Interactive map of the best practices

on the use of water, land and energy resources,
as well as the environment of Central Asia

Comparison of practices

Название практики Irrigation of pastures and hayfield meadows using Simulta-neous Impulse Sprinkling Kit (KSID-10S) Restoration of irrigation infrastructure in mountainous regions of Kyrgyzstan
Category Water resources Water resources
Tool Sprinkling system Restoration of water management infrastructure
Field of application

Use of water resources

Usability of practice for adaptation to climate change Moderate Moderate
Implemented by Kazakh Water Management Research Institute (KazNIIWKh)
Mountain Societies Development Support Programme Kyrgyzstan (MSDSP KG) on the initiative of Aga Khan Foundation
Used by

Country: Kazakhstan

Province: Jambyl Region

Country: Kyrgyzstan

Province: Osh Region

District: Nookat District

Local specifics

The site is located in the foothills with significant difference in elevation

The northeastern part of Osh Region lies in the Tien Shan spurs (Fergana Range) with the Pamir-Altai Mountains in the south and west (Turkestan, Alai, Trans-Alai (Lenin Peak) Ridges.  The climate in the region is sharp continental.  The Kyzyl-Suu, Ak-Buura and Kara Darya are the largest rivers in the area used for irrigation.

Practice usage period

Start date: 01.01.2006

End date: 31.12.2007

Start date: 01.01.2013

End date: 31.12.2016

Problem solved through this practice

Water erosion, discharge, uneven distribution of irrigation water, poor yields

Conflicts due to disputes over water resources and pastures

Tools used in the practice

Technique and technology for irrigation based on Simultaneous Impulse Sprinkling Kit (KSID-10S)

Repair works to restore irrigation networks and infrastructure

Description of the practice and its results

Actions:

Deployment of the Simultaneous Impulse Sprinkling Kit (KSID-10S) allowing extremely uniform and simultaneous dispersion of irrigation water across all sections of arable pasture or hayfield meadow.  Water expenditure at the impulse device makes 0.05-0.3 l/sec and 0.25-2.0 l/sec in the irrigation pipeline, thus, reducing (3-4 times) the costs associated with the pipeline network installation compared to other sprinkling systems (kits). The pipeline network is built of 15-25 mm diameter pipes easy to transport and assemble in mountainous conditions.

Technical characteristics:

Operation modes: automatic and manual

Irrigated area: 10 ha

Water consumption: up to 100 m3/day

Average sprinkling (rain) intensity: 0.002-0.008 mm/min

EFFICIENCY: 99%

MOC: 98%

Watering automation level: 100%

 

Results:

  • Ensured water supply according to crops requirements with the account of changing weather conditions and moisture deposits in active soil layer;
  • Elimination of : 1) water-induced soil erosion, 2) puddling and 3) discharge run-off;
  • No need for water recirculation among irrigation sections.

Disputes over water resources and pastures can lead to conflicts, in particular among the communities living in border zones in the Fergana Valley.  Every year, this urgent issue gains even more relevance as - according to expert forecasts – by 2020 Kyrgyzstan’s population may reach 7 mln 70% of which will live in rural communities.

Actions:

The project to rehabilitate irrigation canals aimed to improve access to water resources and pastures for local residents.  The project also promoted introduction of equal-right practices in the sphere of water resources and pastures management among local population.  All project actions targeted the improvement of living conditions of local residents and decreasing tensions.

Results:

On June 8, 2016, Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) held the ceremonial opening of 5 repaired irrigation canals in Nookat District of Osh Region.  Repair works to rehabilitate the irrigation canals were co-funded by Nookat District Water Management Administration, ajyl aimaks (Kyrg. rural local governance bodies) and local residents themselves.

Financial and economic:

  • residents of Nookat District, nearby villages of Aravan District and the town of Kyzyl-Kiya gained access to irrigation water;
  • farmer incomes grew thanks to addressing the issue of irrigation water shortage.

Environmental:

The condition of over 4,000 ha (irrigated land) improved.

Technical results:

The total length of all repaired irrigation canals exceeded 10,900 meters.

Social results:

  • living conditions of local residents improved;
  • tensions associated with the use of water and pastures in Fergana Valley border zones decreased.
Lessons learnt and recommendations made

Lessons learnt:

The advantages of impulse sprinkling irrigation were confirmed by the research efforts on other test sites of KAZNIIVKh in Jambyl Region that allowed increasing biological productivity of Golden Delicious apple variety by 10.1-36.8%, and commercial productivity – by 16.6-49.4% compared to conventional sprinkling irrigation systems.

Recommendations:

It is necessary to continue application of similar practices in foothill areas in Central Asia subject to power supply shortages.

Lessons learnt:

Repair and restoration of irrigation infrastructure facilitated the improvement of living conditions among local population, decreased tensions and disputes associated with water and pasture use in border zones of the Fergana Valley, and enhanced farmer welfare.

Recommendations:

The practice yielded positive outcomes and is recommended for further scaling-up to improve the welfare and ensure sustainable development of mountain communities in border zones.

Source of practice

Domestic tools (outcomes of research by domestic R&D organizations)

Foreign tools (transfer of foreign experience)

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

1. Cost of implementation: High

2. Approximate cost of investment per 1 ha:

3. O&M costs: High

4. Expert support: Not needed

Brief information on the project

Project title: Improving infrastructure and building capacity of relevant local institutes on effective management of water and pasture resources.

Project duration: 2013-2016.

Project goal and objectives: enhance welfare and ensure sustainable development of mountain communities, prevent conflicts, facilitate stability and security of using natural resources in border zones.

Scale of implementation and project beneficiaries: populations of Nookat and Aravan Districts, town of Kyzyl-Kiya.

Project implementer: Mountain Societies Development Support Programme Kyrgyzstan (MSDSP KG).

Funding source Ministry of Agriculture of the RK Aga Khan Foundation and the UK Embassy in Kyrgyzstan
Information sources

Mountain Partnership Member News (www.ekois.net)

Contacts of a person, who filled this form

SIC ICWC

SIC ICWC

Form submission date 30.03.2018 18.05.2018

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