The multiple paradoxes of the agriculture issue in Central Asia

Abstract:

Although Central Asia is a modest partner in terms of agricultural trade and relatively few European companies are based in the sector, the agrarian issue is of importance for the EU. In the face of massive corruption, what cooperative development should be proposed in agriculture? When it is harvested under unacceptable conditions, what position should be taken towards cotton production? Should there be no collaboration over agriculture, while this sector is essential for the survival of many of these republics? How should land reform be supported such that the rural population receives the benefits? After a brief assessment on the current agrarian situation and the land reforms that have taken place in the 1990-2000 period, this paper will consider the cotton versus food security issue, and then the political and economic issues the Central Asian land sector has to face, in order to propose recommendations to the EU.

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