ENHANCING ACCESS TO AGRICULTURAL FINANCE IN UZBEKISTAN: CHALLENGES AND ACTIONABLE STRATEGIES


Umidjan R. Nazarkulov
Tashkent State University of Economics, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Abstract
Access to agricultural finance is a critical driver of rural development, farm productivity, and food security. In Uzbekistan, despite ongoing reforms, the agricultural sector continues to face substantial financing constraints, particularly among smallholders and dehqan farms. This study investigates the structural, institutional, and policy-related challenges limiting financial inclusion in agriculture and proposes actionable strategies to enhance credit access and affordability. Using a mixed-methods approach—including a survey of 120 farmers across five regions, interviews with financial institutions and policymakers, and a comparative literature review—the research identifies key barriers such as collateral constraints, lack of tailored financial products, gender disparities, and institutional fragmentation. It also highlights regional disparities in credit availability and the underutilization of innovative financing mechanisms such as digital finance, Islamic banking, and value chain financing. The study concludes with a multi-level policy framework aimed at reforming land tenure laws, expanding risk mitigation tools, promoting financial literacy, and enabling public-private partnerships. These findings provide practical guidance for policymakers, development partners, and financial institutions seeking to transform agricultural finance in Uzbekistan into a more inclusive and sustainable system.
Keywords: Agricultural Finance, Uzbekistan, Rural Development, Credit Access, Smallholders, Financial Inclusion, Policy Reform
Journal Name :
International Journal of Global Economic Light (JGEL)

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Published on : 2025-05-07

Vol : 11
Issue : 5
Month : May
Year : 2025
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