Increasing farmers’ awareness on types of contracts used in the management of agricultural lands
Tajikistan Land Market Development
Activity
Contracts are crucial to success in the agricultural sector. Ms. Safarova Shahbonu, head of dehkan farm Zuhal, noted that “the harvest was very low this year as the seeds and mineral fertilizers were not of good quality. Since I did not have a signed contract with the supplier of seeds and fertilizers, but rather a verbal agreement, I could not stake a claim and protect my rights.”
Since farmers do not know what types of agriculture-specific contracts exist or how to formally sign them, they can face misunderstandings in most cases, and at worst deceit. Through grantee training organizations, the Feed the Future Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity informs farmers on the benefits of written contracts, as well as provides resources to support their use.
Mr. Burgut Abdulvohidov, tashabbuskor from the Vahdat jamoat of Vakhsh district, was aware of this issue and invited LMDA grantee public organization Mahbuba to organize a training on types of contracts used in the agricultural sector. Twenty five farmers from the jamoat participated in the training, which provided information on the types of contracts available for agricultural deals. After the training, the farmers realized the importance of signing written contracts and were empowered to utilize them.
Ms. Shahbonu Safarova, head of dehkan farm Zuhal, was one of the first training participants to execute a written contract, with support from a legal aid center lawyer. The contract outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties, preventing any possible misunderstandings and protecting her interests.
“Having participated in the training, I understand the importance of written contracts in the agricultural sector. From now on, I will carry out all my agricultural activities by signing a written contract, thus preventing a violation of my rights.” — Ms. Shahbonu Safarova, head of dehkan farm Zuhal
After taking part in these trainings, farmers are now aware of how to execute contracts for any agricultural activity in which they are interested. Moreover, the Feed the Future Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity printed and distributed a brochure containing information on the types of contracts used in the management of agricultural lands, complete with contract templates. By providing access to information and templates, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each type of contract, the Feed the Future Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity empowers land users to execute formal written contracts and protect their land use rights.