Gender equality is a key to eliminating poverty and hunger, as it has been demonstrated by the FAO throughout its research worldwide. As part of the FAO efforts on generating evidence and knowledge, and in compliance with the FAO Policy on Gender Equality, the purpose of the Country Gender Assessment for Uzbekistan is to contribute to the production of knowledge for better informed, targeted and gender sensitive actions in agriculture and rural development. It has been produced as it is required in the FAO Policy on Gender Equality, and was validated in a high-level national workshop with representatives from the government, civil society, international organizations, academia and ambassadors.

This publication, prepared by the Asian Development Bank in close cooperation with the Women's Committee of Uzbekistan, contains a comprehensive analysis of the socioeconomic aspects of gender equality in Uzbekistan. It covers a wide range of issues related to empowering women by increasing their economic activity in various sectors. The recommendations of the assessment can be used to develop a long-term strategy for the Asian Development Bank and the Women's Committee of Uzbekistan, including programs aiming to increase women's employment and income generation and combat traditional gender stereotypes to further enhance their role and status.

A study of the economic, social and environmental factors in contemporary Uzbekistan's rural development and their effects on the economy and society of the country as a whole. Special attention is given to problems of water resources and irrigation, agricultural problems and reforms, population growth and migration, and food supply, all in the context of Uzbekistan's diverse regions.

The 'Gender in Agriculture Sourcebook' provides an up-to-date understanding of gender issues and a rich compilation of compelling evidence of good practices and lessons learned to guide practitioners in integrating gender dimensions into agricultural projects and programs. It is serves as a tool for: guidance; showcasing key principles in integrating gender into projects; stimulating the imagination of practitioners to apply lessons learned, experiences, and innovations to the design of future support and investment in the agriculture sector. The Sourcebook draws on a wide range of experience from World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and other donor agencies, governments, institutions, and groups active in agricultural development. The Sourcebook looks at: access to and control of assets; access to markets, information and organization; and capacity to manage risk and vulnerability through a gender lens. There are 16 modules covering themes of cross-cutting importance for agriculture with strong gender dimensions (Policy, Public Administration and Governance; Agricultural Innovation and Education; Food Security; Markets; Rural Finance; Rural Infrastructure; Water; Land; Labor; Natural Resource Management; and Disaster and Post-Conflict Management) and specific subsectors in agriculture (Crops, Livestock, Forestry, and Fisheries). A separate module on Monitoring and Evaluation is included, responding to the need to track implementation and development impact. Each module contains three different sub-units: (1) A Module Overview gives a broad introduction to the topic and provides a summary of major development issues in the sector and rationale of looking at gender dimension; (2) Thematic Notes provide a brief and technically sound guide in gender integration in selected themes with lessons learned, guidelines, checklists, organizing principles, key questions, and key performance indicators; and (3) Innovative Activity Profiles describe the design and innovative features of recent and exciting projects and activities that have been implemented or are ongoing.

Incorporating a gender perspective into curricula, extension and development programs will increase awareness as to the importance of women in agriculture. There is strength in gender diversity and the women in this study are well educated and can help shape and strengthen the role of women throughout Uzbekistan.