National Water Resources Management Project in Uzbekistan (NWRM)
The project supports the water sector reform through the development and operationalization of strategic and regulatory framework based on a full-fledged integrated water resources management approach, embracing all water users and multi-actors’ space aligned with administrative changes. This will allow to achieve climate change resilience, food and water security, increased water productivity and improved livelihoods of the rural population in Uzbekistan.
| Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Uzbekistan |
Water Governance Agriculture & food security
Water sector policy
Public sector policy Agricultural water resources |
01.01.2024
- 31.12.2027 |
CHF 3’550’000
|
- The strategic and regulatory framework is enhanced and operationalized
- Reform champions and drivers of change in the water sector are enabled
- Digitalization will be expanded and sustainably operated by key partners
- Essential integrated water resources management functions, mandates, and tasks of responsible authorities are strengthened
- Water agencies are advanced as functional interfaces between government and water users
- Local water managers and users are empowered to access modern tools, skills, and practices
- The knowledge base of practitioners and citizens on conflict-sensitive, climate-resilient, and sustainable water use is improved
- Water actors are connected to relevant expertise, practices, and collaboration opportunities
- Established and empowered the Information, Analytical and Resource Center, a strategic achievement to institutionally strengthen the Ministry of Water Resources
- The novel comprehensive strategic and regulatory sector framework developed and enforced (Water Concept, Water Strategy, draft Water Code)
- Developed and gradually implemented National Water Management Information System Concept
- Promoted water-saving technologies through social networks and TOMCHI app/portal
- Fully equipped/digitalized and empowered all 155 Rayon Irrigation Departments to support farmers
- Delivered tailored capacity building of key beneficiaries
- Developed new water saving technologies course and unique textbooks, constructed demonstration plots, and equipped laboratories for all 9 water colleges
- Conducted water sector gender assessment and facilitated the gender equality and empowerment of women as water saving technology leaders
- Foreign private sector North
- The IFAS Agency (The Agency of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea for implementing projects in the Aral Sea Area)
-
Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation WATER SUPPLY & SANITATION
GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
AGRICULTURE
Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation Water sector policy and administrative management
Public sector policy and administrative management
Agricultural water resources
Cross-cutting topics Conflict reduction
The project also supports partner organisation improvements
Aid Type Mandate with fiduciary funds
Mandate without fiduciary fund
Project number 7F08308
| Background | In Uzbekistan almost 98% of the agricultural output is produced on irrigated lands constituting 9% of all area and consuming 91% of the total national water resources. While 50% of the irrigation water is pumped, irrigation faces low water effectiveness of (largely earthen) channels, increased salinity (52% of the irrigated area), water logging, and reduced soil fertility due to high water tables. The potential for water-related conflicts is high as more than 85% of Uzbekistan’s resources originate in upstream countries. The need for climate change resilient solutions, the fast economic/population growth, and the fragility of the geopolitical context are seriously challenging water and food security as well. Since different forms of water resources are under the responsibilities of distinctive institutions in Uzbekistan, the holistic climate-resilient multi-sectoral approach is required. Also, transboundary cooperation is more urgent due to regional demographic and industrial growth, rising energy needs, climate change impact, and increasing water diversions by Afghanistan. |
| Objectives | The project’s overall goal is to improve the livelihoods and resilience of the rural population through integrated water resources management in Uzbekistan. |
| Target groups |
The Ministry of Water Resources, its Information Analytical and Resource Centre, Inspectorate for Control over Safety of Water Resources and Water Use, Ministry of Water Resources of Karakalpak Republic and 12 Basin Administrations of Irrigation Systems, 48 Administrations of Irrigation Systems, 13 Ameliorative Expeditions, 155 Rayon Irrigation Departments, farmers and other water consumers nationwide will directly benefit from the project interventions. Cooperation with the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Communal Services, Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, and Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology is also foreseen. |
| Medium-term outcomes |
Outcome 1: The competent authorities at the central, basin, and local levels enforce an informed integrated water resources management-based policy, strategic, regulatory, and planning framework. Outcome 2: Water management organizations, providers, and users have enhanced capacities for conflict-sensitive, climate-resilient, and sustainable use of water resources. Outcome 3: Stakeholders expand and valorize knowledge, practices, and synergies across sectors nationally and at the transboundary level to reduce the rising risks of water scarcity and related hazards. |
| Results |
Expected results: Results from previous phases: By addressing the significant context developments in Uzbekistan, the project achieved good results and ensured its continued relevance: |
| Directorate/federal office responsible |
SDC |
| Credit area |
Development cooperation |
| Project partners |
Contract partner International or foreign NGO Private sector |
| Coordination with other projects and actors | Strategic partnerships with other Swiss projects and synergies with donors active in the water sector will be maintained. |
| Budget | Current phase Swiss budget CHF 3’550’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF 615’806 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF 6’450’000 Budget inclusive project partner CHF 10’000’000 |
| Project phases | Phase 3 01.01.2024 - 31.12.2027 (Current phase) Phase 2 01.01.2020 - 31.12.2023 (Active) Phase 1 01.09.2013 - 31.12.2019 (Active) |
