| Description of the practice and its results |
The Aspara River originates in the Western Tien Shan on the territory of Kyrgyzstan and flows northwards crossing the border with Kazakhstan. The river’s total length exceeds 44 km, and its catchment area amounts to approximately 66 km2. The Aspara River Basin is located in Chu Region in Kyrgyzstan’s northwest and Jambyl Region in Southern Kazakhstan. The basin is shared by several different ethnicities where they live and work. The basin’s population is rapidly growing, and the agriculture is developing. In many places along the course of the river, especially in its lower streams, the water doesn't meet quality and sanitary standards. Liquid waste produced by the population, industry and livestock production as well as solid waste constitute major sources of environmental pollution.
Project efforts were carried out in Jambyl Region of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Chu Region of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Actions:
Establishment of 2 stakeholder groups, i.e. Small Basin Councils (SBC) – on both Kazakhstan’s and Kyrgyzstan’s sides of the river – representing local authorities, NGOs, water users and local communities. The SBCs already held 6 joint meetings proving the value of SBCs as platforms to exchange opinions and information as well as take joint decisions on enhancing the overall situation in the basin.
In addition, hydrometric posts were reconstructed and underwent certification, and the automated water distribution and accounting system was installed on the Mailybai Canal. The water supply system in the village of Cholok-Aryk also underwent reconstructed. A demo-site to demonstrate drip irrigation equipment and technology was established on the premises of Ravshan Farm receiving its irrigation water via the Mailybai Canal.
Results:
Thus, the creation of national Small Basin Councils (SBC) on the Aspara River ensured a platform for exchanging opinions and information as well as joint decision-making to improve the overall situation in the Aspara River Basin, including the development of the IWRM basin-specific plan. |
The sprinkler is produced by the US Valley Company established in 1946 and considered one of the world leading designers and manufacturers of water-efficient irrigation and water supply equipment for agriculture, industry and municipal purposes.
Actions:
The first case of using such a large-scale sprinkling irrigation machine in Turkmenistan’s agriculture. The machine’s operation does not require careful field planning. The machine’s scale (extension up to 1,000 meters) allows it to irrigate up to 300 hectares of land. Frontal installation with reinforced irrigating shoulder bars moves back and forth across the field and ensures uniform watering of the whole acreage.
The government provides a 10-year soft loan with 1% annual interest rate to procure such units.
Results:
Application of water sprinklers allows the two-fold saving of water resources and higher yields. Due to its overall high quality and advantages, Turkmenistan’s agricultural producers became interested in the technology – multiple orders were placed to procure and install such smart sprinkling machines. |
| Lessons learnt and recommendations made |
Lessons learnt:
Introduction of IWRM principles is the pre-requisite of stable and fair water supply irrespective of a given water user’s location.
Recommendations:
Currently, when local stakeholders are represented in SBCs and are engaged in joint water management, it is necessary to continue the capacity-building efforts to build-up SBCs’ efficiency. In the long term, it might be necessary and possible to establish a joint body to manage the whole Aspara River Basin shared by Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. |
Lessons learnt:
Advantage of sprinkling machines:
- fitting with fertilizer administration units;
- fitting with units for spraying disease, pest and weed control agents;
- capable to replace water spraying tractors;
- no need for seasonal field works;
- lower agricultural production costs.
Recommendations:
After successful testing, other candidates for the installation of irrigation machines declared their corresponding desire (Ashyk Aydyn Daikhan Association of Rukhubelent Etrap of Dashoguz Velayat that already installed a different type of sprinkling system covering 174 hectares). Since Akhal Region is close to the capital, it is necessary to introduce more water-efficient technologies focusing on garden and cucurbit crops to address food supply issues. |
| Readiness for implementation |
1. Cost of implementation: High
2. Approximate cost of investment per 1 ha:
3. O&M costs: High
4. Expert support: Not needed
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1. Cost of implementation: High
2. Approximate cost of investment per 1 ha:
3. O&M costs: High
4. Expert support: Not needed
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| Brief information on the project |
Development and implementation of basin plans constitute principal elements of integrated water resources management. Multi-agency coordination mechanism via basin councils or coordination groups is an important advantage of IWRM. This approach allows streamlined coordination and synergy of actions on all levels of management hierarchy.
Project title: Stakeholder partnership in joint policy-making: assistance to transboundary cooperation in small watersheds of Central Asia.
Project duration: Apr 2012-Oct 2016
Project goal and objectives: introduction of the integrated water resources management (IWRM) practice in three transboundary watersheds and its scaling-up in Central Asia.
Project beneficiaries: communities of the Aspara small transboundary river basin, specialists of water and environmental agencies, farmers.
Project implementer: USAID/CAREC. |
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