Technologies

Off-season irrigation of fields and pastures as a mechanism for pasture improvement under climate change conditions in Southern Kazakhstan (CACILM) [Kazakhstan]

Central Asian Countries Initiative for Land Management (CACILM/ИСЦАУЗР)

technologies_1121 - Kazakhstan

Completeness: 82%

1. General information

1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

Key resource person(s)

SLM specialist:
{'additional_translations': {}, 'value': 'Gulnara B. Bekturova', 'user_id': '316', 'unknown_user': False, 'template': 'raw'}
SLM specialist:
{'additional_translations': {}, 'value': 'Gulnara B. Bekturova', 'user_id': '316', 'unknown_user': False, 'template': 'raw'}
SLM specialist:
{'additional_translations': {}, 'value': 'Gulnara B. Bekturova', 'user_id': '316', 'unknown_user': False, 'template': 'raw'}
SLM specialist:

Ospanbek Anuarbek

"Kogal" Public association

Kazakhstan

{'additional_translations': {}, 'value': 7, 'label': 'Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)', 'text': 'Central Asian Countries Initiative for Land Management (CACILM I)', 'template': 'raw'} {'additional_translations': {}, 'value': 816, 'label': 'Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)', 'text': 'Kazakh Research Institute for Soil Science and Agr (Kazakh Research Institute for Soil Science and Agr) - Kazakhstan', 'template': 'raw'}

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

2. Description of the SLM Technology

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Early irrigation of fields and pastures to retain soil mоisture during the dry season in Southern Kazakhstan (in the frame of CACILM).

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

The technology was implemented in Sadu Shakirov village (Talas district of the Zhambyl region). During the Soviet era, 2’105 hа of irrigated arable lands and 66’408 ha of irrigated hayfields were at the disposal of the village. Water for their irrigation was supplied through the 12 km long canal "Sharuashlyk" from the Talas River. The village lands are located at the end of the canal. In the past few years, over abstraction of irrigation water by water users further upstream and a decrease in the water level of the Talas River have led to a sharp reduction of the water flow in the canal, resulting in the cessation of irrigated husbandry and the degradation of irrigated lands. Irrigated arable lands were abandoned and used now for year-round livestock grazing. The exploitation of the canal stopped, and it became worthless.
The situation is further worsened by the impact of global climate change on the Talas’ local climate (decline in precipitation, increase of yearly average temperature, autumn and spring frosts, droughts in summer). The reduction in the number and quality of forage crops due to shortages in irrigation water had a negative impact on stock-breeding and the well-being of the local population.
The problem has been solved by the public association “Kogal Sadu Shakirov Village”.
The canal’s 12 km length and 5 floodgates were restored to supply water to the area and to artificially retain soil moisture conditions through off-season irrigation during the pre-seeding period when most of the water users upstream don’t need water for irrigation.
The off-season irrigation allowed for the improved growth of grass on pastures. It accumulates soil water storage (1.5-2m in deep), which is used by crops in spring or early summer.
90ha of fallow lands were moistened by local communities in the 1st year. A part of them is used to cultivate fodder crops for supplementary feeding of cattle in winter (in spring, 60ha were sown with Lucerne), and the remaining area was used as natural hayfields. As a result, the hay harvest increased from 3.5 to 5 c/ha.

Purpose of the Technology: The purpose of this technology is the reduction of land degradation and desertification through the accumulation of moisture storage in the root zone of the soil during spring and autumn.

Establishment / maintenance activities and inputs: Establishment activities include:
1) Reconstruction of the 12km canal, 5 floodgates and the furrowing in the fields.
2) Creation of sown pastures through sowing of forage crops: preparation of soil and Lucerne seeding, definition of irrigation norms. Field training for rural inhabitants in the technology.

Natural / human environment: The village is located in the plain desert region in the foothills of the Southen Kazakhstan. The highest average temperature is +45C in July, and the lowest average temperature is -41C in January. The average rainfall is 300 mm/year. There are 5-10 days per year with dust storms. Hard sand and semi-hard sands occupy up to 60% of the area.

2.3 Photos of the Technology

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment

Country:

Kazakhstan

Region/ State/ Province:

Republic of Kazakhstan/Zhambyl

Further specification of location:

Talas/Sadu Shakirov village

Specify the spread of the Technology:
  • evenly spread over an area
If the Technology is evenly spread over an area, specify area covered (in km2):

5.6

If precise area is not known, indicate approximate area covered:
  • 1-10 km2
Comments:

Total area covered by the SLM Technology is 5,6 km2.

As a result of the application of early irrigation technology, the area of irrigated pastures and hayfields is about 500 ha, crop land areas occupy 60 ha. It is to be increased up to 100 ha

2.6 Date of implementation

If precise year is not known, indicate approximate date:
  • less than 10 years ago (recently)

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:
  • through projects/ external interventions
Comments (type of project, etc.):

The method of irrigation during autumn and winter was used in the arid zone for vineyard irrigation. A project within the framework of the UNDP Programme on Adaptation to Climate Change on Community Level (ACCCL) in Kazakhstan has been implemented in the described area since 2009.

3. Classification of the SLM Technology

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

  • reduce, prevent, restore land degradation
  • adapt to climate change/ extremes and its impacts

3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

Yes

Specify mixed land use (crops/ grazing/ trees):
  • Agro-pastoralism (incl. integrated crop-livestock)

Cropland

Cropland

  • Annual cropping
  • Perennial (non-woody) cropping
Annual cropping - Specify crops:
  • cereals - maize
  • fodder crops - alfalfa
  • vegetables - melon, pumpkin, squash or gourd
Number of growing seasons per year:
  • 1
Specify:

Longest growing period in days: 140; Longest growing period from month to month: April-August

Grazing land

Grazing land

Extensive grazing:
  • Semi-nomadic pastoralism
  • Ranching
  • Intensive grazing/ fodder production
Animal type:
  • camels
  • horses
  • poultry
  • sheep
  • cattles
Comments:

Major land use problems (compiler’s opinion): climate change leading to aridity, lack of water resources

Major land use problems (land users’ perception): lack of water for irrigation of pastures and fields, increase in aridity

Mixed: (eg agro-pastoralism, silvo-pastoralism): Yes

Other grazingland: Livestock grazes after the autumn corn and lucerne harvest

Future (final) land use (after implementation of SLM Technology): Grazing land: Gi: Intensive grazing/ fodder production

Livestock density: 1-10 LU /km2

3.3 Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?
  • Yes (Please fill out the questions below with regard to the land use before implementation of the Technology)
Grazing land

Grazing land

  • Extensive grazing

3.4 Water supply

Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:
  • mixed rainfed-irrigated
Comments:

Водопотребление: смешанное богарно-орошаемое, смешанное богарно-орошаемое

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

  • irrigation management (incl. water supply, drainage)

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

vegetative measures

vegetative measures

  • V2: Grasses and perennial herbaceous plants
structural measures

structural measures

  • S4: Level ditches, pits
management measures

management measures

  • M2: Change of management/ intensity level
  • M4: Major change in timing of activities
Comments:

Main measures: vegetative measures, structural measures, management measures

Type of vegetative measures: aligned: -linear

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

chemical soil deterioration

chemical soil deterioration

  • Cn: fertility decline and reduced organic matter content (not caused by erosion)
biological degradation

biological degradation

  • Bq: quantity/ biomass decline
water degradation

water degradation

  • Ha: aridification
  • Hs: change in quantity of surface water
Comments:

Secondary types of degradation addressed: Cn: fertility decline and reduced organic matter content

Main causes of degradation: disturbance of water cycle (infiltration / runoff) (Reduction in the water flow of irrigation canals during the irrigation season)

Secondary causes of degradation: droughts (Number of days with atmospheric aridity reaches 140-150 days per year), governance / institutional (Lack of a clear agreement with Kyrgyzstan with regard to water use)

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:
  • reduce land degradation
Comments:

Основная цель: снижение деградации земель

4. Technical specifications, implementation activities, inputs, and costs

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

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Technical specifications (related to technical drawing):

1) Design and parameters of one of the restored floodgates for irrigating sown crop pastures and hayfields during the autumn and early spring;
2) Design of an irrigation channel for lucerne crop irrigation, after reconstruction

Location: Sadu Shakirov village. Talas/Zhambyl/Kazakhstan

Date: 2011-12-22

Technical knowledge required for field staff / advisors: high (To reconstruct the irrigation canal and floodgates, create sown crop pastures, consultants (hydrotechnicians, irrigation specialists and agronomists) were brought in.)

Technical knowledge required for land users: moderate

Main technical functions: increase / maintain water stored in soil, water spreading, promotion of vegetation species and varieties (quality, eg palatable fodder)

Aligned: -linear
Vegetative material: C : perennial crops
Number of plants per (ha): 500000
Spacing between rows / strips / blocks (m): 0.3
Vertical interval within rows / strips / blocks (m): 0.02

Perennial crops species: alfalfa

Slope (which determines the spacing indicated above): 2-5%

Gradient along the rows / strips: 2-5%

Waterway
Depth of ditches/pits/dams (m): 1
Width of ditches/pits/dams (m): 1.5
Length of ditches/pits/dams (m): 7000

Spillway
Depth of ditches/pits/dams (m): 3.5
Width of ditches/pits/dams (m): 0.45
Length of ditches/pits/dams (m): 15.5

Construction material (stone): Macadam

Construction material (other): Concrete plates, overflow pipes, metallic try squares, armature, iron sheets

Slope (which determines the spacing indicated above): 2-5%

Lateral gradient along the structure: 30%

Beneficial area: 560 ham2

Dimensions of spillways: 1.5m

For water harvesting: the ratio between the area where the harvested water is applied and the total area from which water is collected is: 1:1 : 9410 (The total water catc

Change of land use practices / intensity level: The transition from extensive degraded crop lands to intensive (sown and mown) pastures and watered hayfields

Major change in timing of activities: Traditional irrigated husbandry has transitioned to water retaining irrigation during the autumn and early spring resulting in the creation of mown pastures and watered hayfields

Author:

Yeszhanova Azhar, Kazakhstan, 050010, Almaty, kabanbay Batyr str.-Pushkin str., 67/99, Institute of Geography

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

other/ national currency (specify):

tenge

If relevant, indicate exchange rate from USD to local currency (e.g. 1 USD = 79.9 Brazilian Real): 1 USD =:

147.0

Indicate average wage cost of hired labour per day:

9.30

4.3 Establishment activities

Activity Timing (season)
1. Selection of a place and method for crop sowing on pastures March
2. Reconstruction of the 12 km canal March
3. Repair of five (5) special floodgates for water flow regulation April
4. Making irrigation furrows (5 km) March

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

Specify input Unit Quantity Costs per Unit Total costs per input % of costs borne by land users
Labour Selection of a place and method for crop sowing on pastures persons/day/ha 5.0 33.4 167.0 100.0
Labour Reconstruction of the 12 km canal persons/day/ha 80.0 300.0 24000.0
Labour Repair of five (5) special floodgates for water flow regulation persons/day/ha 4.0 759.5 3038.0
Labour Making irrigation furrows (5 km) persons/day/ha 2.0 735.0 1470.0 100.0
Equipment Machine hours (canal) hours/ha 9.3 2107.52688 19600.0
Equipment Machine hours (gates) hours/ha 6.3 630.0 3969.0
Construction material Cement, overflow pipes, concrete plates ha 1.0 1102.5 1102.5
Total costs for establishment of the Technology 53346.5
Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD 362.9
Comments:

Duration of establishment phase: 2 month(s)

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

Activity Timing/ frequency
1. Hay harvesting Several times during the vegetation period
2. Soil preparation (planning, plowing, harrowing) April/once every 5 years
3. Lucerne sowing on abandoned degraded pasture April/once every 5 years
4. Agreement on the irrigation norms and regulations April/once every 5 years
5. Water-retaining irrigation September-November/annually
6. 2. Подготовка почвы (планировка, вспашка, боронование) Апрель/1 раз в 5 лет
7. Согласование норм полива и его регулирования апрель/1 раз в 5 лет
8. Влагозарядковый полив Сентябрь-ноябрь/ ежегодно

4.6 Costs and inputs needed for maintenance/ recurrent activities (per year)

Specify input Unit Quantity Costs per Unit Total costs per input % of costs borne by land users
Labour Hay harvesting persons/day/ha 10.0 500.0 5000.0 100.0
Labour Soil preparation (planning, plowing, harrowing) persons/day/ha 10.0 40.83 408.3
Labour Lucerne sowing on abandoned degraded pasture persons/day/ha 10.0 40.83 408.3
Equipment Machine use hours/ha 0.6 578.33333 347.0
Plant material Seeds kg/ha 20.0 91.85 1837.0 50.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology 8000.6
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD 54.43
Comments:

Machinery/ tools: Tractor (seeder), Excavator, bulldozer, trucks

The expenses for restoration of 12 km irrigation canal and the reconstruction of 5 floodgates were distributed on 60 ha of pastures sown by crops.

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

The amount of material expenseses depends on the lack of local community’s own agricultural machinery, remoteness from district and regional centre, as well as from production sites (construction materials, seeds) very much that leads to higher costs for fuels, working hours, transport lease and etc.

5. Natural and human environment

5.1 Climate

Annual rainfall
  • < 250 mm
  • 251-500 mm
  • 501-750 mm
  • 751-1,000 mm
  • 1,001-1,500 mm
  • 1,501-2,000 mm
  • 2,001-3,000 mm
  • 3,001-4,000 mm
  • > 4,000 mm
Specifications/ comments on rainfall:

The majority of precipitation falls during the warm season (April - October), the water stock in the snow is less than 40 mms per year.

Agro-climatic zone
  • arid

Thermal climate class: temperate

140-150 dry days per year

5.2 Topography

Slopes on average:
  • flat (0-2%)
  • gentle (3-5%)
  • moderate (6-10%)
  • rolling (11-15%)
  • hilly (16-30%)
  • steep (31-60%)
  • very steep (>60%)
Landforms:
  • plateau/plains
  • ridges
  • mountain slopes
  • hill slopes
  • footslopes
  • valley floors
Altitudinal zone:
  • 0-100 m a.s.l.
  • 101-500 m a.s.l.
  • 501-1,000 m a.s.l.
  • 1,001-1,500 m a.s.l.
  • 1,501-2,000 m a.s.l.
  • 2,001-2,500 m a.s.l.
  • 2,501-3,000 m a.s.l.
  • 3,001-4,000 m a.s.l.
  • > 4,000 m a.s.l.

5.3 Soils

Soil depth on average:
  • very shallow (0-20 cm)
  • shallow (21-50 cm)
  • moderately deep (51-80 cm)
  • deep (81-120 cm)
  • very deep (> 120 cm)
Soil texture (topsoil):
  • medium (loamy, silty)
Topsoil organic matter:
  • medium (1-3%)
If available, attach full soil description or specify the available information, e.g. soil type, soil PH/ acidity, Cation Exchange Capacity, nitrogen, salinity etc.

Soil fertility is low

Soil drainage / infiltration is good

Soil water storage capacity is low

5.4 Water availability and quality

Ground water table:

5-50 m

Availability of surface water:

poor/ none

Water quality (untreated):

for agricultural use only (irrigation)

Comments and further specifications on water quality and quantity:

Availability of surface water: In the summer, the water practically does not reach the Talas River (the water is withdrawn for irrigation further upstream

Water quality (untreated): Ground water is good drinking water and lower stretch of the Talas River is for agricultural use only.

5.5 Biodiversity

Species diversity:
  • low
Comments and further specifications on biodiversity:

Aridity in the region causes a relative poverty in the species composition of flora and fauna.

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Market orientation of production system:
  • subsistence (self-supply)
  • mixed (subsistence/ commercial)
Off-farm income:
  • less than 10% of all income
Relative level of wealth:
  • average
Individuals or groups:
  • groups/ community
Level of mechanization:
  • manual work
  • mechanized/ motorized
Gender:
  • women
  • men
Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

Land users applying the Technology are mainly common / average land users

Population density: < 10 persons/km2

Annual population growth: < 0.5%

8% of the land users are rich and own 50% of the land.
75% of the land users are average wealthy and own 45% of the land.
16% of the land users are poor and own 4% of the land.
1% of the land users are poor and own 1% of the land.

Off-farm income specification: More often than not, no activity is implemented outside the area, except for private transportation if motor transport is available.

Market orientation of production system: Self-sufficiency in meat and milk production and mixed for the sale of natural products, private trading.

Level of mechanization: Tractors are used for seeding and harvesting of forage crops, small plots of lands requiring manual labour and animal traction is used rarely, mainly for livestock grazing

5.7 Average area of land used by land users applying the Technology

  • < 0.5 ha
  • 0.5-1 ha
  • 1-2 ha
  • 2-5 ha
  • 5-15 ha
  • 15-50 ha
  • 50-100 ha
  • 100-500 ha
  • 500-1,000 ha
  • 1,000-10,000 ha
  • > 10,000 ha
Is this considered small-, medium- or large-scale (referring to local context)?
  • small-scale
Comments:

5-15 ha is an average size for cropland, but the sizes of plots can be either smaller or larger than average with the largest encompasing up to 1000 ha.

Approximately 131 ha per household in two villages with the consent of the leasees/owners of pastures.

5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights

Land ownership:
  • state
  • individual, titled
Land use rights:
  • leased
  • individual
Water use rights:
  • communal (organized)
  • leased
Comments:

Land lease for 49 years, rent is paid for water-use in irrigation.

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

health:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
education:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
technical assistance:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
employment (e.g. off-farm):
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
markets:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
energy:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
roads and transport:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
drinking water and sanitation:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
financial services:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good

6. Impacts and concluding statements

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

crop production

decreased
increased
Quantity before SLM:

21 tons

Quantity after SLM:

30 tons

Comments/ specify:

Harvest of lucerne hay and natural hay

fodder production

decreased
increased
Quantity before SLM:

21 tons

Quantity after SLM:

30 tons

Comments/ specify:

Harvest of lucerne hay and natural hay

fodder quality

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Lucerne forage with high-caloric content is added to the livestock’s rations

animal production

decreased
increased
Quantity before SLM:

cattle: 320 kg of animal’s weight

Quantity after SLM:

cattle: 400 kg of animal’s weight

Comments/ specify:

The weight of the cattle increases by about 11%

Water availability and quality

irrigation water availability

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

The amount of water flow remained the same, but due to water retaining irrigation in the seasons with sufficient amount of water, the water stock in the soil increases

demand for irrigation water

increased
decreased
Comments/ specify:

The demand for water to irrigate corn and melons does not decrease, because they require continous watering

Income and costs

expenses on agricultural inputs

increased
decreased
Comments/ specify:

Considerable upfront costs leading to increased cost-effectiveness and profitability in the future

Socio-cultural impacts

food security/ self-sufficiency

reduced
improved
Comments/ specify:

Lucerne hay provided completely by themselves

health situation

worsened
improved
Comments/ specify:

The positive effects are not immediate

community institutions

weakened
strengthened
Comments/ specify:

The "Kogal" Public Association was organized from10 households, but because more than 14 households joined them to work, an increase in the rate of the technology’s application is expected

SLM/ land degradation knowledge

reduced
improved
Comments/ specify:

Training in water-retaining irrigation technology was organized for the local population

conflict mitigation

worsened
improved
Comments/ specify:

An agreement with the Talas Department on Water Economic Systems was reached with regards to discharging water into the repaired canal for use by rural inhabitants.

situation of socially and economically disadvantaged groups

worsened
improved
Comments/ specify:

25 women are involved with the technology’s application, as well as representatives of low-income families, who were employed for construction work

livelihood and human well-being

reduced
improved
Comments/ specify:

The best results of the pasture sowing technology with leguminous perennial crops are achieved in the 2nd -3rd year of cultivation, so some time is required to get a positive economic effect.

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

water quantity

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Improvement of the conditions of water redistribution

water quality

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

The water quality remained the same

harvesting/ collection of water

reduced
improved
Comments/ specify:

Increased soil moisture

Soil

soil moisture

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

The main goal of implementing water -retaining irrigation was achieved

soil cover

reduced
improved
Comments/ specify:

An improvement of soil structure through an increase in the soil’s moisture content, as well as through nitrogen-enrichment from the sowing of lucerne

soil loss

increased
decreased
Comments/ specify:

Due to the irrigation canal’s reconstruction (laying of concrete laying and strengthening of the canal’s botom and walls) bottom and side erosion decreased

nutrient cycling/ recharge

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Due to the sowing of lucerne and watering of natural hayfields

soil organic matter/ below ground C

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Due to the sowing of lucerne and watering of natural hayfields

Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

biomass/ above ground C

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Due to the sowing of lucerne and watering of natural hayfields

beneficial species

decreased
increased

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

water availability

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

As a result of the technology’s utilization in an area of 60 ha of crop pastures, they managed to provide additional watering for about 500 ha of natural hayfields that led a considerable increase in the fields’ productivity and significant environmental

6.3 Exposure and sensitivity of the Technology to gradual climate change and climate-related extremes/ disasters (as perceived by land users)

Gradual climate change

Gradual climate change
Season increase or decrease How does the Technology cope with it?
annual temperature increase well

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Meteorological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it?
local rainstorm well
local windstorm well
Climatological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it?
drought not well
Hydrological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it?
general (river) flood well

Other climate-related consequences

Other climate-related consequences
How does the Technology cope with it?
reduced growing period not well

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?
Short-term returns:

negative

Long-term returns:

positive

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?
Short-term returns:

very negative

Long-term returns:

positive

Comments:

In future it is expected to increase water-retaining irrigation areas and income by more than 2-3 times

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

  • 11-50%
If available, quantify (no. of households and/ or area covered):

28 households in an area of 5.6 km2 (10 persons/ km2)

Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?
  • 11-50%
Comments:

24 land user families have adopted the Technology with external material support

4 land user families have adopted the Technology without any external material support

Comments on spontaneous adoption: Many locals, wishing to introduce the technology on water retaining irrigation, would face material difficulties, so they may search for support from different sources, including initiators and practitioners

There is a little trend towards spontaneous adoption of the Technology

Comments on adoption trend: The trends in increased acceptance of the technology may not be considered significant, since many local inhabitants still have doubts due to the expectation of a reduction in the amount of water flowing into the Talas River due to increasing overuse by consumers upstream.

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Reduction of soil degradation, dust storms

How can they be sustained / enhanced? The continuation of lucerne sowing for 5-6 years as well as the expanansion of crop field areas
Improvement of soil fertility

How can they be sustained / enhanced? The continuation of the work
Improvement of forage stock

How can they be sustained / enhanced? Material support and joint efforts, equitable labor and income sharing is required
Improvement in the standard of living

How can they be sustained / enhanced? The continuation and expansion of the application of the technology
Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Reduction of land degradation (wind and water erosion, loss of humus etc.)

How can they be sustained / enhanced? Strict application of the technologies corresponding to guidance and instructions
Off-season irrigation restores sowing of lucerne which considerably improve soil quality

How can they be sustained / enhanced? The practice of enriching the soil with nitrogen and other nutrients through the sowing of lucerne may be continued as one of the most efficient counter measures against these natural-climatic conditions, leading to the expansion in size of crop fields and an improvement in soil quality.
Improvement of local population’s adaptation to climate change

How can they be sustained / enhanced? Further raising of population‘s awareness, informing and demonstrating the environmental, economic and social benefits derived from the application of this technology
Improvement of institutional links and integrity of local community

How can they be sustained / enhanced? Joint and equitable decisions with regards to financial, documentary and assorted other issues

6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view How can they be overcome?
Overuse of the Talas river upstream by other land users and a reduction in water flow to the canal. Clear agreements on the provision of water with corresponding persons and organizations
Expensive lucerne seeds, construction materials and leased agricultural machinery Joint solution involving other land users, who have needed machinery or more opportunities, followed by recalculation and reimbursement of expenses after harvesting
Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view How can they be overcome?
Expected lack of water in the Talas River for irrigation The conclusion of an agreement with territorial bodies with regards to managing water resources with clear stipulations and conditions for water release, regardless of overuse of the Talas river upstream.
Expected lack of means to realize the technology among land users, who wish to introduce this practice To seek support from local community (initial methodological and material assistance), the state (subsidies, microcred), international organizations, etc.

7. References and links

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Report on the project " Irrigation of fields and pastures in the autumn an early spring as an adaptation mechanism of sustainable water resources use in South Kazakhstan (Autumn irrigation)"

Available from where? Costs?

Anuarbek Ospanbek, Kazakhstan, Zhambyl region,Talas district, Sadu Shakirov village, Konayev str., house.21; Gulnara Bekturova, Kazakhstan, Almaty, +7 705 5678499 gbekturova@mail.ru

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Water-retaining irrigation as an effective method of adaptive accumulation of moisture in the soil in the face of increasing aridity." Published with support from GEF Small Grants Programme / UNDP, Almaty, 2011 (brochure)

Available from where? Costs?

Gulnara Bekturova, Kazakhstan, Almaty, +7 705 5678499 gbekturova@mail.ru

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Review of projects in the framework of the "Adaptation to climate change at the community level in Kazakhstan" (GEF SGP), Almaty, 2010 (brochure)

Available from where? Costs?

Gulnara Bekturova,Yekaterina Yuschenko, Stanislav Kim

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