Experts recently gathered for an online conference to discuss a pressing issue: water scarcity in Kazakhstan and its impact on food security. With inflation hitting 12.3% in 2025, they warned that effective water management is crucial to stabilize food supply and control rising prices.
Water is a key resource, but scarcity is now a wider issue, affecting economies and societies. Competition for shared water sources and rising demand could create significant challenges for both farmers and urban dwellers. Rahimbek Abdrakhmanov, director of the Center for Political-Economic Analysis, stressed that water shortages should be viewed not just as agricultural concerns but as risks that affect the entire economy.
He cited data showing that Kazakhstani agriculture loses up to 50% of water during transport. This wastage happens before it even reaches the fields. Tensions are rising as conflicts over water access in Central Asia have increased significantly over the last decade. Currently, about one-third of the region’s population lacks access to clean drinking water.
Kazakhstan faces declining river inflows, with uneven water distribution across regions. Marat Imanaliyev from the Ministry of Water Resources explained that different areas have different needs. While the east depends on local water, the southern regions, which are more populated and economically active, struggle more with scarcity.
Seasonal changes in water availability are also becoming more pronounced. Imanaliyev noted that water is often unavailable during critical growing periods, linked to changing climate patterns. Kazakhstan has agreements with neighboring countries for shared water resources but faces ongoing negotiations with China regarding rivers like the Ili.
Agriculture relies heavily on water, using about 90% of the total withdrawals. Bulat Yessekin, an international water management expert, pointed out that deepening shortages will first impact crops and subsequently affect food prices and rural livelihoods. This year, for example, southern irrigation consumed 11 billion cubic meters of water.
Experts are discussing solutions. Arsen Islamov, a livestock farming expert, suggested shifting crop types to more sustainable options, like alfalfa. He emphasized that wheat dominates the local diet, as Kazakhstan traditionally grows this staple, reflecting its agricultural identity.
The water crisis isn’t just about rivers; it’s also about disruptions to the entire water cycle. Yessekin highlighted “green water,” or moisture in soil and vegetation, as a vital but overlooked resource. Recent discussions at international summits revealed that human activities have disrupted the natural flow of water, even though the planet’s overall water volume remains unchanged.
Kuralai Yakhyayeva from the Scientific Information Center showcased successful water-saving measures implemented in key rice-growing areas. Since introducing advanced measurement tools and techniques in 2013, water usage dropped significantly without compromising crop yields.
Even as rice production presents challenges, experts like Sagidulla Syzdykov from the Rice Producers Association stressed a gradual transition for farmers rather than abrupt changes. The water deficit has been a long-term issue linked to both climate change and increased irrigation demands from neighboring countries.
Imanaliyev mentioned that the government is working on long-term plans for water management. He recognizes that harsh restrictions without alternatives could lead to social unrest, while water-saving strategies must also aim to restore natural systems for future sustainability.
Ultimately, experts agree that mere conservation won’t suffice. We need to restore the natural water cycle to ensure sustainable water availability for agriculture and beyond.
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