On November 6, 2024, the final event for the project supporting productive landscapes and watershed restoration in the Ishim River Basin will take place in Astana. Launched in May 2023, the project aims to improve the living conditions of rural communities and promote sustainable agriculture in the Arnasay and Stepnogorsk districts. Over 7,400 farmers have participated, receiving practical assistance in water and land management.
About the Project:
- Improved Agro-Landscape and Water Resource Management: Water replenishment modeling, based on laboratory experiments with soil samples, has enhanced the water-saving potential of soils up to 94% of their total capacity. Water storage increased from 1,326,000 m³ to 3,106,155 m³ per year.
- Sustainable Land Management Practices: Implementing practices to restore degraded land has reduced soil erosion levels from 67% to 22% in watershed areas and improved irrigation efficiency.
- Specialist Training and Educational Programs: Training over 300 people, including technical specialists, farmers, and local community members, fosters the long-term adoption of sustainable water management methods. Additionally, a women-led farmers’ cooperative has been established, supporting the development of production and distribution chains.
Key Project Results:
- By the end of the 2024 agricultural season, the project covered 415 hectares.
- Implementing water management measures reduced regional water consumption from 1.6 km³ to 1.2 km³ per season.
- Soil improvement and water-saving technologies significantly increased soil water storage and reduced evaporation.
- An interactive water portal was created, providing access to over 600 resources for 617 new users, encouraging knowledge exchange and improving water resource management.
Outlook and Contribution to Sustainable Development
The project lays the foundation for sustainable long-term land and water management in Kazakhstan. A strategic watershed management plan and a comprehensive ecosystem restoration approach will create stable conditions for the agricultural sector and increase climate resilience.
The final event will serve as a platform for sharing experiences, discussing project outcomes, and planning future steps to expand sustainable practices in the region.
Additional information:
Valeriya Orlova, Project Manager, esd@carececo.com