LocationsEurasian Development Bank, Ministry of Water Resources, and UNDP launch a joint project to advance sustainable irrigation in Kazakhstan
November 19, 2025
The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan, and the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) signed a trilateral agreement for the Developing a business ecosystem for sustainable irrigation in Kazakhstan project. The EDB is providing a grant of US$5,3 million to launch this initiative to modernize and strengthen irrigation systems, and to improve water-use efficiency.
The project will introduce advanced technologies and innovative water management models, including:
Development of a national water resources information system
Implementation of forecasting tools and optimal water allocation mechanisms
Establishment of regional centers for modern irrigation
Capacity building for specialists
Piloting water-saving technologies
Preparation of design documentation for the construction of a reservoir on the Kenderlyk River
The agreement was signed by Ruslan Dalenov, Deputy Chairman of the EDB Management Board, Katarzyna Wawiernia, UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan, Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan
"We are entering a new phase of cooperation. This project will enable the adoption of modern approaches to water resource management, improve irrigation system efficiency, and strengthen institutional capacity in the sector, including infrastructure development and preparation of essential project documentation,"said Ruslan Dalenov, Deputy Chairman of the EDB Management Board.
“The initiative is aimed at developing irrigation and improving water use efficiency in Kazakhstan. For us, participating in this project means advancing our strategic goals of modernizing water management and strengthening resilience to climate change. Our mission is to modernize the water sector to protect citizens’ interests, ensure security, and promote the country’s sustainable development,”said Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation.
"Introducing digital tools for water resource monitoring and establishing regional centres for modern irrigation to train engineers, farmers, and young professionals, and to strengthen the role of women in the sector, is a significant step toward sustainable and climate-adaptive water use. We at UNDP see this project as part of a broader effort that goes beyond borders. It 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 our shared water challenges,"emphasized Katarzyna Wawiernia, UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan.
For the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, participation in the project represents a strategic step toward modernizing the country’s water sector and enhancing resilience to climate change. For UNDP, the project serves as a platform to promote sustainable development, strengthen food security, and engage local communities in resource management processes.
Long-Term Impact and Scaling
The project is designed for several years and includes pilot implementation zones, scalable solutions, and replication of best practices across Kazakhstan, Central Asia, and EDB member states. The success of this initiative will lay a solid foundation for continued collaboration between EDB, government agencies, and international partners to ensure sustainable water use.
This project is the result of the trilateral Memorandum of Understanding signed on 28 June 2024 between the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, UNDP, and EDB, which established the legal and institutional framework for technical support, sector digitalization, staff training, and piloting water-saving technologies, all now integral to this large-scale sustainable irrigation project.
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