Impact of grape production to improved family income in Uzbekistan: (Case study of small-scale grape producers in Samarkand region, Republic of Uzbekistan)

抄録

Uzbekistan is one of the developing countries in Central Asia (CA) with an area of 447,400 sq. km. Agriculture production almost fully developed under irrigated agriculture. Arable land accounts 4.4 million hectares, or about 10% of Uzbekistan’s total area. The role of agriculture is vital in national economy, especially in terms of food security, employment and considered as important income source for 4.7 million of households that operate dehkan (small-scale) farms in rural and disproportionally poor communities.

Uzbekistan is one of the top 15 grape producer country with 1.7 millions of tons (2.19%) for table (78.4%), dried (17.8%) and wine (3.7%) grapes. (FAO 2019, 2019 statistical report on world vitiviniculture). Most table grapes are grown in the south, especially in Samarkand and Fergana Valley, as well as in the Tashkent region. One of the cash crops for dehkan is grape and can improve of household income of the rural areas.

This study was carried out in thirteen villages: Samarkand region to identify the current conditions and challenges of local dehkan grape producers, regarding their income, consumption expenditure and food security, with due attention to heterogeneity among the farmers. Results from the analysis showed that viticulture contributed to more than four-fifths (84.1%) of total dehkan income and played a significant role in its welfare. We divided respondents into four groups by farm size (1^st group: <0.36 ha, 2^nd group: 0.36-0.50 ha, 3^rd group: 0.51-0.70 ha and 4^th group: >0.70 ha), and found differences among them in various household characteristics including the importance of viniculture income. Also, several challenges were identified; namely, lack of infrastructure, prevalence of pests and diseases, high prices of inputs, water shortage, low prices of grapes and raisin, lack of capital, limited access to markets, and lack of skills. This study has provided important implications toward viniculture development and further increases in dehkan income and their well-being.