from a river, stream or lake?

4. Land use changes and impactsa. Will the activity convert fallow land to agricultural land?b. Will the activity convert forest land to agricultural land?c. Will the activity convert agricultural land to commercial, industrial, or residential

uses?d. Will the activity require onsite storage of liquid fuels or hazardous materials in

bulk quantities?e. Will the activity result in natural resource extraction, e.g., granite, limestone, coal,

lignite, oil, or gas?f. Will the activity alter the viewshed of area residents or others?

5. Impacts to forestry, biodiversity, protected areas and endangered speciesa. Is the site located adjacent to a protected area, national park, a nature preserve, or wildlife

refuge?b. Is the site located in or near threatened or endangered (T&E) species habitat? Is there a plan

for identifying T&E species during activity implementation? If T&E species are identified during implementation, is there a formal process for halting work, avoiding impacts, and notifying authorities?

c. Is the site located in a migratory bird flight or other animal migratory pathway?d. Will the activity involve harvesting of non-timber forest products, e.g., mushrooms,

medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), herbs, or woody debris?e. Will the activity involve tree removal or logging? If so, please describe.

6. Historic or cultural resourcesa. Are there cultural or historic sites located at or near the site? If so, what is the distance from

these? What is the plan for avoiding disturbance or notifying authorities?b. Are there unique ethnic or traditional cultures or values present in the site? If so, what is the

applicable preservation plan?

G. Further Analysis of Recommended Actions (if the applicable IEE requires the use of ERCs to perform further analysis of recommended actions, then check the appropriate box below. If this analysis is not required, then skip this and proceed with Section H. If required by the IEE, the ERC shall be copied to the Bureau Environmental Officer (BEO)).

1. Categorical Exclusion: ☐ The activity is not likely to have an effect on the natural or physical environment. No further environmental review is required.*

2. Negative Determination with Conditions: ☐ The activity does not have potentially

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significant adverse environmental, health, or safety effects, but may contribute to minor impacts that can be eliminated or adequately minimized by appropriate mitigation measures. EMMPs shall be developed, approved by the Mission Environmental Officer (MEO) (and the BEO if required by the IEE) prior to beginning the activity, incorporated into workplans, and then implemented. See Sections H and I below.*

3. Positive Determination: ☐ The activity has potentially significant adverse environmental effects and requires further analysis of alternatives, solicitation of stakeholder input, and incorporation of environmental considerations into activity design. A Scoping Statement must be prepared and be submitted to the BEO for approval. Following BEO approval an Environmental Assessment (EA) will be conducted. The activity may not be implemented until the BEO clears the final EA. For activities related to the procurement, use, or training related to pesticides, a PERUSAP will be prepared for BEO approval.

4. Activity Cancellation: ☐ The activity poses significant and unmitigable adverse environmental effects. Adequate EMMPs cannot be developed to eliminate these effects and alternatives are not feasible. The project is not recommended for funding.

*Note regarding applicability related to Pesticides (216.2(e): The exemptions of §216.2(b)(l) and the categorical exclusions of §216.2(c)(2) such as technical assistance, education, and training are not applicable to assistance for the procurement or use of pesticides.

H. EMMPs (Using the format provided below, or its equivalent, list the processes that comprise the activity, then for each, identify impacts requiring further consideration, and for each impact describe the mitigation and monitoring measures that will be implemented to avoid or adequately minimize the impacts. All environment, health, and safety impacts requiring further consideration, which were identified in Section F., should be addressed)

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Activity-specific environmental mitigation plan (Upon request, the MEO may be able to provide your project with example EMMPs that are specific to your activity.)

Processes Identified Environmental

Impacts

Do the Impacts Require Further Consideration?

Mitigation Measures Monitoring Indicators

Monitoring and Reporting Frequency

ResponsibleParties

Records Generated

List all the processes that comprise the activity(s)(e.g. asbestos roof removal, installation of toilets, remove and replace flooring) A line should be included for each process.

A single process may have several potential impacts—provide a separate line for each.

For each impact, indícate Yes or No; if No, provide justification, e.g.,:(1) There are no applicable legal requirements including permits or reporting and(2) There is no relevant community concern and(3) Pollution prevention is not feasible or practical and(4) Does not pose a risk because of low severity, frequency, or duration

For each impact requiring further consideration, describe the mitigation measures that will avoid or adequately minimize the impact. (If mitigation measures are well-specified in the IEE, quote directly from IEE.)

Specify indicators to (1) determine if mitigation is in place and (2) successful.

For example, visual inspections for seepage around pit latrine; sedimentation at stream crossings, etc.)

For example:“Monitor weekly, and report in quarterly reports. If XXX occurs, immediately inform USAID COR/AOR.”

Separate parties responsible for mitigation from those responsible for reporting, whenever appropriate,

If appropriate, describe types of records generated by the mitigation, monitoring, and reporting process.

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I. Certification of No Adverse or Significant Effects on the EnvironmentI, the undersigned, certify that activity-specific baseline conditions and applicable environmental requirements have been properly assessed; environment, health, and safety impacts requiring further consideration have been comprehensively identified; and that adverse impacts will be effectively avoided or sufficiently minimized by proper implementation of the EMMP(s) in Section G. If new impacts requiring further consideration are identified or new mitigation measures are needed, I will be responsible for notifying the USAID COR/AOR, as soon as practicable. Upon completion of activities, I will submit a Record of Compliance with Activity-Specific EMMPs using the format provided in ERC Annex 1 or its equivalent.

_________________________________________Implementer Project Director/COP Name

_____________________________Date

J. Approvals:

_________________________________________USAID COR/AOR Name

_______________________________Date

_________________________________________Mission Environmental Officer Name

_______________________________Date

Distribution:

● Project Files

● Bureau Environmental Officer

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ERC ANNEX 1RECORD OF COMPLIANCE WITH ACTIVITY-SPECIFIC

ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION AND MONITORING PLANS (EMMPs)

Subject: Site or Activity Name/Primary Project

Name/IEE DCN NumberTo: COR/AOR/Activity Manager NameCopy: Mission Environmental Officer NameDate:

The [name of the implementing organization] has finalized its activities at the [site name] to [describe activities and processes that were undertaken]. This memorandum is to certify that our organization has met all conditions of the EMMPs for this activity. A summary of how mitigation and monitoring requirements were met is provided below.

1. Mobilization and Site Preparation

2. Activity Implementation Phase

3. Site Closure Phase

4. Activity Handover

Sincerely,

_________________________________________Implementer Project Director/COP Name

____________________________Date

Approved:

_____________________________________USAID/COR/AOR/Activity Manager Name

____________________________Date

Distribution:

● Project Files

● MEO

● Bureau Environmental Officer

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ANNEX 5 Relationship of new FTF activities to other USAID and donor programs

The three new activities are build upon the successes and lessons learned from the USAID completed as well as currently on-going activities; they will also be coordinated with various donor activities listed below.

SALTSALT will replace the four current FTF agriculture related activities in Tajikistan’s portfolio described below, with the objective to reduce hunger, malnutrition and poverty of smallholder farmers. .

● Land Market Development Activity (LMDA), 11/2016-08/2020 . LMDA promotes market based principles for land tenure and works to establish a functioning agricultural land market to allow the transferability of land use rights (buying, selling, leasing), and a simple transparent land registration process, while ensuring gender equality in rights and processes. The activity focuses on land policy and legal development, private sector capacity development to support a land market, simplification of land registration procedures and expansion of knowledge of land use rights among rural government and citizens, especially female landholders.

● Tajikistan Agriculture and Water Activity (TAWA) , 10/2015-3/2020 . TAWA is designed to increase the production and consumption of highly nutritious crops and livestock products through improved agriculture extension services, introduction of extended-seasonal vegetables and improved varieties of fruit trees, new technology for dairy production, and irrigation/water management. Through these interventions, the project will improve the nutrition of women of childbearing age and children younger than two.

● Women's Entrepreneurship for Empowerment Project (WEEP), 09/2014-10/2017. This activity helped women entrepreneurs start new businesses by providing them with access to finance, business training, modern technologies and improved agricultural inputs (seeds, fertilizer, and pesticides).

● Tajikistan Nutrition-Sensitive Vegetable Technologies Project (TNSVT), 10/2014-09/2018 . This activity aims to improve nutrition outcomes by introducing improved production methods, including employing greenhouses for extended seasonal production, fostering the use of containerized seedling production, and introducing more nutritious vegetable varieties. Greenhouses are the cornerstone of extended season production, allowing for earlier and later production of vegetables in the ZOI.

● Potato Production Support & Research to Improve Food Security in Khatlon, 10/2014-9/2019 . This activity aims to improve food security in Khatlon Province by addressing dietary deficiencies and increasing potato productivity, stability and competitiveness. The project also improves household incomes of resource-poor farmers in water stress-prone areas of West Khatlon.

Although SALT will replace the above activities, to the extent the program intervention overlaps with the above activities, SALT will coordinate with them. In addition, SALT will coordinate with, or learn from, the following USAID and other donor activities and initiatives.

● Donor Coordination Council (DCC) Food Security and Nutrition Working Group. USAID is the Co-Chair for the DCC Food Security and Nutrition Working Group. This Working Group aims to advocate for sufficient levels of government funds budgeted to support food, nutrition, and livelihood security for increased community resilience. The Working Group coordinates with other relevant DCC Working Groups such as health, social protection, education, and agriculture. SALT will leverage the collective efforts of the Working Group to maximize coordination. SALT will consistently identify ways to involve host-country partners and institutions to further advance their role in Tajikistan’s self-reliance continuum.

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● FTF Tajikistan Health and Nutrition Activity (TH&N), 9/2019-09/2020 . Improving integrated healthcare at all levels. The program focuses on maternal, newborn, and child health, with an emphasis on nutrition, sanitation, and hygiene.

● Tajikistan Agribusiness Competitiveness Activity (ACAT), 7/2018-7/2023 . Improving agribusiness competitiveness for sustainable economic growth through on-farm and off-farm investment in supportive infrastructure and services in rural areas. Targeted demand-driven assistance to producer groups, market integrators, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

● Prevention and Treatment of Moderate Acute Malnutrition in Tajikistan, 6/2017-6/2021 . Assists malnourished children in 140 Primary Health Centers in five pilot districts through the provision of specialized nutritious food.

● THRIVE Global Development Alliance (GDA), 2018-2023 . Supporting small-scale agriculture productivity and building the capacity of local governments to provide services, including drinking water supply and sanitation along the border of Afghanistan and Tajikistan (follow-on to ESCoMIAD GDA with similar objectives).

● Towards Rural Inclusive Growth and Economic Resilience ( TRIGGER), ),2016 –2020.The objective of this GIZ (German Corporation for International Cooperation) activity is to strengthen the enabling environment and development in select value chains in agriculture, construction, energy-efficient housing and their market linkages.

● Institutional/Legal Reform: Ministries of Agriculture and Economic Growth and Trade, 2012-2020 . This Food and Agricultural Organization/European Union project supports the Ministry of Agriculture in policy reforms. A new cooperatives law is soon to be released as well as a food safety standards strategy.

● GIZ Mother Infant Child Nutrition, 2016-2019 . This activity works to improve the nutrition of women and children in 20 villages of Khatlon by strengthening institutional, human and organizational capacities of public health centers.

● World Bank Tajikistan Agricultural Competitiveness Project, 2014-2022 . This activity aims to increase the commercialization of farm and agribusiness products in selected value chains through technical support, access to finance and institutional capacity building. This Activity will reach 12,500 beneficiaries.

● International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) Community-Based Agriculture Support Project, 2017-2023. Works on inclusive economic growth/poverty reduction in poor rural communities improving access to infrastructure, services, and technology leading to sustainable agricultural production. The geographic focus is Khatlon and Sughd provinces.

● Asian Development Bank (ADB) Tajikistan Climate Resilience Dairy Value Chain Development Project, TBD.. The objective is to strengthen the enabling environment and institutional capacity for dairy development and increase productivity in dairy value chains. The activity is focused on Khatlon and Sughd provinces.

SWIT

● Local Government Initiative (LGI), 2002-2006. The initiative focused on laying the legal foundation for local governance reform and strengthening local governments’ capacity in delivering services. Within this initiative, USAID offered a variety of basic capacity building training programs for local authorities to work with citizens on issues of service delivery and setting fees for services through

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public hearings. All these efforts culminated in the signing of the Public Administration Reform Strategy in March 2006.

● Local Governance and Citizen Participation Program (LGCP), 2006-2009 . As a continuation of the above mentioned activity, the new Task Order broadened the local governance reform promoting decentralization of services. As a result, in August 2009 President Rahmon signed the landmark Law on Local Self-Government in Towns and Townships giving new authority to municipalities, which is the most fundamental and constitutionally-recognized local entity in Tajikistan

● Local Development Initiative (LDI), 2009-2012 .With this activity, USAID supported improving local governments’ capacity in developing their own budget request, conducting public hearings, implementing small-scale infrastructure projects, managing municipal assets, developing and implementing local development plans, and improving communication between local government and citizens.

● Tajikistan Safe Drinking Water (TSDW), 2009-2012. As a result of this activity, USAID increased access to potable water for 100,000 people in rural communities and reduced the incidence of water-related diseases for half a million rural residents through increasing household hygiene practices. It established local water boards to improve the long-term technical and financial sustainability of potable water services and management of potable water quality and quantity in target communities.

● Local Governance Project (LGP), 2012-2017. With this activity, USAID continued promoting sustainable, safe drinking water supply in 20 rural municipalities and build local capacity for public and private provision of services. It focused not only on technical design and construction of water systems, but also on capacity-building with local government, SCOs (such as neighborhood associations) and local citizens around effective management and sustainable service delivery. It promoted the role of women in water management and piloted innovative financing models, such as Public Private Partnerships for service provision. It constructed/rehabilitated 20 drinking water systems across Tajikistan, delivering clean drinking water tor 51,460 individuals.

● Global Development Alliance Thrive Tajikistan: Partnership for Socio Economic Development 2018- 2023. Under this activity, USAID will provide sustainable access to safe and clean drinking water for over 41,300 people and extend access to improved sanitation services to over 41,300 people.

MCH

● FTF Tajikistan Health and Nutrition Activity (THNA) 2019 -2020 . The goal of the activity is improving integrated healthcare at all levels. The program focuses on maternal, newborn, and child health, with an emphasis on nutrition, sanitation, and hygiene.

● Prevention and Treatment of Moderate Acute Malnutrition in Tajikistan 2017-2021 . the goal of the activity is to assists malnourished children in 140 Primary Health Centers in five pilot districts through the provision of specialized nutritious food.

● World Food Program Fortification . Supporting national efforts in food fortification of staple foods.

● UNICEF Universal Salt Iodization . The goal of the activity is to provide technical assistance to MOHSPP, Salt producers and control agencies to ensure QA/QC over the level of salt iodization.

● ADB Maternal and Child Health Integrated Care Project, 2019-2025 . It addresses inadequate funding, outdated infrastructure and health facilities, lack of qualified medical professionals and healthcare providers, in rural areas in Fayzobod, Rasht, and Shamsiddin Shohin districts.

● GIZ Maternal, neonatal and child health (MNCH) project, 2016-2019.The main goal of the activity is to decrease the neonatal mortality rate in 10 districts of the Kulob part in the Khatlon oblast (Southern Tajikistan).

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● GIZ Mother Infant Child Nutrition, 2016-201.: The goal is to improve the nutrition of women and children in 20 villages of Khatlon by strengthening institutional, human and organizational capacities of public health centers.

● World Bank Health service improvement project, 2013-2019. Project contributes to the improvement of the coverage and quality of basic primary health care services in rural health facilities in selected districts through 1. performance-based financing, 2. improve the capacity of PHC providers to deliver quality services 3. project management, coordination, and monitoring and evaluation.

● UNICEF Various MNCH and Nutrition activities : Range of MNCH and Nutrition activities: TA to MOHSPP and capacity building on neonatal health and resuscitation, on: development of the 1000 days communication strategy, early detection/early intervention. IMCI essential drugs distribution, Vit A supplementation, HIV PMTCT, GAVI HSS/immunization grant, SBC communication on MCH guidelines in 12 districts (Rohnamo). Costing of the MCH services.

● WFP Various Nutrition and Food security activities: Monitoring of Food security situation in Tajikistan, Feel the Nutrition Gap assessment + cost of diet study.

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ecd.usaid.gov · web viewcountry. . khatlon’s irrigated lands, which have been dominated by...

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