Location: Shamsiddin Shohin District, Republic of Tajikistan OSCE Impact Report Improving Energy Access, Community Resilience, and Women’s Empowerment in Tajikistan’s Border Region with Afghanistan
In Central Asia’s remote areas, energy access challenges persist. Among these is Jamoat Sari Chashma, located in the mountainous Shamsiddin Shohin district along Tajikistan’s southern border with Afghanistan, a remote village community lying along the Panj River basin. With a population of around 12,000 and a semi-desert climate that limits agricultural productivity, this remote community struggles with access to services such as modern electricity. This creates enormous burdens for the population, with a disproportionate impact on women. Small farms, which are the main source of living, as well as schools and border outposts are among the main groups lacking electricity in this area. Context 12,000 people 1 Semi-Desert Climate Mountainous Terrain The Community: Overview 400 school pupils and staff 200 border posts staff 100 farmers and family members Average Age: Gender BreakdownMen 56% Women 44% 44% Women 56% Men 2 Project Donors The activities are part of the OSCE projects “Promoting Women’s Economic Empowerment in the Energy Sector in Central Asia” and “Addressing Vulnerabilities and Improving Resilience in Communities in the Central Asian Border Regions with Afghanistan: Natural Resource Management” 700 Beneficiaries
1 2 Activity OSCE Empowering Communities through Solar-Powered Solutions The OSCE has provided local communities with access to clean, 24-7 energy and built the skills to operate and maintain these technologies. By training both men and women, the initiative not only expanded renewable energy access but is also fostering capacity-building, and enhancing women’s agency and leadership in strengthening energy security and community resilience. From the needs assessment to ongoing monitoring, the initiative is implemented with local clean energy and environmental NGOs “Nerui Toza” and the Aarhus Center “Ruhafzo”. 7 farms and households 4 border outposts 3 schools Electricity Access Prior to OSCE Support Electricity Access After OSCE Support 24 hours 24 hours 24 hours 0% 0% Limited Power Supply Locations Before the OSCE intervention, families relied on candles and flashlights, spending up to 1,200 somoni a year on basic lighting. The donated solar kits (1 kW capacity) changed this, providing 24-hour access to electricity for the first time. Farms & Households The installation of Solar systems, including 5 kW at three posts and 1 kW at one, delivered uninterrupted electricity to remote border outposts, previously without power. Border Outposts Schools Three schools received 3 kW solar systems, providing stable, 24- hour electricity to classrooms serving around 400 pupils.
Results from monitoring and evaluation visits throughout 2024-25. Impacts 50% lower energy costs (up to 1,200 somoni/year saved) ~200 somoni/ month saved per post More efficient homes; women gain more time for education, income, and community life Better living standards for soldiers (lighting, heating, essential devices) Savings ~50% energy costs saved and redirected to supplies and services Living & Working Conditions Stable electricity improves attendance, teaching quality, and comfort Education & Awareness Children have more hours for studying Hands-on use of solar systems improves technical skills Pupils and staff learn about renewable energy firsthand Safety & Operations Improved animal care, household safety, and personal security Enhanced visibility strengthens daily operations and emergency response Reliable lighting makes schools safer during winter months Connectivity & Technology Families stay connected through phones, TV, and radio Reliable power for radios, computers, cameras, and searchlights More access to digital tools for teachers and students Households & Livestock Farms Impact Category Border Posts Schools