LiK Conference 2022
Organisers: University of Central Asia (UCA), Kyrgyz Republic; The Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ), Germany; International Security and Development Center (ISDC), Germany
Partners: AUCA, CEPF, Mercy Corps, World Bank, UNFPA
Offline Venue: Orion Hotel, Bishkek
Date: October 10-12, 2022
PROGRAM
Программа на русском языке в файле PDF доступна по этой ссылке.
The conference brochure in pdf format is available in this link.
The summaries of talks and presentations can be found in the report in this link.
DAY 1: Monday, October 10, 2022
09:00-12:30 (Bishkek time, GMT+6) Pre-Conference Event: LiK Data Users Workshop
19:00-20:30 ONLINE PARALLEL SESSIONS
SESSION 0.1: Climate Change in Central Asia: from the Foundation in Physical Sciences to Local Scale Effects And Adaptation: Part One
Moderator: Michael Brody (George Mason University)
Peter van Oevelen, Michael Brody (both at International GEWEX Project, George Mason University): A Proposed Central Asian Regional Hydroclimate Project to Support Sustainable Development Goals in the International Context (presentation slides)
Erkin Isaev, Maksim Kulikov, Roy C. Sidle (all three at UCA); Vitalii Zaginaev, Mariiash Ermanova, Dogdurbek Chontoev (all three at Kyrgyz National Academy of Science): Reconstruction of Hydrometeorological Data Using Dendrochronology and Machine Learning Approaches to Bias-Correct Climate Models in Northern Tien Shan, Kyrgyzstan (presentation slides)
Alexander Golub (American University, Washington DC): The Value of New Information – Remote Sensing to Improve Adaptation Planning and Investment (presentation slides)
SESSION 0.2 Online Session: Gender in Central Asia
Moderator: Susan Steiner (Leibniz University Hannover)
Zauresh Atakhanova, Peter Howie (both at Nazarbayev University): Gender in Kazakhstan’s Energy Sector (presentation slides)
Aksana Ismailbekova (Leibniz-Zentrum Moderner Orient, ZMO): Kinship, Women and Property in Central Asia
Manzura Jumaniyazova, Janina Steinert (both at Technical University of Munich), Cara Ebert (RW Leibniz Institute for Economic Research): The Role of Gender and Birth Order in Child Nutrition: Evidence from Kyrgyzstan (presentation slides)
Charles Becker (Duke University), Susan Steiner(Leibniz University of Hannover), Lin Zhao (Duke University): Bride Abduction, Depression, and Labor Market Outcomes (presentation slides)
DAY 2: Tuesday, October 11, 2022
09:00-09:20 Opening Remarks
09:20 – 10:30 PLENARY SESSION
Keynote Speech by Prof Alisher Aldashev (Kazakh-British Technical University): Economic Persistence Despite Adverse Policies (presentation slides)
Moderator: Christopher Gerry (UCA)
11:00-12:30 PARALLEL SESSIONS
SESSION 1.2: Agrarian Change, Water Issues and Environmental Dynamics: New Evidence from Central Asia.
(The session recording on Youtube is here)
Moderator: Janyl Ismailova (UCA)
Aslam Qadamov (UCA): Climate Change Related Agriculture and Irrigation Water Challenges in a Small, Snow Fed Mountain Basin in Pamir, Tajikistan: Case Study from Porshinev (presentation slides)
Altyn Kapalova (UCA): Woman and Water: Access, Governance, and Labour
Asel Murzakulova (UCA): Agrarian Change in the Migration Affected Mountainous Regions of Kyrgyzstan
SESSION 1.3: Demography and Population Dynamics in Kyrgyzstan, by UNFPA
Moderator: Baktybek Kainazarov (UNFPA)
Elnura Kalybaeva, Azamat Dikambaev (both Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia): Youth Wellbeing and Development Index
Svetlana Bashtovenko (Older People Resource Center), Alexander Sidorenko (European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research): Active Aging Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic (presentation slides)
Asel Iusupova (Older People Resource Center), Evgeniya Karpovich (Center for Democratic Research): Situation Analysis of Older People in the Kyrgyz Republic
Galina Chirkina (Alliance for Reproductive Health): Assessment of the Sexuality Education in the Kyrgyz Republic
SESSION 1.4: Biting or Bitten Dragon? Tracing Chinese Capital in Kyrgyzstan
Moderator: Przemyslaw Ozierski (PIL Research Company, CASCADD)
Elnura Omurkulova-Ozierska (PIL Research Company, CASCADD): Imported or Indigenous? The Multifaceted Character of Corrosive Capital in Chinese Investment Projects (presentation slides)
Gulnara Ibraeva (PIL Research Company): Chinese Investments and Governance Challenges in the Kyrgyz Republic (presentation slides)
Przemyslaw Ozierski (PIL Research Company, CASCADD): Perception and Misperception of Foreign Private Security Companies in Kyrgyzstan. The case of Chinese PSCs (presentation slides)
13:30-15:00 PARALLEL SESSIONS
SESSION 1.5 Agri-food Developments
Moderator: Kanat Tilekeyev (UCA)
Damir Esenaliev (IGZ/ISDC), Golib Sanaev (IAMO): Agricultural Commercialization and Welfare in Kyrgyzstan (presentation slides)
Nurbek Madmarov (AUCA), Junus Ganiev, Damira Baigonushova (all Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University): Price and Income Elasticities of Food Products in Kyrgyzstan (presentation slides)
Gulnara Djunushalieva (UCA), Ramona Teuber (JLU): What’s New on Research Agenda? A Bibliometric Review of New Trends in the Relationship Between Innovation and Food
SESSION 1.6 Climate Change in Central Asia: from the Foundation in Physical Sciences to Local Scale Effects And Adaptation: Part Two
Moderator: Maksim Kulikov (UCA)
Florian Betz, Magdalena Lauermann, Pauline Reese, Bernd Cyffka (Catholic University Eichstätt-Ingolstadt); Timo Schaffhauser, Markus Disse (Technical University of Munich); Kedar Mehta, Jakob Behringer, Wilfried Zörner (TH Ingolstadt); Siegmund Missall (University of Sustainable Development Eberswalde); Akylbek Chymyrov (KSUCTA); Dogdurbek Chontoev (National Academy of Science of the Kyrgyz Republic); Nadira Degembaeva, Kuban Akmatov, Ermek Baibagyshov (Naryn State University): Rivers beyond water resources: An interdisciplinary view on the impact of climate change and hydropower exploitation on the riparian ecosystems of the Naryn River in Kyrgyzstan
Maksim Kulikov (UCA): Vegetation Trend Analysis in Batken Oblast of Kyrgyzstan
Erkin Isaev, Roy C. Sidle (UCA); Boobek Ajikeev, Urmatbek Shamyrkanov (Ministry of Emergency Situation); Kenjebek-uulu Kalnur, Karimov Maisalbek (The Agency on Hydrometeorology): Impact of Climate Change and COVID to Air Pollution in Bishkek
SESSION 1.7 Kyrgyzstan Gender-based Violence Service Gap Analysis
Moderator: Gulnara Ibraeva (PIL Research Company)
Gulnara Ibraeva (PIL Research Company), Mehrigiul Ablezova (PIL Research Company, AUCA): The Gaps in Institutional Preventive Mechanisms (presentation slides)
Eugeniya Krapivina, Indira Sautova (PIL Research Company): The Analysis of Criminal Legislation and Judicial Practice Towards Gender-based Violence (presentation slides)
Asankojo Isaev (AUCA): Frame-analysis of GBV in Kyrgyzstan’s Media (Russian and Kyrgyz Language Media Sources) (presentation slides)
15:30-17:00 PARALLEL SESSIONS
SESSION 1.8 Engaging Schools and Communities in Development: Cases of Nutrition and School Management Interventions
Moderator: Damir Esenaliev (IGZ/ISDC)
Temirlan Jailobaev (Empirica Research and Consultancy Institute), Rakhat Ismanbaeva, Dilbara Kirbasheva, Marc-Antoine Adam (all Aga-Khan Foundation), Kanykey Jailobaeva(Institute for Global Health and Development), Gulsaadat Baialieva (Empirica Research and Consultancy Institute): Engaging Communities for Better Schools: Case of Kyrgyzstan
Aida Abdyldaeva (USAID): Nutrition Status of Children and Women and Nutrition Interventions
Philipp Schröder (ISDC): Nutrition, Gender and Decision-Making: Insights from “Advancing Nutrition” Project by USAID in Kyrgyzstan
SESSION 1.9 Informality in the Textile and Apparel Cluster in Kyrgyzstan: in the Search of the Formalization Routes
Moderator: Kanat Tilekeyev (UCA)
Baimat Niiazaliev (UCA): Informality in Kyrgyzstan and in the Textile and Apparel Cluster
Gulnara Djunushalieva (UCA): Business Models in the Garment Industry
Bakytbek Tokubek (UCA): Why Do Seamstresses Work Informally?
Kanat Tilekeyev (UCA): Policy Discussion and Recommendations on Improving Formalization in the Textile and Apparel Sector in Kyrgyzstan
SESSION 1.10 Civic and Community Engagement for Development
Moderator: Kemel Toktomushev (UCA)
Altynai Maimekova (WFP): Social Contract for Poverty Reduction and Job Creation: Findings from the WFP Pilot Project
Marzhan Aikimbaeva (UCA): Do Women Have a Voice? Evidence of Gender Segmentation in Civic Engagement in the Kyrgyz Republic
Nuraiym Syrgak kyzy (Sofiyan Ushirova): COVID-19 Impact on Volunteering in Kyrgyzstan
Day 3: Wednesday, October 12, 2022
09:00-10:15 PLENARY SESSION
Keynote by Dr Katrina Kosec (International Food Policy Research Institute): The Effect of Income Shocks on Rural Livelihoods (presentation slides)
Moderator: Prof Dr Tilman Brück (Humboldt University, IZG, ISDC)
(The session recording on Youtube here)
10:45-12:30 PARALLEL SESSIONS
SESSION 2.2 World Bank Session: Poverty and Gender in the Kyrgyz Republic: Trends and Policies
Moderator: Saida Ismailakhunova (World Bank)
Saida Ismailakhunova (World Bank): Poverty and Vulnerability in the Kyrgyz Republic: Trends, Drivers and Challenges
Aibek Ashirov (World Bank): Gender Assessment for the Kyrgyz Republic
Aliya Ismailakhunova (Academy of Sciences), Saida Ismailakhunova (World Bank): Fiscal Incidence Analysis: Distributional Impact of Fiscal Policy
Gulnur Kerimkulova (NBKR): Pension Reform in the KR and Why It’s Important for Poverty (presentation slides)
SESSION 2.3 Biodiversity Conservation and Natural Resources: Session One
(Recording of the session on Youtube is here)
Moderator: Maksim Kulikov (UCA)
Erkin Isaev, Maksim Kulikov, Evgenii Shibkov, Roy C. Sidle (UCA): Comparison of Sentinel-2 and UAV multispectral data for use in monitoring of wild fruit forest in mountainous Kyrgyzstan: an application from Jalal-Abad region
Maksim Kulikov, Erkin Isaev, Evgenii Shibkov (UCA): Identification of Individual Tree Species Using UAV Multispectral Data and Convolutional Neural Networks for High-resolution Mapping and Habitat Modelling in Walnut-fruit Forests of Jalal-Abad region
Azamat Azarov, Maksim Kulikov, Roy C. Sidle (UCA); Zbynek Polesny, Vladimir Verner (Czech University of Life Sciences Prague); Dietrich Darr (Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences): Analysis of Livelihood Strategies of Silvopastoral Households in Walnut-fruit Forests of Kyrgyzstan
SESSION 2.4 Places of Memory
(Recording of the session on Youtube is here)
Moderator: Gulzat Alagoz (Research Platform ESIMDE)
Baktygul Midinova (Osh Art Museum): Memory of the “Historical” Homeland
Gulzada Abdalieva (Kyrgyz State University after Arabaeva): Ürkün Memory Places
Talgat Djumashev (SILK): Significance of the Toktogul Hydroelectric Power Station
Gulzat Alagoz (Research Platform ESIMDE): The Policy of “Raskulachivanie” and Expulsion: a Case of Special Settlers from Kyrgyzstan to Ukraine during 1929-1933
13:30-15:00 PARALLEL SESSIONS
SESSION 2.5 Poverty and Household Consumption
Moderator: Damir Esenaliev (IGZ, ISDC)
Aigerim Kydyralieva (National Bank KR): Chronic and Transitory Poverty in the Kyrgyz Republic
Kadyrbek Sultakeev (Justus-Liebig Universität Gießen), Susan Steiner (Leibniz Universität Hannover): Herding and Status Seeking Behavior: Evidence from Conspicuous Consumption at Social Events in Kyrgyzstan (presentation slides)
Valeriia Stashevskaia, Gulnara Nurieva (AUCA): Determinants of Households’ Poverty in Livestock Sector: Case of Kyrgyzstan (2010-2016)
SESSION 2.6 Macroeconomic Developments in Kyrgyzstan
Moderator: Gulnur Kerimkulova (NBKR)
Ermek Ashyrov (Ministry of Economy): Issues of Promoting the Principles of Green Economy in the Kyrgyz Republic
Cholpon Sharshembaeva (NBKR): The Role of the Bank Lending Channel in the Transmission of Monetary Policy in the Kyrgyz Republic
Salima Bekbolotova (UCA-DAAD Scholar), Nodir Djanibekov (IAMO): Estimating the Impact of Regional Economic Integration on Trade of Small Economies: the Bayesian Synthetic Control Method Applied on Armenia and Kyrgyzstan
SESSION 2.7: Biodiversity Conservation and Natural Resources: Session Two
(Recording of the session on Youtube is here)
Moderator: Maksim Kulikov (UCA)
Koustubh Sharma (Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program), Kubanychbek Jumabai Uulu (Snow Leopard Foundation in: Connecting the Dots for Snow Leopard Conservation in Kyrgyzstan
Mariia Cherniavskaia, Ormon Sultangaziev (Fauna & Flora International): Building Capacity to Protect Besh Aral Meadows, Marmots and Megafauna in Kyrgyzstan
Zairbek Kubanychbekov, Maksim Koshkin (ILBIRS Foundation): Survey of Wild Animals Using Photo Traps in Kyrgyzstan
15:30-17:00 PARALLEL SESSIONS
SESSION 2.8 Informal Employment and Income Effects of Migration
Moderator: Kadyrbek Sultakeev (AUCA)
Razia Abdieva (Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas: Social Security and Informal Employment in Kyrgyzstan (presentation slides)
Alberica Camerani (Dublin City University): Interaction Between Gender and Informality in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Kyrgyzstan: How Informal Rules Enable and Constrain Female Entrepreneurship (presentation slides)
Jodar Joldoshov (CEU): Migration, Remittances and Income Inequality in Kyrgyzstan: Evidence from the Life in Kyrgyzstan survey (presentation slides)
SESSION 2.9 Impacts of Development Interventions and Shocks
Moderator: Baimat Niiazaliev (UCA)
Kanat Tilekeyev (UCA), Dilbara Kirbasheva (AKDN): Impact Evaluation Study of Rehabilitation of Irrigation Canals in Southern Kyrgyzstan (presentation slides)
Dilbara Kirbasheva (AKDN): Livestock Breed Improvement to Increase Farmers’ Incomes and Prevent Pasture Degradation: Shifting from Livestock Quantity to Quality (presentation slides)
Matthew Raulerson (University of London): Climate Vulnerability Assessment of Transhumant Pastoralists of Temir-Kanat
Damira Omuralieva, Asan uuly K (Kyrgyz National Agrarian University): Economic Assessment of Ecosystem Services of the Naryn State Natural Reserve (presentation slides)
SESSION 2.10 Planning and Investment in Infrastructure in Central Asia: Assessment of Sustainability
Moderator: Madina Junussova (UCA)
Christopher Gerry (UCA), Peline Atamer (OECD): Introduction to the session
Peline Atamer (OECD): Sustainable Infrastructure for Low Carbon Development in Central Asia and the Caucasus (presentation slides in English and Russian)
Aislu Taisarinova (Kazakh-German University): The Impact of Infrastructure Projects on the Sustainability of the Transport and Logistics Business in Central Asia
Roman Vakulchuk (Norsk Utenrikspolitisk Institutt, NUPI): A Void in Central Asia Research: Climate Change
19:00-20:30 ONLINE PARALLEL SESSIONS
SESSION 2.11 Online Session: Agriculture and Infrastructure
Moderator: Tilman Brück (Humboldt University, IZG, ISDC)
Abdusame Tadjiev (IAMO), Nodir Djanibekov (IAMO): Does Adoption of Zero Tillage Save or Intensify Production Costs? Evidence From Kyrgyzstan (presentation slides)
Michael Bödecker (HU): Weather Shock Experience and Risks Preferences of Livestock Keepers: Evidence from Kyrgyzstan (presentation slides)
Michelle Brock, Elcin Akcura, Leon Bost (EBRD): Household Response to Improvements in Water Infrastructure: Evidence from Peri-urban Kyrgyz Republic
SESSION 2.12 Online Session: Employment, Migration, Education
Moderator: Kathryn Anderson (Vanderbilt University)
Eugenia Pesci (University of Helsinki, Finland): Employment Support Policies in the Kyrgyz Republic: Challenges and Opportunities
Tanika Chakraborty (IZA, GLO, IIM Calcutta), Manish Pandey (University of Winnipeg): Temporary International Migration, Shocks and Informal Finance: Analysis using panel data (presentation slides)
Wolfgang Stojetz (ISDC), Oscar Diaz Botia (ISDC), Damir Esenaliev (IGZ, ISDC), Tilman Bruck (HU, IGZ, ISDC): (Un-)Learning during a Pandemic: Evidence from Kyrgyzstan
Organising Institutions
University of Central Asia’s Institute of Public Policy and Administration was established in 2011 to strengthen public policy in Central Asia. It provides in-depth analysis on current and emerging policy issues facing the region, and improves the analytical capacity of governments and civil society to use evidence in decision-making processes through professional development. The Institute has produced a series of peer-reviewed research papers on social and economic issues, public administration and public policy relating to Central Asia and Afghanistan. For more information on IPPA, please visit: http://ucentralasia.org/ippa
IGZ – Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops carries out basic and applied research supporting the sustainable production of vegetable and ornamental plants and the rational use of natural resources. It contributes to understanding fundamentals of horticultural and plant science, sustainability in production and use of plants, healthy nutrition and wellbeing of the population. Its work is rated by acceptance and appreciation by professionals in practical horticulture and by the society, publications in high-ranking scientific journals and acquisition of competitive grants. For more information on IGZ, please visit: http://www.igzev.de/.
ISDC – International Security and Development Center is a non-profit academic institute based in Berlin, Germany. We conduct research to improve lives and livelihoods shaped by violent conflict, fragility and humanitarian emergencies, providing policy advice and building capacity on international security and socio-economic development. We are unique in the global research scene for being dedicated to work exclusively on the security-development nexus. For more information on ISDC, please visit: https://isdc.org/.
Partner Institutions
American University of Central Asia (AUCA) is a multi-disciplinary learning community in the American liberal arts tradition with the mission of developing enlightened and impassioned leaders for the transformation of Central Asia. AUCA is the first university in Central Asia to offer US accredited degrees in liberal arts programs through a partnership with Bard College in the United States. With a current enrolment of approximately 1,500 students from over 25 countries, AUCA offers students a quality education based on an American college model with a credit-hours system, a liberal arts curriculum, and a commitment to freedom of expression and inquiry. The University offers 15 undergraduate educational programs and 10 graduate programs. For more information on AUCA, please visit https://www.auca.kg/.
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) enables civil society to protect the world’s biodiversity hotspots—biologically rich ecosystems that are essential to humanity, yet highly threatened. Through grants totaling over US$277 million and technical assistance to over 2,600 civil society organizations and individuals, we have taken action to conserve more than 1,000 species in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and strengthened the management and protection of 51.6 million hectares of Key Biodiversity Areas. CEPF is a joint initiative of l’Agence Française de Développement, Conservation International, the European Union, the Global Environment Facility, the Government of Japan and the World Bank. More information can be found at www.cepf.net.
Mercy Corps is a global team of humanitarians, working together on the front lines of today’s biggest crises to create a future of possibility, where everyone can prosper. Our mission is to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities. Mercy Corps has been working in Kyrgyzstan since 1994 providing humanitarian assistance to people, communities and institutions across the country. For more than a decade, Mercy Corps has served as the implementing partner of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) McGovern-Dole Food for Education and Child Nutrition program. Since 2012, Mercy Corps has provided more than 2,500 metric tons of supplemental commodities (fortified flour, rice, peas, lentils and oil) to provide nutritious hot meals to over 150,000 children in kindergartens and primary schools across Kyrgyzstan. Two other key components of the program are social behaviour change and literacy promotion, both aimed at improving child health and learning outcomes. For more information on Mercy Corps, please visit https://www.mercycorps.org.
The World Bank is an international organization dedicated to providing financing, advice, and research to developing nations to aid their economic advancement. By giving loans, and offering advice and training in both the private and public sectors, the World Bank aims to eliminate poverty by helping people help themselves. Since the Kyrgyz Republic joined the World Bank in 1992, the Bank’s financial assistance has amounted to over US$2.1 billion. The World Bank support has helped the country to maintain macroeconomic stability, invest in strategic infrastructure, and improve access to social services. For more information on the World Bank, please visit https://www.worldbank.org.
UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. Its mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA presence in the Kyrgyz Republic dates back to 1992, and it has assisted the country by supporting the preparation of the first national census, by delivering reproductive health commodities, and by building national capacity in integrated SRH and youth-friendly health services, in the development of policies in youth and gender equality areas, and on data collection and analysis. For more information on UNFPA, please visit https://www.unfpa.org.