Within the framework of the DIANA project — “Empowering Women through the Development and Implementation of Entrepreneurship in Rural Tourism in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan”, the Regional Centre for Socio-Economic Development “SABR” has been working with women from rural communities to help them identify new opportunities for income generation, entrepreneurship, and rural tourism.
One of the participants is Khayotoy Rakhmonova from Urgut District. For many years, she and her family have been engaged in agriculture. However, despite their hard work, the income from their land remained limited and was mainly sufficient to cover everyday household needs.
After participating in meetings organized by “SABR”, Khayotoy received practical advice on how to use agricultural resources more effectively and explore new approaches to rural entrepreneurship. Following these consultations, she decided to plant a high-yield Dutch potato variety. Although the family initially had some doubts, the result proved successful: the harvest was abundant, large, and of good quality.
The income from the harvest helped the family improve their living conditions, renovate their home, and create better opportunities for their children’s education. At the same time, participation in DIANA-related meetings encouraged Khayotoy to look at agriculture from a broader perspective. She became interested in combining farming with rural tourism, including introducing visitors to village life, agricultural practices, and local products
Khayotoy’s story shows how practical knowledge, support, and openness to new ideas can help rural women strengthen their economic independence and explore new forms of entrepreneurship.
The DIANA project creates opportunities for women to build on local resources, agricultural traditions, and their own experience, turning them into sustainable business and rural tourism initiatives.
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