Charitable Trust New Zealand
The Kyrgyzstan New Zealand Rural Trust was established in New Zealand in 2007 after the completion of an NZAID funded rural development project in 2005 – 2006. We are now a registered charitable trust with Donee Status under New Zealand tax law.
NZAID funded the Strengthening Livestock Communities in Mountainous Regions (SLCMR) Project in Naryn for two reasons: the prevailing widespread and deep poverty levels, and the relevance of New Zealand’s livestock production technologies to improving the livelihoods of village families.
Two local farm advisory and community development agencies have been contracted to provide hands-on backup to the Trust’s farmer groups. RAS was established with Swiss, IFAD and World Bank support while Tendesh Zaman was initiated by UNDP.
On the Trust’s behalf, RAS and TZ have expanded the village development programme to 8 villages over the last 3 years. We are likely to consolidate our performance in these villages for a year or two before contemplating further expansion. There are currently 700 beneficiary families in 8 villages, representing 40% of the poor in those villages.