A valley of wisdom

High in the heart of the Pamir-Alai mountain system, the Almosi Valley of Tajikistan appears, at first glance, an almost impossible place for agriculture. Characterized by steep gradients and the harsh climate of the Hisor Range, this landscape is anything but forgiving. Yet, nestled just 37 kilometres from the capital city of Dushanbe, a resilient and integrated way of life has sustained nearly 59 000 people across 49 villages for centuries.

This living agricultural system — a meticulous contract between people and the mountains — has been officially recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS). This makes the Almosi Valley the first site in Central Asia to receive the designation, honouring its enduring wisdom in balancing production with conservation.

Integrating crops and herding in harsh terrain

The Almosi system combines the seasonal migration of grazing sheep, dryland vineyards, and diverse family gardens that thrive despite the challenges of steep mountain slopes and limited water. This is where agriculture meets ecology, protecting a rich heritage of local fruit trees that originated here centuries ago.

The champion of the valley is the renowned Pink Toifi grape. This celebrated variety, perfected by generations of careful selection, is prized not just for its sweetness but for its resilience. Farmers can leave the grapes hanging on the vine, where they are naturally preserved, providing nutrition and income well into the following spring. Farmers also cultivate local breeds of wheat, barley, and an array of fruits, vegetables, and pulses that thrive under these conditions.

Complementing the crops is the Hisori sheep. These hardy animals are central to the agropastoral cycle, engaging in seasonal transhumance. This rotational use of pasture ensures that livestock production is balanced with ecosystem health, allowing natural vegetation to regenerate and preventing overgrazing on the fragile mountain slopes.
“The Almosi Valley represents the wisdom of generations that has sustained communities for centuries,” said Carolina Starr, Agricultural Officer at FAO. “This recognition highlights the importance of safeguarding traditional knowledge and sustainable land management in the face of modern challenges.”

Wisdom woven into the land

The longevity of the Almosi system is rooted in deep traditional knowledge that guides every action, transforming environmental constraints into opportunities.

To combat severe water scarcity, farmers use ancient irrigation methods like yakhobmoni (optimizing water resources) and channel precious water through complex canal systems built into the steep slopes. On the high-gradient land, soil is protected from erosion through widespread contour planting and the construction of traditional dry-stone walls and terraces. This infrastructure helps them access scattered resources and manage soil and water efficiently.

In the Almosi Valley, every agricultural activity is timed precisely using the Turkic-Mongolian Muchal calendar, which guides critical moments such as planting, grafting, pruning, and herding based on environmental cues.

This collective effort is organized through strong local institutions, including mahalla committees, dehkan farms, and cooperatives. These bodies do more than just manage resources; they ensure the intergenerational transmission of knowledge through traditions and communal work.

Protecting the future of a living heritage

However, this fragile mountain ecosystem now faces significant challenges. Farmers are witnessing the direct effects of climate change — including melting glaciers, rising temperatures, and irregular rainfall — which diminish pasture quality and threaten the entire system.

The GIAHS designation is a vital commitment to supporting these communities. By formally recognizing the site, FAO connects Almosi to a global network of agricultural heritage systems, allowing the community to share its expertise in dryland viticulture and transhumance while attracting the technical and financial support needed for climate adaptation.

“The Almosi Valley is more than a place; it is living heritage,” said Carolina Starr. “Its people show us that the future of agriculture can be both sustainable and deeply rooted in tradition, providing essential lessons for mountain regions around the world.”

The Almosi Valley stands as a powerful symbol — a testament that even in the face of nature’s harshest conditions, collective wisdom and community work can not only survive but thrive.

© FAO/Nozim Kalandarov