On April 14, 2025, WIUT and IAMO jointly organized a dynamic and insightful Workshop on Experimental and Behavioral Economics Research at the WIUT campus. This event brought together faculty and researchers interested in Behavioral and Experimental Economics to explore core research methodologies, experimental design, and data analysis techniques.

Highlights included:

✅ Hands-on sessions on z-Tree, oTree, R, and Stata

✅ Engaging talks on behavioral biases and lab-in-the-field experiments

✅ Discussions on establishing a Behavioral Research Lab at WIUT

✅ An interactive Q&A to support faculty-led research initiatives

Special thanks to our guest speakers from WIUT, IAMO, and international institutions for sharing their valuable expertise! We are excited about the growing interest in behavioral research and look forward to building a vibrant research community at WIUT.

From April 7–11, 2025, Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) hosted the Spring School on Econometric Analysis of Farmers’ Adoption Decisions of Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Part II. This week-long training brought together PhD students, researchers, and analysts for hands-on sessions using Stata, focusing on advanced techniques like Ordered/Multivariate Probit, Propensity Score Matching, and Marginal Treatment Effect models.

Organized under the UzFarmBarometer project—a joint initiative by CPRO at WIUT and the Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO)—the program aimed to strengthen the analytical capacity for evidence-based agricultural policy and research in Uzbekistan.

Big thanks to all our participants, trainers, and partners for making this a successful and insightful week!

On February 26, the World Bank and Development Strategy Center hosted a vital discussion on the latest findings from the Listening to the Citizens of Uzbekistan dataset. Since 2018, this dataset—collected with support from the UK—has provided critical insights into household well-being, covering income trends, food security, employment, and access to public services. On February 26, the World Bank and Development Strategy Center conducted a roundtable discussion on the analysis of listening to citizens of Uzbekistan. The World Bank has been collecting the dataset with the help of the UK since 2018. It measures various indicators of the well-being of respondents residing in households in rural and urban areas, including their income, coping mechanisms, food security, access to employment, and certain public services.

There are a few takeaways from the data analysis on how people responded to changes in recent months.

First, income growth trends. In 2023, the income growth was substantially higher among richer households, resulting in income inequality. Yet, income growth in 2024 became more favourable to poorer families, especially in rural areas, indicating a pro-poor growth pattern. The analysis highlights disparities in income growth among different regions and income groups, with rural poor households experiencing relatively higher income growth.

Second, food security concerns. The data indicates that household food insecurity indicators have remained stable despite economic challenges. The stability in food security metrics suggests effective policy interventions or robustness in this sector despite external pressures.

Third, concerns about price and energy tariffs. With relatively stable inflation, public concern about price levels has declined, suggesting either successful stabilization measures by the government or a lag in the public response to price changes. The impact of energy tariff reforms initiated in May 2024 indicates that while most know the reforms, opinions are divided on the tariff levels. Over 60% of respondents said the increase was unreasonable. The results show that many poorer households require additional support to manage their energy bills. Yet, the households mentioned that after the price increase, the quality of the electricity supply improved with fewer blackouts.

Fourth, public opinion on reforms. The results show that a stable majority of the public believes that the government is effectively engaging in dialogue and that reforms are on the right track. This suggests a positive public perception of current government actions and dialogue regarding political, social, and economic reforms.

In a significant step towards advancing social sciences and fostering research excellence, Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) and Institute for Development of Social Protection under the National Agency of Social Protection under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan have signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This exciting partnership sets the stage for a vibrant collaboration, focusing on organizing high-level scientific and practical seminars, conferences, and training sessions aimed at driving innovation in the social sector. The MoU also promises to provide invaluable support to young professionals, researchers, and students, encouraging their active participation in socio-economic research. Additionally, both institutions will engage in the exchange of international and national best practices through study visits and familiarization trips, enriching their collective expertise. Together, they will work on developing advanced methodologies for socio-economic research, contributing to the enhancement of social protection policies in Uzbekistan and cultivating the next generation of leaders in the field.

Did you know that 60% of pesticides used in Uzbekistan are banned in the EU? This overreliance on chemical-intensive farming threatens our health, the environment, and the global market potential of our agricultural products. 

The new article prepared by the research fellows of CPRO discusses the issue of excessive use of pesticides in Uzbekistan. The article, published yesterday on Daryo.uz, is based on a detailed study, which will be published as CPRO policy brief later today.  
 
The article discusses these issues:  
Alignment of ministries to balance food safety, sustainability, and public health. 
Creating fast-track frameworks to promote eco-friendly biopesticides. 
Providing financial incentives and training for farmers for greener practices. 
Implementing robust monitoring, residue testing, and waste management systems.

Full article is here: https://daryo.uz/k/2024/12/25/pestitsid 

#Sustainability #GreenAgriculture #Innovation #PublicHealth #Uzbekistan

Center for Policy Research and Outreach (CPRO), in collaboration with the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, hosted an expert roundtable discussion titled “Conceptual Issues of Local Government Reforms in the Context of Constitutional Changes in the Republic of Uzbekistan.”

The event brought together leading experts, professors from various universities, and representatives from Oliy Majlis to deliberate on the conceptual foundations of local governance reform and explore pathways for its effective implementation in Uzbekistan.

Participants shared their insights on the current state of local governance, highlighting challenges and proposing solutions. CPRO research fellows, Professor Isa Khamedov and Igor Tsay, presented an in-depth analysis of the issues surrounding local governance and shared recommendations inspired by the experiences of Turkey and Poland.

As the discussion concluded, participants outlined key priorities for the reform agenda and committed to submitting comprehensive recommendations to the working group responsible for finalizing the reform package.

This roundtable marks a significant step toward enhancing the local governance system in Uzbekistan, aligning it with international best practices while addressing the unique needs of the country

A recent study coauthored by the UzFarmBarometer project researchers sheds light on the adoption of cotton combine services and its impact on farm technical efficiency in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Drawing on data from 511 cotton-growing farms collected in 2019, the study employs stochastic frontier analysis to explore the role of mechanization in improving productivity.

The findings reveal that mechanized cotton harvesting through combine services enhances technical efficiency by streamlining the harvesting process. However, the adoption and benefits vary significantly between the two countries. In Kazakhstan, where the cotton sector has been liberalized, over half of the surveyed farmers use combines, driven by labor availability and costs. Conversely, in Uzbekistan, combines are less common due to historical reliance on manual labor and government control.

The study highlights key determinants of efficiency, such as crop diversification and soil quality. Interestingly, Uzbek farmers were found to be more technically efficient than their Kazakh counterparts, albeit less productive, reflecting the different institutional and market environments. The research emphasizes the need for tailored mechanization policies that consider regional labor dynamics and provide alternative employment opportunities for displaced workers.

These insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers aiming to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability through mechanization in Central Asia.

The full paper is available at:

Bilal, M., Tadjiev, A., Djanibekov, N. (2024). "The adoption of cotton combine services and farm technical efficiency: evidence from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan." Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies. https://doi.org/10.1108/JADEE-06-2024-0207

In a significant move towards agricultural modernization, Uzbekistan has undertaken substantial reforms to transition from a state-controlled agricultural system to a market-oriented one. The recent contribution by the UzFarmBarometer project researchers to a book New Uzbekistan, edited by Bakhrom Mirkasimov and Richard Pomfret, provides a review of the recent transformative changes in agricultural sector of Uzbekistan, highlighting the Agri-food Development Strategy for 2020-2030. This strategy aims to modernize and diversify the agricultural sector, reduce state intervention, and promote private investments, ensuring sustainable and competitive growth.

The reforms have notably liberalized the cotton and wheat markets, abolished state quotas, and introduced public grain reserves to stabilize wheat prices. These changes have led to increased productivity and higher farm-gate prices, significantly benefiting farmers. The government has also taken steps to eliminate forced labor in cotton picking, transitioning to fair recruitment methods and acceptable monetary remuneration, which have been supported by awareness-raising campaigns on labor rights and increased wages for cotton pickers.

The establishment of cotton-textile clusters has played a crucial role in the reforms, enhancing processing efficiency and providing farmers with better access to inputs and investment in new machinery and textile equipment. These clusters are expected to boost export revenues by accessing international textile markets. However, the transition has not been without challenges. Issues such as cluster monopsony, land tenure insecurity, and the lack of farmers' bargaining power within the newly established system pose significant obstacles.

The horticulture and livestock sectors have seen substantial growth, with the government setting ambitious goals to increase fruit and vegetable exports and diversify export markets. Despite the positive developments, small-scale farmers and smallholders still face significant challenges due to fragmentation and limited access to modern production technologies and markets. The government aims to support these sectors by improving market access and attracting public investment in productivity-enhancing initiatives.

Overall, Uzbekistan's agricultural reforms represent a bold and historically unprecedented effort to increase agricultural production and competitiveness. By addressing both long-standing and emerging challenges, these reforms aim to create a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agricultural sector that can support the country's economic growth and food security goals.

The book chapter can be accessed here:

Djanibekov, N., Petrick, M., Herzfeld, T. (2024) Agriculture and rural development reforms. In: Mirkasimov, B., Pomfret, R. (eds.) New Uzbekistan: The Third Renaissance. Routledge, pp. 112-134.

A recent publication with contribution of the UzFarmBarometer project researchers highlights critical insights into the resilience of farmers in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Amid significant economic shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic and rising input prices, the study reveals that agricultural training and enhanced decision-making autonomy are pivotal in maintaining farm technical efficiency. This resilience is crucial for the sustainable development of agrifood systems in Central Asia's volatile environment.

Using unique panel datasets from 2018 to 2021, researchers found that farms which received extensive training and greater production-related autonomy were better equipped to handle price surges in key inputs like oil, diesel, and chemical fertilizers. These findings underscore the importance of providing public goods such as training and creating an enabling environment that empowers farmers. Notably, the ability to maintain high technical efficiency while reducing the use of environmentally harmful inputs also points to a move towards more sustainable farming practices.

These results have significant policy implications. For governments in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, investing in agricultural training and granting farmers more autonomy can enhance the resilience of agrifood systems. Such measures are aligned with Uzbekistan's Agrifood Development Strategy 2020-2030, aiming to diversify agriculture and improve land tenure security. Continuous data collection and tailored policy strategies will be essential in supporting these initiatives, providing a roadmap for other regions facing similar socioeconomic challenges.

The paper can be accessed here:

Takeshima, H., Djanibekov, N., Abduvallieva, B., Mirkasimov, B., Akramov, K. (2024): Resilience in technical efficiency and enabling factors: Insights from panel farm enterprise surveys in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Applied Economics, https://doi.org/10.1080/00036846.2024.2405203

A recent publication coauthored by the UzFarmBarometer project researchers highlights the growing impact of social media on farm performance in Central Asia. The study investigates the determinants and impact of farmers' participation in social media groups within the irrigated areas of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The research, based on a 2022 survey of cotton-growing farm managers, explores how farmers use social media groups for information exchange and the subsequent effects on their agricultural practices. The findings reveal that participation in these groups is influenced by various factors, including age, education, mobile internet access, and farm location. Notably, younger farmers with better mobile internet connectivity and those open to new technologies are more likely to engage in these digital communities.

The study underscores the significant benefits of social media group participation, which include improved access to timely and relevant agricultural information, enhanced decision-making, and increased farm productivity. In Kazakhstan, farmers participating in social media groups tend to be younger, better educated, and more connected digitally, while in Uzbekistan, the emphasis is on the practical benefits of mobile internet for farm business. These insights are crucial for developing strategies to promote digital technologies among farmers, aiming to boost agricultural productivity and sustainability in Central Asia.

The paper can be accessed here:

Kurbanov, Z., Tadjiev, A., Djanibekov, N., Akramkhanov, A., Govind, A. (2024) Farmers’ participation in messenger-based social groups and its effects on performance in irrigated areas of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Agribusiness. https://doi.org/10.1002/agr.21995

The policy brief based on this study can be accessed here:

Djanibekov, N., Kurbanov, Z., Tadjiev, A., Govind, A., Akramkhanov, A. (2023): Farmers' social media groups for better extension and advisory services. IAMO Policy Brief No. 46, Halle (Saale).