Women farmers learn about microfinance.© UNDP
28 September 2011

Microfinance targets rural poor in Tajikistan

Many regions in Tajikistan are characterized by poor infrastructure, an underdeveloped agricultural sector and deep poverty. UNDP assists partner microfinance institutions to develop new financial products, increase transparency...

Topics: Tajikistan , Economic growth, Economic development, Microfinance, Implementation capacities, Integrated local development

22 September 2011

Explaining trust in local government: The case of the Southern Caucasus

What are the key factors influencing trust in local and central government in the South Caucasus? How does the impact of these variables vary in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia?

Topics: Armenia , Azerbaijan , Georgia , Governance, Democratization, Integrated local development

Regional disparities in Serbia are among the highest in Europe.  The most striking differences can be seen between the southern and northern parts of the country.  © Zoran Mrdja/World Bank
22 September 2011

Regional inequalities in Serbia

Regional disparities in Serbia are among the highest in Europe. The most striking differences can be seen between the southern and northern parts of the country. How can UNDP help local communities to spark up development?

Topics: Rural development, Serbia , Infrastructure, Regional disparity, Area based development, Agriculture, Integrated local development

Education is an important driver of regional development in Georgia ©S.Maisuradze/UNHCR
22 September 2011

Early recovery and local economic development in Georgia

UNDP’s experience in Georgia shows that the transition from humanitarian response to development programming in conflict-affected areas requires a wide spectrum of activities ranging from support to local governments to setting...

Topics: Rural development, Human development, Georgia , Regional EU Cooperation, Education, Infrastructure, Integrated local development

A voter at a polling station in a village near Chisinau takes a look at the long ballot paper for early parliamentary elections in Moldova. © OSCE/Jens Eschenbaecher
22 September 2011

Building a better local governance system: Decentralization in Moldova

In some respects Moldova may seem to be a strongly decentralized country. To what extent has decentralization empowered local governments? Are these ready to discharge the responsibilities of decentralization?

Topics: Moldova , Governance, Institutional development, Public administration reform, Decentralization, Integrated local development

© Curt Carnemark/World Bank
18 July 2011

A new definition of local development

What have we learned from UNDP local development projects? Despite their significant accomplishments, they still need to better apply integrated approaches.

Topics: Caucasus, Local development, Central and Eastern Europe, Area based development, Inter-municipal cooperation, Commonwealth of Independent States, Integrated local development

A number of micro hydropower plants have been built as an immediate response to power shortages.  ©  Slavica Robic/ UNDP Tajikistan
18 July 2011

Tapping small hydropower in Tajikistan

Can small-scale hydro energy projects be the answer to Tajikistan’s pressing energy insecurity?

Topics: Energy, Tajikistan , Water, Energy poverty, Renewable energy, Central Asia, Climate change, Integrated local development