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

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Approach (if relevant)

Integrated natural resources management in drought-prone and salt-affected agricultural production landscapes in Central Asia and Turkey ((CACILM-2))

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Approach (if relevant)

Kazakh Research Institute for Livestock and Fodder Production (Kazakh Research Institute for Livestock and Fodder Production) - Kazakhstan

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

When were the data compiled (in the field)?

02/02/2020

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

Yes

1.4 Reference(s) to Questionnaire(s) on SLM Technologies

2.1 Short description of the Approach

Raising awareness and strengthening the capability and skills of farmers, agriculture specialists and researchers in developing and adoption resource-saving, profitable and environmentally friendly cereal production through Conservation Agriculture practices.

2.2 Detailed description of the Approach

Detailed description of the Approach:

The main features of the approach:
•Empower farmers to become self-sufficient in managing their lands under Conservation Agriculture through education, awareness raising with a focus on transferring knowledge, skills and tools to improve crop production, increase food security, and incomes of rural communities.
•Promote the transition from traditional farming to modern systems based on minimal soil treatment, diversified crop production, stubble retention and direct seeding by building capacity.
•Facilitate positive change by leveraging the strengths and capabilities of different partners to transfer skills, knowledge and resources to farmers and communities interested in active CA adoption.
In Kazakhstan the most of crop management experiences and education in universities emphasized conventional tillage based production systems. Changing minds to accept crop management practices based on the principles of Conservation Agriculture is one of the biggest constraint of CA adoption. Farmers are ready to change their mind set if they are knowledgeable, well informed and see the benefits of CA-based crop management practices in their fields. The approach is based on awareness raising, training of farmers and farmer testing of CA technology in close collaboration with specialists from international and local institutions. An active dialogue with farmers, knowledge and technology dissemination are built on participation of qualified specialists/experts who are part of the management team of each farm and are able to efficiently test and adapt new technologies to the local conditions. CA is a complex approach and system, it implies changes in a number of technological components of the existing traditional systems of agriculture. It is necessary to change two basic paradigms: the paradigm of soil tillage and the paradigm of linear knowledge flow.
Many agricultural research and extension systems are based on a linear model of knowledge flow, with new knowledge being developed in research organizations, passed on to agricultural extension agents who in turn pass on the new knowledge and information to farmers. While this model may be applied to simple technology, it does not always effectively work with complex technologies, especially when research institutes do not have the capacity to develop functional packages of multiple technological components for all farmer situations. Innovative approaches on the basis of complex technologies are needed in adaptation, system development process and promotion. Innovative approach (platforms) are based on networks of multiple agents, including farmers-innovators and decision-makers, all utilizing their own knowledge, external information and policy support to help overcome problems and develop functional systems for local farming conditions and farmer circumstances.

The target farmers as well as farmers of the neighbouring farming community were trained on-the-job on key topics of CA such as diversified cropping systems, chemical fallow, minimum/no-tillage, direct seeding, and snow and residue management. Altogether four training workshops were carried out. In each session international and national experts trained about 30 farmers. Conservation Agriculture study tour to USA (Washington State, Idaho State) and Canada (Saskatchewan Province) was organized. Public awareness and also training on CA-technology also were generated through six field days and seminars bringing together farmers, stakeholders, policy-makers and researchers to observe and discuss key field demonstrations.

Large-scale adoption of Conservation Agriculture (zero/minimum soil tillage, leaving crop residues in the fields, direct seeding with narrow chisel and disk openers, permanent bed-planting and furrow irrigation, etc.) were initiated by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and FAO in 2002. Thanks to the joint efforts of national scientists and farmers, international organizations (CIMMYT, FAO, ICARDA, World Bank, UNDP, USAID, etc.), support by the state and government bodies, the areas under no-till have been increasing from virtually none in 2002 to an estimated area of 3 000 000 ha in 2019.

2.3 Photos of the Approach

2.4 Videos of the Approach

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Approach has been applied

2.6 Dates of initiation and termination of the Approach

2.7 Type of Approach

• project/ programme based

2.8 Main aims/ objectives of the Approach

Improve knowledge, raising awareness, enhance capability of farmers, agriculture specialists and different partners in using CA-farming practices for a more sustainable and profitable crop production in rainfed lands of Kazakhstan

2.9 Conditions enabling or hindering implementation of the Technology/ Technologies applied under the Approach

3.1 Stakeholders involved in the Approach and their roles

3.2 Involvement of local land users/ local communities in the different phases of the Approach

	Involvement of local land users/ local communities	Specify who was involved and describe activities
initiation/ motivation	passive	Farmers involved in the project realization participated at the different seminars on CA technologies and innovations in land management organized by international institutions (FAO, CIMMYT)
planning	interactive	Definition of the most appropriate (location, size) lands, needs in labour, equipment, technique support for the project trials.
implementation	interactive	Organization, manage and control field works.
monitoring/ evaluation	interactive	Active participation and assistance to the project consultants in monitoring and evaluation processes.

3.3 Flow chart (if available)

3.4 Decision-making on the selection of SLM Technology/ Technologies

Specify who decided on the selection of the Technology/ Technologies to be implemented:

• all relevant actors, as part of a participatory approach

Explain:

Innovative approach on the basis of complex technologies, like Conservation Agriculture, is needed in adaptation, system development process, comprehensive assessment and promotion. That is why and main reason of all relevant actors participate in decision making on the selection of the technology

Specify on what basis decisions were made:

• evaluation of well-documented SLM knowledge (evidence-based decision-making)
• research findings
• personal experience and opinions (undocumented)

4.1 Capacity building/ training

Was training provided to land users/ other stakeholders?

Yes

Specify who was trained:

• land users
• field staff/ advisers

Form of training:

• farmer-to-farmer
• demonstration areas
• public meetings

Subjects covered:

“Conservation Agriculture for rainfed crop production”, “Conservation Agriculture for irrigated crop production”

Comments:

An important factor of wide-scale extension of CA is training and introduction of farmers and specialists with the new innovations and approaches, on-farm demonstration of technology components, expertise of foreign specialists, and wide public awareness activities. As a total, 12 different project events (workshops, training seminars, field days, study tours for farmers and specialists, consultations, lectures and methodological assistance provided by foreign specialists and scientists, etc.) were conducted. The implementation process of the project was regularly highlighted in newspapers, journals, radio and TV.

4.2 Advisory service

Do land users have access to an advisory service?

Yes

Specify whether advisory service is provided:

• at permanent centres

Describe/ comments:

National Agriculture Research System (NARS) of Kazakhstan represented by the National Agrarian Research and Education Center (NAREC) of the Ministry of Agriculture has research institutes and extension centers in all main agriculture regions of the country where farmers and all needed persons have access to advisory service, including CA-based technologies.

4.3 Institution strengthening (organizational development)

Have institutions been established or strengthened through the Approach?

• yes, moderately

Specify the level(s) at which institutions have been strengthened or established:

• regional

Describe institution, roles and responsibilities, members, etc.

Agricultural Centers for extension and dissemination of knowledge are located in all main agriculture regions of Kazakhstan. Roles and responsibilities: advisory service, consultations.

Specify type of support:

• capacity building/ training

Give further details:

Agricultural Centers for extension and dissemination of knowledge conduct and carry out on regularly basis trainings, seminars, workshops, meetings for and with farmers, visit farm fields and trials to provide on-place consultations and monitoring.

4.4 Monitoring and evaluation

Is monitoring and evaluation part of the Approach?

Yes

Comments:

Monitoring and evaluation were carried out by the project team, consist of National Coordinator, Project Leader, national and international consultants and advisors, heads of the project farms. Also together with agriculture workers implementing field works at farms the project team members participated in main field activities: seeding, weed control, harvesting.

If yes, is this documentation intended to be used for monitoring and evaluation?

Yes

Comments:

By collaborating with national and international partners the project evaluated progress and perception of the aproach by farmers. The documentation of the project, activities realized, reports of the project implementation are to be used for monitoring and evaluation. Defining real "win-wins" in the specific context of the project area as well as whole country aimed at increased understanding to improve and replicate the CA approach and technology on a broader scale.

4.5 Research

Was research part of the Approach?

Yes

Specify topics:

• economics / marketing
• technology

Give further details and indicate who did the research:

Technology and economics research were carried out by two main national research institutes: 1) Kazakh Research and Production Center for Grain Farming, Shortandy settl., Akmola region (province); 2) Kazakh Research Institute for Farming and Crop Production, Almalybak settl., Almaty region (province).

5.1 Annual budget for the SLM component of the Approach

If precise annual budget is not known, indicate range:

• 10,000-100,000

Comments (e.g. main sources of funding/ major donors):

Main sources/donors of funding of the SLM component of the approach: FAO (80%), International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center – CIMMYT (20%). The FAO TCP/KAZ/2801 (T) “Conservation Agriculture for Sustainable Crop Production in Northern Kazakhstan” project duration: 2002-2004.

5.2 Financial/ material support provided to land users

Did land users receive financial/ material support for implementing the Technology/ Technologies?

No

5.3 Subsidies for specific inputs (including labour)

Comments:

not applicable

5.4 Credit

Was credit provided under the Approach for SLM activities?

No

5.5 Other incentives or instruments

Were other incentives or instruments used to promote implementation of SLM Technologies?

No

6.1 Impacts of the Approach

6.2 Main motivation of land users to implement SLM

6.3 Sustainability of Approach activities

Can the land users sustain what has been implemented through the Approach (without external support)?

• uncertain

If no or uncertain, specify and comment:

While CA provides many benefits for farmers and the environment, farmers can face constraints to adopt these practices. Wetlands or soils with poor drainage can make adoption challenging. When crop residues are limited, farmers tend to use them for fodder first, so there might not be enough residues for the soil cover. To initiate CA, appropriate seeders are necessary, and these may not be available or affordable to all farmers. Conservation agriculture is also knowledge intensive and not all farmers may have access to the knowledge and training required on how to practice conservation agriculture. Finally, conservation agriculture increases yields over time but farmers may not see yield benefits immediately. However, innovations, adapted research and new technologies are helping farmers to overcome these challenges and facilitate the adoption of conservation agriculture.

6.4 Strengths/ advantages of the Approach

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Because the approach is focused on awareness raising and the transfer of skills, knowledge and world experience it facilitates the mobilization of strengths and capabilities of farmers and different partners for effective adoption and promotion of CA.

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view

The approach aims at sustainably intensifying farming systems and have a positive effect on the environment using natural processes. It helps farmers to adapt and increase profits in spite of climate risks. This approach by bringing awareness on advantages of CA to farmers, decision-makers, general public is a way of highest importance for Kazakhstan's “Area of Risk Farming”. Conservation agriculture can be considered climate-smart as it delivers on the objectives of climate-smart agriculture.

6.5 Weaknesses/ disadvantages of the Approach and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view	How can they be overcome?
At farms level CA approach, especially on initial stages of its introduction and adoption, requires regular consultations and support by visiting foreign and international specialists on the issues and problems where national personnel is not enough experienced. Financial support of these visits and activities is necessary.	CA-based projects, especially those funded by international R&D agencies, can to some extent help with foreign experts visits and consultations. To accelerate introduction of CA it would be timely and effective if government allocates special funds for invited foreign and international experts through national programs on agriculture research and education.

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view

How can they be overcome?

Effective promotion of the CA-based approach in the country requires further measures to improve coordination between government, non-governmental and international organizations working in this area

As an innovative approach a CA platform must consist of and be based on interaction, cooperation, and a network of multiple agents: farmers, researchers, specialists in extension and marketing, manufacturers, policy-makers, state bodies, international R&D institutions. The establishment of a National or Regional “Network on Conservation Agriculture” coordinating all necessary activities and processes is considered important to effectively promote CA in the country and region.

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

1.Karabaev M., Vasko I., Matyushkov M., Bektemirov A., Kenzhebekov A., Bakhman T., Friedrich T., Makus L., Morgunov A., Darinov A., Sagimbaev M., Suraev V., Perezdanov V., Rodionov A., Wall P. Zero-processing and direct sowing technologies for the cultivation of grain crops in Northern Kazakhstan. 2005. FAO-SIMMIT, 64 p. (in Russian)

Title, author, year, ISBN:

2.S. Shpigun, M. Karabayev. No-till and direct seeding technologies for cereals in North Kazakhstan. - Practical recommendations for farmers. Astana, Kazakhstan, 2007, 15 p.

Title, author, year, ISBN:

3.M. Karabayev, N. Yuschenko, A. Akramkhanov, and S. Shpigun. Forage crops production in dry areas with an allowance for ecological risks. - Methods of seeding and growing of perennial and annual grasses. Astana, Kazakhstan, 2007, 112 p.

Title, author, year, ISBN:

4.CIMMYT Wheat Improvement Program for Kazakhstan. Together in 21st Century. - 2008, CIMMYT, 56 p.

Title, author, year, ISBN:

5.Yushenko N., Iskakov Z., Karabayev M., Shpigun S., Yushenko D., Shaushekov T., Baitassov A. Perennial grasses cropping in abandoned lands of Central Kazakhstan based on Conservation Agriculture. – Drylands Management, World Bank-GEF-MOEP Kazakhstan, 2008, p.38-43

Title, author, year, ISBN:

6.No-Till with Soil Cover and Crop Rotation: A Basis for Policy Support to Conservation Agriculture for Sustainable Production Intensification. – Proceedings of the International Consultation Conference, 8-10 July, 2009, Astana-Shortandy, Kazakhstan. CIMMYT, FAO, Ministry of Agriculture, Kazakhstan, 2009, 350 p.

Title, author, year, ISBN:

7.Commonwealth Agricultural Bureaux International (CABI). 2011. Climate Change and Crop Production. Oxfordshire, UK: CABI, 292 p.

Title, author, year, ISBN:

8.FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). 2011. Save and Grow: A Policymaker’s Guide to the Sustainable Intensification of Smallholder Crop Production. Rome, Italy: FAO.

Title, author, year, ISBN:

9.Ospanbayev Zh., Koishibayev M., Karabayev M., Zhapayev R., Bedoshvili D., Zhunusov K. 2010. Winter wheat direct seeding technology on rainfed lands. Recommendations for farmers, Almaty, Kazakhstan, 13 p.

Title, author, year, ISBN:

10.Karabayev M., Ushenko N., Baitassov A., Ushenko D., Ishmukhanbetov S. 2011. Conservation agriculture for hayfields and pastures under agricultural landscapes of Central Kazakhstan // INAT-AGRO, GEF, UNDP, CIMMYT. Astana, Kazakhstan, 39 p.

Title, author, year, ISBN:

11.Ushenko N., Ushenko D., Baitassov A. 2011. Adaptation of no till and direct seeding of cereals in agricultural landscapes of Central Kazakhstan // CIMMYT, ACP, Astana, Kazakhstan, 22 p.

Title, author, year, ISBN:

12.Advancement and impact of conservation agriculture/no-till technology adoption in Kazakhstan. FAO Investment Centre, Information Note, December 6, 2012

Title, author, year, ISBN:

13.Karabayev M., P.Wall., K.Sayre, R.Zhapayev, A.Morgounov, V.Dvurechenski, N.Yushenko, T.Friedrich, T.Fillecia, A.Jumabayeva, M.Guadagni. Adoption of Conservation Agriculture in Kazakhstan // Soil-Water Journal. 2013, Vol. 2, #r 2, p. 2003-2006.

Title, author, year, ISBN:

14.Zhapayev R., K.Iskandarova, M.Karabayev, K.Toderich. Ecological testing of the sorghum genotypes in South-East Kazakhstan // Agroecological bases of improvement the productivity and sustainability of Agriculture in the XXI century. 2013, Kazakhstan, p. 124-127.

Title, author, year, ISBN:

15.Karabayev M., V.Dvurechenski, P.Wall, K.Sayre, T.Friedrich, N.Yushenko, Zh.Ospanbayev, R.Zhapayev, A.Morgounov, A.Darinov, A.Nazarenko, E.Gossen, T.Fillecia, M.Guadagni. Conservation Agriculture in Kazakhstan // CIMMYT-Kazakhstan, 2013, 32 p.

Title, author, year, ISBN:

16.Karabayev M., A.Morgounov, P.Wall, K.Sayre, Y.Zelenskiy, R.Zhapayev, V.Dvurechenskii, A.Akhmetova, T.Friedrich, T.Fileccia, M.Guadagni. Conservation Agriculture and breeding for sustainable wheat production in Kazakhstan // Journal of Bahri Dagdas Crop Research, 2014, (1-2), 50-53 p.

Title, author, year, ISBN:

17.Nurbekov A., A.Akramkhanov, J.Lamers, A.Kassam, T.Friedrich, R.Gupta, H.Muminjanov, M.Karabayev, D.Sydyk, J.Turok, M.Bekenov. Conservation Agriculture in Central Asia (chapter) // Conservation Agriculture. Global prospects and challenges. CABI (CAB Int.), 2014, UK-USA, p.223-248

Title, author, year, ISBN:

18.Karabayev M., A.Morgounov, H.-J.Braun, P.Wall, K.Sayre, Yu.Zelenskiy, R.Zhapayev, A.Akhmetova, V.Dvurechenskii, K.Iskandarova, T.Friedrich, T.Fileccia, M.Guadagni. Effective approaches to wheat improvement in Kazakhstan: Breeding and Conservation Agriculture // Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, USA, 2014, v.4, #10, p.761-765.

Title, author, year, ISBN:

19.Goddard T., Basch G., Derpsh R., Hongwen L., Jin H., Karabayev M., Moriya K., Peiretti R., Smith H. Institutional and policy support for CA uptake // Advances in Conservation Agriculture, Volume 1: Systems and Science, Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing, Cambridge, UK, 2020, (ISBN: 978 1 78676 264 1; 52 p.

Available from where? Costs?

www.bdspublishing.com

7.3 Links to relevant information which is available online

Title/ description:

1.No-Till: A Climate Smart Agriculture Solution for Kazakhstan

URL:

http://www.worldbank.org/en/results/2013/08/08/no-till-climate-smart-agriculture-solution-for-kazakhstan