The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) are collaborating to improve farmland management and strengthen food security in the Kyrgyz Republic. This partnership has resulted in the launch of the “Greening Kyrgyzstan’s Economy: Know More, Act Better, Enhance Results” initiative, aimed at promoting climate-smart agriculture through the use of advanced geographic information systems (GIS) technology.
This joint effort seeks to enhance the efficiency of the agricultural sector, a major contributor to the country’s economy and a key employer, accounting for nearly half of the workforce and approximately 12% of the nation’s GDP. Agriculture also plays a crucial role in food production and sustenance for the growing population of the Kyrgyz Republic, which is expected to reach 9.6 million by 2050.
Through this initiative, the EBRD and FAO aim to introduce GIS technology that will support farmers and agricultural stakeholders in multiple ways. GIS will help users monitor crops, measure the efficiency of land use, assess potential productivity, track crop rotation, and ensure sustainable water management. The technology is set to be administered by the State Agency for Land Resources, Cadastre, Geodesy and Cartography, which will make the system available to a wide range of stakeholders, including the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Food Industry, as well as local farmers and agricultural aggregators.
The initiative is also supported by three local agricultural aggregators: Kaindy-Kant, which processes sugar beet; Kirbi, involved in potato processing; and Dan Agro, specializing in pulses and legumes. This collaboration is set to benefit more than 5,000 farmers who supply produce to these aggregators. By using GIS technology, these aggregators will gain access to more accurate data, helping them prepare for annual harvests, optimize planting decisions, and better understand their financing needs.
In addition to GIS technology, the initiative includes the development of a mobile app to make the technology more accessible to farmers at the grassroots level. With financial assistance from the Ministry of Digital Development of the Kyrgyz Republic, the app will simplify the adoption of GIS and allow farmers to easily access valuable tools for improving their farming practices. Furthermore, a free e-extension app will be deployed to offer advisory services, helping farmers improve their knowledge and skills in agricultural best practices.
This collaboration between the EBRD, FAO, and the State Agency also brings environmental benefits. Agriculture in the Kyrgyz Republic is responsible for approximately 37% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. The project aims to increase efficiency in the sector, supporting the Kyrgyz Republic in meeting its commitments under the Paris Agreement, which includes a target to reduce emissions by 16% by 2030.
The initiative promises to address key challenges facing the Kyrgyz Republic, including the need for sustainable land management, food security, and climate change adaptation. By improving data-driven decision-making, the project will help rural communities adapt to changing environmental conditions, support agribusiness supply chains, and contribute to broader economic growth.
As part of the EBRD’s ongoing support for the Kyrgyz Republic, the bank has invested more than €1 billion in the country since 1992, supporting a wide range of projects, particularly in sustainable infrastructure and the private sector. This new initiative marks a significant step toward enhancing agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and promoting environmental sustainability in the region.
