Duration: 2021-2026 (Phase II)
Location: Hunza, Ghizer, Chitral
Donor: Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)
Project Description: The Central Asia Poverty Programme (CAPP) was launched to address spatial poverty and improve living conditions in the remote and underserved high-altitude valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. Initially commencing in 2016 across seven valleys, the programme expanded in its second phase to cover twelve valleys, including Upper and Lower Yarkhun, Arkari, Khot, Rech, and Garamchashma in Chitral, and Chipurson, Immit, Ishkoman, Shimshal, Ghulaghmuli, and Silgan in Gilgit-Baltistan. CAPP focuses on building productive assets essential for sustainable development. These include irrigation channels to reclaim and cultivate new land, greenhouses to extend growing seasons, animal sheds and storage facilities to support agricultural productivity, vital link roads and bridges to connect isolated communities, and clean energy solutions through community-managed micro-hydel power projects. Together, these interventions aim to create a foundation for increased food security, diversified income sources, expanded employment and self-employment opportunities, and stronger community resilience. The programme also integrates regenerative agriculture practices to restore soil health, improve water use efficiency, and promote sustainable farming systems that enhance long-term food security and climate resilience. The programme also empowers youth through skills development and enterprise support, helping to foster local entrepreneurship and hospitality services.