Kazakhstan’s Farmers Diversify Crops, Increase Profit
In 2006, farmers who received support from USAID’s Water Users Associations Assistance Program (WUAAP) achieved increased productivity at a level three times greater than the national average. Although overall agriculture productivity in Kazakhstan increased 8% this year, average productivity gains of farmers participating in the WUAAP program was 26%. Moreover, farmers that received training and technical assistance from WUAAP increased their harvests in alfalfa, corn, rice, melons, gourds and grains. Following technical and business trainings, two participating water users associations (WUA) decided to increase their alfalfa planting area by 250 hectares. When the price of alfalfa went up, farmers not only replenished their soil, but also earned a sizable profit.
WUAAP provides organizational, technical and business trainings to 20 WUAs in Kazakhstan. By capitalizing on the technical and democratic potential of these associations, the program aims to increase farmer agricultural productivity. USAID’s WUAAP has been operating in Kazakhstan since November 2004. The program is implemented by Counterpart International.
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WUAAP specialists discuss the advantages of various crops during the
field demonstration
Photo Credit: Counterpart International |
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