The EDB, the Ministry of Water Resources of Kazakhstan and UNDP launch a large-scale sustainable irrigation project in Kazakhstan

The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan and the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) signed a financial agreement in Astana. The document was executed by Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan, Katarzyna Wawiernia, UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan, and Ruslan Dalenov, Vice Chairman of the EDB Management Board.

The EDB announced the signature of a trilateral agreement with the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and UNDP Kazakhstan on the project “Developing a Business Ecosystem for Sustainable Irrigation in Kazakhstan.” The Bank is providing a US $3.5 million grant to launch an initiative aimed at modernising and strengthening the irrigation system, improving water use efficiency and creating a sustainable business ecosystem.

Key project objectives

The project will implement state-of-the-art technologies and innovative water management models, including:

• establishing a national information system on water resources
• implementing tools for forecasting and optimal water distribution
• establishing regional centres for modern irrigation
• promoting professional development
• piloting water-saving technologies
• preparing project documentation to construct a water reservoir on the Kenderlyk River

“We are entering a new phase of cooperation. The project will implement cutting-edge approaches to water management, improve the efficiency of irrigation systems and strengthen the sector’s institutional capacity, including the development of infrastructure solutions and the preparation of necessary project materials,” said Ruslan Dalenov, Vice Chairman of the EDB Management Board.

“The initiative aims to advance irrigation and improve water use efficiency in Kazakhstan. For us, participation in the project means the achievement of strategic goals to modernise water management and enhance climate resilience. Our goal is to modernise the water sector to protect public interests and ensure the security and sustainable development of the country,” said Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation.

“Implementing digital tools for water monitoring water and establishing regional centres for modern irrigation technology to enhance the capacity of farmers, women and young professionals, as well as strengthening the role of women in the sector are an important step towards sustainable and climate-resilient water use. At UNDP, we see this project as part of a larger effort that extends beyond national borders. This is a flagship initiative not only for Kazakhstan, but for the entire region, with solutions that can be scaled up and adapted across Central Asia to address common water challenges,” highlighted Katarzyna Wawiernia, UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan.

For the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, participation in the project aligns with its strategic objective to modernise water management and build climate resilience in the country. For UNDP, the project will serve as a platform for supporting sustainable development, improving food security and involving local communities in resource management.

Long-term effect and scaling

The project is designed to run for several years and provides for pilot implementation zones, expandable scale and replication of successful solutions in Kazakhstan, Central Asia and among the Bank’s member states. The initiative creates a solid foundation for further collaboration between the EDB, government agencies and international partners to ensure sustainable water use.

The project builds upon a tripartite letter of intent signed on 28 June 2024 between the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan, UNDP and the EDB, aimed to promote multi-purpose water management. That letter has laid the legal and institutional framework for technical support, sector digitisation, staff training and the piloting of water-saving technologies, all of which are now part of a major sustainable irrigation project.

Additional Information:

The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) is a multilateral development bank investing in Eurasia. For more than 19 years, the Bank has worked to strengthen and expand economic ties and foster comprehensive development in its member countries. By July 2025, the EDB’s cumulative portfolio comprised 319 projects with a total investment of US $19.1 billion. The portfolio consists principally of projects with an integration effect in transport infrastructure, digital systems, green energy, agriculture, manufacturing and mechanical engineering. The Bank adheres to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and ESG principles in its operations.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading United Nations organisation fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Read more about us at undp.org or follow us on @UNDP.

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