Oxus International recently completed a project in southern Kyrgyzstan’s Jalalabad and Osh oblasts. Oxus International developed a survey instrument and questioned 1,200 respondents across the two oblasts, aiming to collect information and opinions regarding media consumption habits and attitudes toward peace and reconciliation projects.

Results demonstrated that television is still the most common source of information for people of all ages, but young people consume a more diverse set of sources, including the internet. Southern Kyrgyzstan has a wide range of both public and private media outlets, but the state-run OTRK (formerly KTR) is still among the most popular. Beyond their media consumption habits, we found that people overwhelmingly support peace programs in their area. Their strongest concerns were economic, with many respondents linking economic improvements with improvements in peace and reconciliation. Many thought that improvements in peace and reconciliation would improve the economy, but an overwhelming majority felt that an improved economy would enhance peace and reconciliation.

For more information on this other research in Central Asia, contact Oxus International.