Sustainable management of agricultural water resources in Kazakhstan

Abstract

Ensuring the sustainable use of water resources is one of Kazakhstan’s key development priorities. The country faces limited availability of freshwater, uneven spatial distribution of water resources, deteriorated irrigation infrastructure, and the growing impacts of climate change. These factors pose significant risks to food security and the long-term resilience of the agricultural sector. The aim of this study is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of agricultural water use in Kazakhstan, identify the key constraints limiting the efficiency of water management, and develop a theoretically grounded, integrated model of sustainable water resource management adapted to the country’s climatic, institutional, and technological conditions. The methodology is based on a mixed-methods approach, combining structured surveys (521 respondents) with an analysis of statistical data covering the period from 1960 to 2023. The study examines irrigation practices, water availability, levels of digitalisation, and institutional mechanisms of water governance across different agro-climatic zones of the country. The results show that 68% of farms experience water supply disruptions, 72% face deterioration of irrigation systems, and 65% incur substantial water losses. Only 23% of farmers employ water-saving technologies, primarily due to financial and informational constraints. The study concludes by recommending accelerated modernisation of irrigation infrastructure, the implementation of digital monitoring and water-management systems, expansion of state support measures, and the promotion of innovative technologies in the agricultural sector.