Transforming Karakalpakstan: ICBA's Sustainable Agricultural Initiative With ADFD Support

The International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) showcased a significant multi-year project aimed at enhancing productivity in Karakalpakstan's degraded and saline areas. The event was attended by Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan. This initiative, titled "Development of Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems in Degraded Areas of Karakalpakstan," is funded by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and executed in collaboration with the International Innovation Centre for the Aral Sea Basin (IICAS), Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, among other local entities.

Since its inception in 2022 with $5.0 million from ADFD, the project has made notable strides in tackling Karakalpakstan's environmental issues caused by the Aral Sea's shrinkage. One key achievement is the introduction of 25 genotypes of various food and fodder crops at demonstration sites in Nukus, Chimbay, and Muynak. These field trials have yielded promising results. Additionally, irrigation infrastructure has been upgraded with advanced systems like drip irrigation and water storage solutions to improve water management.

The project has also introduced various soil amendments to boost soil fertility, contributing to sustainable agricultural systems. Modern agri-aquaculture systems and locally adapted greenhouses are being developed to showcase innovative approaches. Over 200 scientists, extension workers, and farmers have received training in soil, water, and crop management to ensure knowledge transfer to local communities.

Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, remarked: "The implementation of this project enables the introduction of advanced technologies and innovative methods aimed at improving water management, increasing soil fertility, and developing agro-aquaculture. This initiative not only enhances agricultural productivity and food security in the region but also promotes long-term sustainability, addresses critical environmental issues such as soil salinisation, and strengthens economic development by creating new jobs and supporting local communities."

Empowering Local Communities

A cornerstone of this project is its focus on empowering women in agriculture through targeted training programs and farmer field schools. These initiatives equip women with essential skills for sustainable farming practices. This empowerment not only improves their livelihoods but also bolsters community resilience.

Dr. Tarifa Al Zaabi, Director General of ICBA, highlighted the project's importance: "This project exemplifies the collaborative efforts between ICBA, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), and our partners in Uzbekistan, including the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, the Karakalpakstan Agriculture Research Institute (KARI), and the International Innovation Center for the Aral Sea Basin (IICAS). We are committed to driving sustainable agricultural solutions that can transform the lives of local communities and address the pressing environmental challenges of the region."

Global Collaboration

This initiative represents a successful model of Global South-South and Triangular Collaboration involving ICBA, ADFD, and local partners in Uzbekistan. This tripartite cooperation has facilitated knowledge exchange and transfer of innovative agricultural technologies benefiting Karakalpakstan while offering potential solutions for other regions facing similar challenges.

Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi from ADFD stated: "At ADFD, we consider this project to be a catalyst for positive change as it will enhance food security, build resilience, and tackle climate challenges in the Aral Sea region. By leveraging our expertise in development finance along with ICBA’s technical knowledge and Uzbekistan’s agricultural expertise combined with IICAS’s research innovation we aim to provide customised solutions for local agriculture."

As this project progresses further innovations will be scaled up successfully introduced technologies will be expanded upon ensuring long-term benefits for Karakalpakstan’s agricultural sector.

With inputs from WAM