Little Earth Expands its Work to New Communities in Yaghnob Valley

From 2021 to 2025, Little Earth, in partnership with Centralasiengrupperna, worked with women and families in five mountain villages of Yaghnob to promote sustainable energy solutions, strengthen women’s participation and build connections with local support networks.

During this period, 40 women and their families benefited from clean-energy and energy-efficient solutions. The first community solar-powered sewing center was established in Mahtimayn, while 10 active women took part in a study tour aimed at strengthening leadership skills and local partnerships. Roundtables and a seminar in Dushanbe also provided opportunities to share experiences related to sustainable energy and community action.

In 2026, Little Earth is building on this experience and expanding its activities to the villages of Dehbaland, Qul and Gharmayn. As a first step, women from the three villages participated in capacity-building training on climate change, its impacts, sustainable energy solutions and efficient household resource management. For all participants, this was their first experience taking part in this type of training. The sessions also provided space to discuss local environmental challenges and practical ways to make households more sustainable.

In August 2026, participants continued learning about natural resource management and the role of protected areas, as well as gender equality and women’s leadership in rural development. A trainer with extensive experience working in rural regions was invited to conduct a training. During the training, various interactive methods were used, including general discussions, small group work, mini-lectures, brainstorming sessions, role-playing games and energizers. The format of the training delivery is essential considering the low literacy rate among the women in Yaghnob. This made it possible to create the necessary conditions to overcome existing barriers and involve participants in discussions.

In the coming weeks, ten active women will take part in a three-day study tour, and 30 participating households will receive clean-energy kits that include solar lighting systems and solar shower bags. Through the new phase of the project, Little Earth aims to bring approaches tested in previous years to new communities while strengthening women’s participation in sustainable natural resource management in Yaghnob.


The project "Sustainable Use of Natural Resources and Women's Participation in the Mountain Communities of Yaghnob" phase II is implemented with the financial support of SIDA in partnership with the Centralasiengrupperna and co-funded by WECF.