Climate-Smart Agriculture for the Kyrgyz Republic Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) highlights A Agriculture is important for the livelihoods of the • • A Many institutions in the Kyrgyz Republic support P majority of the people in the Kyrgyz Republic. It M sustainable agricultural development. Additionally, contributes 15% of the country’s total gross domestic P the country is party to multiple international product (GDP) and provides employment to 30% of I environmental treaties and conventions, and plays the economically active population. $ an active role in climate change adaptation actions within Central Asia. Planned strategies have yet to • A Climate change will impact crops and livestock be implemented due to a shortage of state funding. M but production systems will face heterogeneous consequences. A scaling out of CSA initiatives is key • A Institutions and nongovernment organizations P to increase the resilience of the agriculture sector. M provide CSA-related services, including weather I However, the overall adoption of CSA practices, P forecasts, capacity building, and awareness-raising such as conservation agriculture and drip irrigation, I activities for stakeholders. However, more effort remains limited despite their multiple benefits. This is needed to expand the technical knowledge of is due to limited access to seeds and inputs, lack of farmers. accessible long-term credit, and inadequate training available for farmers. • Limited access to finance, driven by high interest I $ rates and short repayment periods, is a major • For livestock, the use of improved pastures and A constraint for farmers to apply CSA. In addition, M adapted breeds can increase livestock productivity farmers usually have limited financial management and enhance resistance to climatic shock and stress. skills and unstable income further reducing their P This will increase the availability of both food and ability to access finance. income for farmers. Similarly, improved veterinary services would be beneficial to the livestock sector by reducing diseases, improving productivity, and increasing export potential. A Adaptation M Mitigation P Productivity I Institutions $ Finance Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is agriculture that has been Although the CSA concept is still evolving, many of the transformed and reoriented to support development and practices and technologies that make up CSA have been ensure food security in the face of climate change. CSA successfully implemented globally [2]. Mainstreaming aims to tackle three main objectives: sustainably increasing CSA in the Kyrgyz Republic will require the systematic agricultural productivity and farmers’ income, adapting identification of locally effective CSA practices, diagnosis and building resilience to climate change, and reducing of barriers to adoption of those practices, evaluation of and/or removing greenhouse gas emissions in line with strategies to overcome the barriers, and ensuring the national development priorities [1]. The CSA approach presence of institutional and financial enablers. can help to identify and address synergies and trade-offs involved in pursuing these three objectives by addressing This CSA Country Profile describes the risks posed by climate food and nutrition security and the environmental, social, change to agriculture in the Kyrgyz Republic, discusses the and economic dimensions of sustainable development potential of CSA to attenuate those risks, identifies factors across agricultural landscapes. This approach helps to align that can influence the adoption of CSA practices, and the needs and priorities of different stakeholders to achieve highlights potential entry points for investment in CSA at more resilient, equitable, and sustainable food systems. scale. National context distributed throughout towns and cities. The poverty rate has seen a moderate decrease, falling from 38% in 2012 to Economic relevance of agriculture 25% in 2016 [5, 6]. The labor market, including wages and earnings from sales of agricultural products, has been the The Kyrgyz Republic is a mountainous country in Central most important factor in poverty reduction [10]. Electricity is Asia with a total land area of 199,951 km2. It ranks 120th out accessible to the entire population, while 89% have access of 188 countries in the 2016 Human Development Index and to improved water supplies; however, access to clean is classified by the World Bank as a lower-middle-income drinking water and sanitation remains an important concern country. Out of a population of 6 million, more than 64% of for people living in rural areas [11]. The gender inequality the people reside in rural areas [3, 4, 5]. Agriculture is the index of 0.4 suggests that there is room to reduce gender mainstay of the Kyrgyz economy and is embedded within the disparities in health, empowerment, and the labor market, traditional way of life for the majority of the people. During highlighting the need for critical policy intervention [3, 5, 6]. 2012–2016, agriculture contributed 15% of the country’s total gross domestic product (GDP) [6]. Approximately The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 made it necessary 9.9% of total exports and 14.9% of total imports are related to reorganize the previously centralized agricultural systems. to the agricultural sector [7]. Leading agricultural products This was achieved through the transformation of state- for export are vegetables, fruits, cotton, tobacco, and meat owned agricultural land (formerly collective scheme farms) and dairy products. Commonly imported products in the into privately owned land [12]. In 2012, the country had an Central Asia region include wheat, meat, prepared food, tea, estimated 535,716 privately owned farms. The vast majority and alcoholic drinks [8]. The development of the national of these farms (94%) can be categorized as small-scale, economy, which was predominantly driven by agriculture averaging 3 hectares [13]. The agricultural sector currently from the late 1990s onward, has recently been impacted employs about 30% of the country’s economically active by a negative trade balance, political volatility, economic population (40% female, 60% male) [14, 15]. shocks, and frequent natural disasters [8, 9]. In the Kyrgyz Republic, an estimated 3.8 million people People, agriculture, and livelihoods in the reside in rural areas, while the remaining population is Kyrgyz Republic [6, 9, 15, 16] Economic relevance of agriculture in the Kyrgyz Republic [6, 9] 2 Climate-Smart Agriculture Country Profile arable land. Adopting new land management strategies and CSA practices is therefore essential to minimize this degradation, thus ensuring sustainable livelihoods and maintaining ecosystem services [21, 22]. Land use in the Kyrgyz Republic [6, 9, 20] Agricultural production systems Nearly 90% of Kyrgyz’s territory is constituted by the Tien Shan mountain ranges, resulting in an average altitude of Land use 2,750 m above sea level [23]. The Kyrgyz Republic can be divided into three broad agro-ecological regions. The first is Land used for agricultural production accounts for 55.4% the southern region, which encompasses the Fergana valley, of Kyrgyz’s total land area. Approximately 48% of this including the Osh, Jalal-Abad, and Batken regions. The agricultural land area consists of permanent meadows and Naryn and Kara-Darya rivers run through the Fergana valley, pastures, 7% constitutes arable land, and 3% is forestland supporting local agriculture, which is the main source of [9, 17, 18]. Despite this relatively small percentage of income in the region. Because of a high population density, forestland, these forests play a significant role in water farm sizes are often smaller in this region than in other regulation and soil conservation, while also sustaining the parts of the country. Although a wide variety of crops are livelihoods of forest-dependent communities. grown throughout the region, typical crops include cotton, tobacco, melon, and fruits. Livestock remain a key agricultural commodity for most farmers, both as a source of income and as a social safety The central zone comprises vast alpine areas of inhospitable net for low-income households [19]. However, pastureland mountains, high-altitude rivers, and valleys. The alpine and meadows adjacent to villages, as well as winter pastures, and subalpine pastures above 2,500 m in this zone are have been highly degraded because of poor management particularly well suited for livestock production [24]. The practices. Similarly, the more remote summer pastures Naryn region has good winter grazing fields and sees light have been underused as a result of limited access, which is snowfall in the winter months. Potatoes, wheat, and barley usually due to deteriorating and ill-maintained infrastructure. are also produced in this region, although the climatic conditions are unfavorable for these crops. The majority of small-scale farmers (<5 ha) are characterized by intercropped and mixed crop-livestock systems, whose The third agro-ecological zone is the northern region, produce is often used for domestic consumption. Any which includes the Chui and Talas rivers, and the Issyk- surplus is usually sold unprocessed, thus reducing the Kol lake basin. The climate is favorable around the Issyk- possibility of generating additional income, which highlights Kol lake region, but it is more continental and drier along the importance of value addition through agro-processing the Chui and Talas valleys. Most agricultural croplands are activities in CSA value chains. The middle and large-scale irrigated, although rainfed cultivation is still being practiced, production systems are mostly privately owned and are especially for cereal crops. According to the Ministry of characterized by commercial investment in large parcels Agriculture, Food Industry, and Melioration [25], the Talas of land used to cultivate wheat, barley, sugar beet, maize, region accounted for 93% of the total beans cultivated and potato. These production systems often implement and produced in 2015, making them the main agricultural low-standard agricultural practices and technologies that commodity in terms of exports. Sugar beet is also an guarantee financial remunerations from crop and animal important crop in the Chui valley, and apples from the Issyk- yields, but potentially trigger or accelerate land degradation Kul region are marketed almost year-round. caused by an unsustainable use of pastures, forests, and The Kyrgyz Republic 3 In terms of total harvested area, wheat (irrigated and Because of favorable climatic and topographical conditions, rainfed) is the main agricultural product of the Kyrgyz livestock farming can be found throughout the country. The Republic, representing on average 21% for the period main produce in this sector involves meat (beef, sheep, 2012–2016, followed by irrigated and rainfed barley (11%), horse, others), cow’s milk, wool, and eggs [26]. According maize (7%), and fodder crops, which are also economically to NSC [14], almost 9 million heads of livestock were bred in important [14]. Potatoes (5%), vegetables (3%), and beans the Kyrgyz Republic in 2016 (excluding poultry). In principle, (mostly kidney beans, 3.5%) occupy a smaller percentage the pasture resources are sufficient to sustain livestock of the total area, although their production has gradually production if sustainable management is implemented in increased in recent years. By contrast, the areas given to an attempt to preserve the productivity and biodiversity of industrial crops such as cotton and tobacco are gradually pasturelands. decreasing due to reduced profitability [14]. Production systems key for food security in the Kyrgyz Republic (6, 20) Agricultural input use in the Kyrgyz The country has traditionally had sufficient water resources Republic [6, 9, 26] and is therefore able to sustain irrigated land demands, although since 1960 the high-altitude glaciers have decreased in size by approximately 20% [27]. According to FAO [28], the proportion of agricultural land equipped for irrigation is about 76%. As of 2016, nearly all the irrigation systems are managed across 481 Water Users’ Associations (WUAs), which are nongovernment organizations that manage, operate, and maintain irrigation systems at a local level [29, 30]. However, during drought and dry seasons, inefficient and ineffective irrigation practices can lead to acute water scarcity [26, 31, 32, 33]. There are 107 private and state-owned seed farms that supply certified seeds for: cereal crops (59–71%), maize, oilseed, cotton, alfalfa, and potato (45%) [34]. There is also one certified bean farm [35]. To meet local demand, around 30% of maize, cotton, and potato seeds along with 95% of sugar beet and vegetables seeds are imported [34, 35]. Despite existing seed farms, because of the high demand for and relative scarcity of certified seeds, farmers also use uncertified, low-quality imported seeds [26]. Average annual fertilizer use is currently estimated at 138 kg/ha [6]. Because of their high costs, imported fertilizers are not always affordable for farmers, especially for those working on small-scale farms. 4 Climate-Smart Agriculture Country Profile The previous infographic shows a selection of agricultural production systems that are vital for the country’s food security. The importance of these systems can be measured through their direct contribution to economic, productivity, and nutrition quality indicators. (For more information on the methodology for the production system selection, consult Annex 1.) Food security, nutrition, and health The Kyrgyz Republic is a low-income food-deficit country [36]. The agricultural sector is often at risk due to its geographical and topographical dynamics. Poor agricultural production threatens food security and pushes sectors of the population (mostly in rural settings) into economic instability and poverty. The people most at risk from food insecurity live in remote valleys and mountains, where high altitudes, harsh winters, and hot, dry summers limit their economic opportunities and standard of living. In addition, for women and youth, poor access to natural resources, education, and decision-making and healthcare systems heightens their vulnerability to changes in environmental parameters [37]. Approximately 6% of the population suffers from nutritional deficiencies associated with a high consumption of starch- based diets as opposed to nutrient-dense food, resulting in micronutrient deficits [38]. According to the National Statistical Committee [39], an average household spends 48% of its income on food, and, for lower-income groups, the total household income spent on food can be as much as 74% [40]. Food security, nutrition, and health in the Kyrgyz Republic [6, 9, 36, 39, 41, 42] Agricultural greenhouse gas emissions Currently, total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the Kyrgyz Republic average 14.3 metric tons CO2 equivalent (Mt CO2eq) [9]. Approximately 59% of the country’s emissions come from the energy sector, whereas agriculture accounts for 30% and industrial processes for 6% [43]. A large proportion (91%) of agricultural emissions come from livestock production, of which 56% result from enteric fermentation, followed by manure-related emissions. For crop production, synthetic fertilizers are the main source of The Kyrgyz Republic 5 GHG (5%) [9]. In the Kyrgyz Republic Intended Nationally Challenges for the agricultural sector Determined Contribution (INDC), the government has committed to unconditionally reduce national GHG The agricultural sector in the Kyrgyz Republic faces several emissions by 11.5–13.8% below the reference scenario by challenges. The biggest ones are population growth, 2030 and by 12.7–15.7% by 2050. Although the emissions socioeconomic vulnerability, land degradation, and a lack of per capita in the country are 2.6 t CO2eq, less than half of adequate infrastructure. the global average (6.3 t CO2eq), the long-term goal of the government is to limit this value to 1.2 and 1.6 t CO2eq Population growth will be a major challenge in the coming by 2030 and 2050, respectively [43, 44, 45, 46]. In order decades. According to predictive statistics, the total to meet these targets, cross-cutting actions are required in population will reach 7 million, an average density of 33 the agricultural, forestry, and biodiversity sectors. Potential people per km2 by 2030, and 8 million by 2050 (and an CSA interventions include organic farming, conservation average density of 42 people per km2). High population agriculture, agroforestry, and agroecology [47, 48]. growth rates are expected in urban areas, which are forecast to increase from 34% of the population in 2018 to 49% in Greenhouse gas emissions in the Kyrgyz 2050 [49]. Republic [9, 43, 48] Population growth may be somewhat offset by migration, although this is neither sustainable nor predictable. Economic uncertainty has resulted in approximately 12% of the population leaving the country in order to seek employment elsewhere [50], most notably in the Russian Federation and Kazakhstan. According to the State Migration Service (2018), more than 700,000 Kyrgyz citizens are labor migrants. Approximately 76% of these migrants are women and men under the age of 35. The amount of remittances from migrants in 2014 represented around 30% of total GDP [50]. Another issue is the limited and underdeveloped infrastructure within the agricultural sector. The planned economy system that was developed during the Soviet Union era collapsed, and modern market infrastructure has not yet been fully developed to replace it. There have been positive steps to modernize the agricultural sector, although progress is slow. For example, over the last 20 years, an estimated 15% of farm machinery has been upgraded [34, 51]. Other examples of underdeveloped and out-dated infrastructure are agricultural storage capacity and methods, which are inadequate to meet the current needs of the sector. This has a negative effect on the quantity and the quality of Kyrgyz agricultural produce. It is estimated that approximately 15% of agricultural production is spoiled before it reaches the market because of inadequate storage [52]. Healthcare and the quality of veterinary services are an important infrastructural issue because of the importance of livestock in the Kyrgyz Republic. A lack of organizations that provide healthcare has been a key factor in limiting the development of the livestock sector. Poor animal health not only negatively affects animal productivity but also poses serious public health risks and limits the country’s export potential. In 2017, the Development of the Veterinary Services of the Kyrgyz Republic for 2018–2023 (DVS) was set up, which marks a positive step in terms of infrastructural development pertaining to rearing livestock. 6 Climate-Smart Agriculture Country Profile Water management is another important challenge of climate change parameters from 1960 to 2010 shows for agricultural development. According to the Asian an accelerated increase over time. Annual temperatures Development Bank [31, 32], water supply rarely corresponds have risen 2.4 °C on average for the period mentioned, and to water need because of seasonal variations. For example, GCMs used to model climate projections for the country wheat requires one to three irrigations in spring and early suggest that average temperatures are likely to continue summer when river flows tend to be low. As a result, wheat increasing in all climate zones by 2.7 °C by 2050 and by farmers often experience water shortages. This is not a up to 3.1 °C by 2070. No significant regional difference problem of supply but of organization and management. in temperature increase is expected, varying from 2.6 °C There are 1,030 irrigation canals and drainage systems, in Issyk-Kul to 2.9 °C in Batken. The country’s average which are governed by Water Users’ Associations (WUA), annual precipitation ranges from 300 to 600 mm per year. which are independent non-commercial organizations Instrumental observations reveal a steady increasing trend charged with managing the use and maintenance of for the period 1960–2010, with a slight reduction for the irrigation systems at the farm level. The efficiency of these period 1990–2010 [27]. Projections indicate on average a organizations could be improved as a nation-wide increase 6% and 7.5% increase in total annual precipitation by 2050 in water loss has been observed in recent years. The ratio and 2070, respectively. between total water usage and water intake from natural sources has decreased (0.8 in 1991 vis-à-vis 0.6–0.7 A large proportion of the country is prone to natural and between 2005 and 2013). Of the total water intake, an climate-related disasters. Landslides, floods, mudflows, estimated 40% is lost due to inefficient irrigation systems, and avalanches have damaged infrastructure and led to compared with 33% in Uzbekistan and 34% in Turkmenistan. economic losses in the agricultural sector. The average In the Kyrgyz Republic, the total annual water loss has been annual cost of damage caused by various types of climatic valued at around 2.4 km³/year, although it has been argued hazards, including drought for major crops (e.g., wheat, that the real total water loss may be higher [33]. barley, vegetables, and sugar beet), is significant [27, 36, 61]. Additionally, projected trends up to 2050 in food Land degradation, caused by anthropogenic and ecological security for Central Asian countries predict that marginal factors, is another concern. Approximately 45.7% of the yield increases (e.g., 0.3% in maize) will result in declines in total agricultural land is exposed to water and/or wind per capita maize harvests on account of population growth erosion [53]. Moreover, by 2012, 49% of all pasturelands [62]. had become degraded in quality due to a lack of proper grazing management, which could be attributed to a lack The Kyrgyz Republic is a major supplier of water for the of knowledge, lack of economic incentives, and poor Central Asian region as 4.1% of the total country area is infrastructure [54]. Soil tillage practices that invert soil using covered by glaciers and snowfields. Melting processes heavy machinery also pose a threat to soil structure and associated with climate change pose a significant threat biological health, particularly in mountainous areas [55]. The to hydropower generation and the quality and availability degradation of pasturelands has led to the disappearance of of water reserves for irrigated agriculture. Modeling the plant species most sensitive to grazing, and has resulted studies suggest that, under a water scarcity scenario in the in the depletion of biodiversity, soil compaction, and semiarid regions of the country, expected on farm incomes erosion. Approximately 70% of winter pasture areas have might decrease by about 15%, making the profitability of been degraded due to overgrazing, most notably in densely agricultural production more vulnerable to water availability populated areas such as the Chui and Fergana valleys [26], changes [63, 64]. In parallel, the total volume of glaciers saw while uncontrolled grazing and firewood collection have a sharp decline of 18% in a 40-year period (1960–2000). If amplified the depletion of natural resources. This has led the total glacial volume continues to decrease at this rate, to the threat of deforestation in certain areas of the Kyrgyz this will exacerbate the above-mentioned climate-related Republic [56]. impacts [65]. Agriculture and climate change The Kyrgyz Republic is the third most vulnerable country to the impact of climate change in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, primarily due to the sensitivity of its agricultural systems [57]. The climate varies dramatically within the country, ranging from sharp continental to an almost oceanic climate due to the complex mountainous topography and the presence of Lake Issyk-Kol [27]. An analysis of the evolution The Kyrgyz Republic 7 Projected change in Temperature and Precipitation in the Kyrgyz Republic by 2050 [58, 59, 60] Changes in annual mean temperature (°C) Changes in total precipitation (%) Average temperature (°C) Average precipitation (%) Potential economic impacts of climate and 27%, respectively. This has the potential to relieve the change high land pressure for agricultural and industrial use through an increase in yield. (See Annex 2.) The International Model for Policy Analysis of Agricultural Commodities and Trade (IMPACT) developed by IFPRI [66] Climate change impacts on international trade are enables the assessment of future changes in yields, cropped represented as the gaps between production and local area (or livestock numbers), and net trade under scenarios demand for each production system. This is calculated as with and without climate change (CC and No-CC scenarios, the difference between the country’s net trade growth with respectively). and without climate change. Under the climate change scenario, we observe a reduction in maize and wheat imports In terms of area and yield, production systems such as by 17.5 percentage points (pp) and 30.4 pp, respectively. barley, sunflower, sugar beet, and bean are projected to Sunflower imports are projected to increase by 58.2 pp. simultaneously increase in yield and decrease in harvest area. This tendency has the potential to improve productivity Additional entry points can be drawn from the model and economic efficiency in response to altered climatic projections: conditions. For instance, bean cultivated areas by 2050 might decrease by 8.5% coupled with a yield increase of • Beans will require special attention given the projected 4.6%. This is measured as percentage differences between decrease in area under production, but rise in yield. the CC and No-CC scenarios. However, it is yet to be determined whether the potential gain in efficiency will be enough to expand exports. By contrast, wheat, maize, vegetable, and potato production systems are expected to increase in area as well as in yield. • Cattle present an opportunity to tip the balance in favor In the case of wheat, area and yield would increase by 2.9% of the export market. However, only livestock numbers 8 Climate-Smart Agriculture Country Profile have been considered in this assessment. The inclusion • Wheat and maize under the climate change scenario of other factors such as feed availability, feed-use remain the most important production systems, with efficiency, and market prices should be considered. an increase in yield and area resulting in a decrease in import dependence. • Vegetable production is expected to expand with higher yield, area under production, and exports. This could • Barley and sugar beet production systems show a rise in stimulate new opportunities for agro-business and yield, reduced area, and reduced import dependence. greater participation in export markets. Climate change impacts on yield, crop area, and livestock numbers in the Kyrgyz Republic The Kyrgyz Republic 9 The impact of climate change on net trade in the Kyrgyz Republic (2020-2050) CSA technologies and practices raised-bed and no-tillage planting conditions compared with the conventional cultivation method. In addition to CSA technologies and practices present opportunities yield increases, seeding rates under CA in the Kyrgyz for addressing climate change challenges as well as for Republic could be reduced by 50% while the irrigation water stimulating economic growth and promoting sustainable requirement could be lowered by 27% [55, 68, 69]. development within Kyrgyz food and agricultural systems. For this profile, practices are considered CSA if they Cover crops with leguminous species, use of organic enhance food security as well as at least one of the other fertilizers, breeding local and stress-tolerant varieties, and objectives of CSA (adaptation and/or mitigation). Hundreds integrated pest management practices have been identified of technologies and approaches around the world fall under as promising practices across major production systems. the heading of CSA. Experts also list greenhouses as climate-smart technology, especially suitable for vegetable production. The adoption Conservation agriculture (CA) practices have been identified rate is about 30% by smallholder farmers. Currently, 676 as a promising intervention for wheat, barley, sunflower, greenhouse farms have a total area of 65 hectares and a potato, maize, and sugar beet production. This technology production capacity of 2,166 tons of product per year offers numerous benefits across the CSA pillars. It has the [70]. However, the volume of production is insufficient; it potential to decrease soil degradation, raise productivity does not meet the needs of the domestic market. Out of and resilience, and reduce production costs. Despite this, season, when farmers do not harvest from the fields but its overall adoption level is less than 30%. CA practices only from greenhouses, the domestic market is provided are currently implemented for sunflower, potato, and with a maximum of 20% of total product required [71]. In maize production systems in the southern region, and the this scenario, efforts to scale up adoption of CSA practices technology has recently been piloted for maize and sugar should always include an assessment of market demand, beet production in the northern region. the provision of extension services, and conductive policies to ensure farmers’ adequate access to markets and In addition, FAO has implemented a pilot project on no- profitable commercialization [71, 72]. Incorporation of big till cultivation on approximately 300 hectares of wheat data analysis and modelling is also important to support [67]. Various studies conducted in the country show that informed decision-making in the short and long term. a 25–38% increase in wheat yield could be obtained under 10 Climate-Smart Agriculture Country Profile Water-efficient technologies are key to improving farmers’ livelihoods. Drip irrigation systems show multiple benefits in terms of adaptation and productivity. Although some small-scale farmers have already adopted this technology, large-scale adoption could be achieved through an inclusive strategy to organize stakeholders along the crop and livestock value chains [33]. For livestock production, relevant CSA practices identified in Talas and Naryn regions include the promotion of rotational grazing systems, the development of infrastructure in pasturelands, selection of adapted breeds, and manure management techniques. The long-term adoption of these practices has the potential to increase farm productivity, improve soil fertility, and help to reduce GHG emissions per unit of product. The development of the livestock sector requires conjunctive efforts concerning the enhancement and organization of the national veterinary services, a focus on animal nutrition and healthcare, community-based pasture management, and an improvement of market and agro-processing infrastructure [57, 73]. Strengthening research on CSA practices to ensure diversification of farming systems and income sources (e.g., agroforestry and silvopastoral systems) is also important for maintaining socioeconomic and environmental resilience by reducing the risk of income loss [73, 74]. Most of the practices and technologies identified for crop and livestock systems have low to medium adoption rates despite their multiple CSA benefits. The key cross-cutting barriers to wider-scale adoption of CSA include limited knowledge on potential benefits of CSA practices among farmers, limited access to long-term credit, high investment costs, and limited access to agricultural tools and machinery. The barriers to adoption as well as the practices in the graphics have been selected for each production system deemed central for food security in the country, using the results of research as well as participatory stakeholder workshops and consultations for each production system. The CSA practices identified in this study address important challenges faced by the country’s agricultural sector. The next infographic presents a selection of CSA practices with high climate smartness scores on CSA indicators according to expert evaluations. The average climate smartness score is calculated based on the practice’s individual scores on eight climate smartness dimensions that relate to the CSA pillars: yield (productivity), income, water, soil, risk (adaptation), energy, carbon, and nitrogen (mitigation). A practice can have a negative/positive/zero impact on a selected CSA indicator, with 10 (+/–) indicating a 100% change (positive/ negative) and 0 indicating no change. A detailed explanation of the methodology and a more comprehensive list of practices analyzed for the Kyrgyz Republic can be found in Annex 3. The Kyrgyz Republic 11 Selected CSA practices and technologies for production systems key for food security in the Kyrgyz Republic 12 Climate-Smart Agriculture Country Profile Case study: Effective village livelihood options Agriculture is a mainstay in terms of livelihood in the Kyrgyz Republic. Almost every family is involved in agriculture in some way. However, because of climatic conditions, fruits and vegetables are available only on a seasonal basis. The Nutrition in Mountain Agro-ecosystems (NMA) project implemented by the Rural Advisory Services (RAS) in Jalal-Abad Province (2015–2018) has sought to improve access to nutritious food products. Ajimatov Abdygulam, who has been producing vegetables in his greenhouse for 3 years, is a teacher who works at Naiman school in one of the villages of the Nookat region in the southern part of the country. When he is not teaching, he dedicates his time to his farmland, growing a diverse range of vegetables to support his family. Abdygulam was interested in building a greenhouse, and visited several regions to increase his knowledge of agricultural methods. In the first year, he constructed a heated greenhouse covering 0.03 ha and tried to produce cucumber. Because of his lack of knowledge and techniques, his effort failed. In the second year, his relatives from Uzbekistan taught him practical skills in growing tomatoes, green leaves, and onions. Thanks to their input, Ajimatov’s attempts provided much better results than they had in the previous year. However, profitability remained low and he was considering giving up growing his own produce. During the third year, his school started to cooperate with the RAS on implementing the “My successful garden” initiative at the local level. This initiative enabled Abdygulam to attend RAS training classes in 2016 along with other teachers, school children, and farmers. The training was based on emerging management practices, including greenhouse maintenance and the use of drip irrigation systems, with the aim of increasing productivity. These classes motivated him to develop a technical skillset in this area and allowed him to refine and improve his methods. Additionally, the RAS connected Abdygulam to local agronomist consultants, who could advise him on a regular basis. In 2017, he produced 2.7 tons of tomato and sold them to others in his village and at a local market. As a result, he earned US$1,723, making a net profit of US$1,418. While Abdygulam improved his farming knowledge and increased his income, he also became a lead farmer for local villagers in producing healthy food year-round using modern and accessible agricultural techniques. Partly adapted, discussed, and translated from the Mountain Agro-ecosystem Action Network (MAAN), used with permission from the authors, Nasiba Mamasalieva and Mahabat Karaeva, from the RAS in Jalal-Abad Province. Photography: Toktosunov Askat. https://www.rasja.kg/en/current-projects/nutrition-in-mountain-agro-ecosystems/. https://maan.ifoam.bio/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=3571716 The Kyrgyz Republic 13 Table 1. Detailed smartness assessment for top ongoing CSA practices by production system as implemented in the Kyrgys Republic. Region and Predominant adoption farm scale CSA rate (%) S: small scale Climate smartness Impact on CSA Pillars practice <30 30-60 60> M: medium scale L: large scale Wheat (21% of total harvested area) Productivity Naryn Overall agro-ecosystem productivity is (central) maintained, thus increasing yield and <30% reducing costs. Adaptation Prevents soil erosion. Promotes soil Conservation moisture conservation and water agriculture (no availability. Builds soil fertility by tillage) improving physical and biochemical soil characteristics. Issyk-Kol Mitigation (northern) Promotes medium- to long-term carbon storage in soil. Reductions in related GHG <30% emissions from soil tillage and fossil fuel use. Productivity Naryn Overall agro-ecosystem productivity is (central) maintained, thus improving productivity <30% and profit. Adaptation Reduces soil erosion. Increases soil Conservation moisture conservation and water agriculture availability. Builds soil fertility by (min tillage) improving physical and biochemical soil characteristics. Issyk-Kol Mitigation (northern) Maintains or improves soil above- and below-ground carbon stocks and organic <30% matter content in the medium and long term. Barley (11% of total harvested area) Batken (Southern) Productivity Enhances production and product quality, 30-60% hence potential increases in income. Integrated Adaptation plant Enhances soil quality (physical and bio- management chemical), thus increasing the system’s (organic potential to overcome climate shocks. fertilizer) Mitigation Reduces GHG emissions due to reduction Yssyk-Kol in energy and in external input needs. (Northern) Enhances soil carbon stocks. 30-60% 14 Climate-Smart Agriculture Country Profile Region and Predominant adoption farm scale CSA rate (%) S: small scale Climate smartness Impact on CSA Pillars practice <30 30-60 60> M: medium scale L: large scale Barley (11% of total harvested area) Productivity Batken Increases yield per unit area, especially (Southern) during dry and hot periods, hence ensuring income for the farmers. Use of <30% Adaptation improved Enhances water-use efficiency. Increases varieties resilience to moisture stress, climate shocks, (resistant to and diseases incidence. heat, drought, diseases) Mitigation Provides moderate reduction in GHG Issyk-Kol emissions per unit of food produced. (Northern) Promotes long-term accumulation of organic matter in soil. <30% Maize (6% of total harvested area)t Productivity Diversifies income and food sources. Talas Enhances production per unit area and (Northern) allows year-round agricultural production. Adaptation >60% Increases farmers’ capacity to limit crop exposure to climate risks. Reduces soil Crop rotation erosion. Increases water- and nutrient-use efficiency per unit of output. Mitigation Rotation with leguminous crops reduces the Jalal-Abad need for nitrogen-based synthetic fertilizers. (Southern) Maintains soil structure or improves soil carbon stocks. >60% Productivity Talas Reduces cost of production and increases (Northern) profit. Adaptation <30% Improves soil’s retention of nutrients. Conservation Reduces erosion and conserves soil agriculture moisture. Increases biodiversity in the soil, (minimun thus improving soil fertility. tillage) Mitigation Provides moderate reduction in use of fossil Jalal-Abad fuels. Reduces GHG emissions related with (Southern) soil ploughing. Maintains soil carbon stocks and soil organic matter. <30% Yield Income Water Soil Risk/Information Energy Carbon Nutrient The Kyrgyz Republic 15 Predominant Region and farm scale adoption rate CSA S: small scale (%) Climate smartness Impact on CSA Pillars practice M: medium <30 30-60 60> scale L: large scale Potato (5% of total harvested area) Productivity Reduces production cost by reducing Chui Kemin mechanization and synthetic fertilizer (Nothern) requirements. Increases income per unit of produce. 30-60% Adaptation In combination with other conservation Conservation agriculture practices, promotes soil agriculture (no moisture conservation. Medium- to tillage) long-term increases in soil fertility by improving physical and biochemical soil characteristics. Reduces soil erosion. Mitigation Issyk-Kol Reduces energy use and GHG emissions (Northern) (carbon footprint) by reducing use of fossil 30-60% fuels during the tilling process. Maintains and/or improves soil carbon stocks. Productivity Reduces production cost by reducing Chui Kemin mechanization and synthetic fertilizer (Nothern) requirements. Increases income per unit of produce. 30-60% Adaptation Conservation In combination with other conservation agriculture agriculture practices, improves soil structure (minimun (e.g., porosity), hence water retention tillage) capacity. Reduces runoff and erosion. Mitigation Issyk-Kol Some reductions in GHG emissions (carbon (Northern) footprint) by reducing use of fossil fuels 30-60% during the tilling process. Maintains and/or improves soil carbon stocks. Bean (3.5% of total harvested area) Productivity Higher profits due to increased crop yield Batken and reduced production costs. Reduces (Southern) impact on the agro-ecosystem. <30% Adaptation Increases soil organic matter, hence soil Conservation water retention capacity. Reduces the risk agriculture of nutrients leaching into groundwater or (minimun surface water. Consequently prevents water tillage) pollution and eutrophication. Mitigation Talas Reduces emissions of methane and other (Nothern) GHGs related to use of synthetic fertilizers 30-60% and soil disturbance. Leguminous cover crops could present greater benefits. 16 Climate-Smart Agriculture Country Profile Region and Predominant adoption farm scale CSA rate (%) S: small scale Climate smartness Impact on CSA Pillars practice <30 30-60 60> M: medium scale L: large scale Bean (3.5% of total harvested area) Batken Productivity (Southern) Reduces crop losses from pests and 30-60% diseases. Potential increases in profits due to increased crop yield and produce quality. Integrated pest Adaptation management Reduces environmental degradation and (biological biodiversity loss due to reduced use of control) pesticides. Mitigation Talas Reduces GHG emissions by reducing use of (Nothern) synthetic pesticides. 30-60% Tomato (3% of total harvested area)t Productivity Enhances total production and productivity Batken per unit area. Increases income stability (Southern) and food security due to harvest of multiple 30-60% crops. Adaptation Crop rotation Reduces the risk of total crop failure under system unfavorable climatic conditions due to crop diversification. Reduces soil erosion. Mitigation Chui Promotes soil coverage during the year (Northern) and increases soil organic matter. Legume integration can reduce the use of synthetic 30-60% nitrogen-based fertilizers. Productivity Batken Increases land and crop productivity per (Southern) unit of water. Allows diversification of Hoek) agricultural activities and income sources. Adaptation 30-60% Enables larger area for cultivation even Drip irrigation with limited water availability during the system dry season. Reduces soil erosion. Increases water- and nutrient-use efficiency. Mitigation Provides moderate reduction in GHG Chui emissions in the medium and long term per (Northern) unit of food produced. May imply additional 30-60% energy use. Yield Income Water Soil Risk/Information Energy Carbon Nutrient The Kyrgyz Republic 17 Predominant Region and farm scale adoption rate CSA S: small scale (%) Climate smartness Impact on CSA Pillars practice M: medium <30 30-60 60> scale L: large scale Sunflower (2% of total harvested area) Productivity Northern Reduces production cost by reducing mechanization and synthetic fertilizer <30% requirements. Increases income per unit of 30-60% 30-60% 30-60% produce. Conservation Adaptation agriculture In combination with other conservation (min tillage) agriculture practices, promotes soil fertility and moisture conservation. Mitigation Reduces energy consumption for tillage. Southern Maintains or improves soil carbon stocks and organic matter content. <30% Productivity Potential increases in crop yield and quality, hence greater farmer profits. Increases food Northern availability and access. 30-60% Adaptation Increases farmers’ capacity to limit crop Use of heat exposure to climate hazards and pests. resistant and Potential reduction in water pollution due pest tolerant to pesticide use. Local varieties can present varieties greater resistance to diseases and heat stress. Mitigation Southern Reduces use of synthetic pesticides and 30-60% fungicides, thus reducing related GHG emissions and carbon footprint. Sugar beet (0.5% of total harvested area) Productivity Increases yield due to enhanced soil health Kemin and fertility. Improves household nutrition. (Northern) Reduces production costs. 30-60% Adaptation Conservation Minimizes erosion and enhances in situ agriculture moisture and water infiltration due to (min tillage) improved soil structure characteristics. Mitigation Reduces GHG emissions attributed to Sokuluk ploughing and use of fossil fuels. Rotation (Northern) with leguminous crops reduces input needs (e.g., nitrogen-based fertilizers) and related 30-60% nitrous oxide emissions. 18 Climate-Smart Agriculture Country Profile Region and Predominant adoption farm scale CSA rate (%) S: small scale Climate smartness Impact on CSA Pillars practice <30 30-60 60> M: medium scale L: large scale Sugar beet (0.5% of total harvested area) Productivity Promotes sustainable increase in productivity and income through greater Kemin product quality with minimal impact on the (Northern) environment. Adaptation 30-60% Enhances soil biodiversity as well as Use of organic chemical and physical characteristics. fertilizers Promotes efficient use of local inputs. Reduces runoff and erosion. Increases soil water retention capacity. Mitigation Sokuluk Maintains or improves soil carbon stocks. (Northern) Reduces synthetic fertilizer requirements, 30-60% hence reducing nitrous oxide emissions and carbon footprint. Sheep (48% of total harvested area)t Productivity Increases forage quantity and quality per Naryn unit area, thus increasing total productivity (Central) (meat and wool). Reduces cost from supplemental feed per unit of product. 30-60% Adaptation Improvement Prevents pasture degradation and of pastureland biodiversity loss. Limits soil erosion. rotation system Facilitates manure collection and management. Mitigation Talas Increases carbon storage in soils. Reduces (Northern) use of synthetic fertilizers and related GHG 30-60% emissions/carbon footprint. Productivity Increases productivity and income through Naryn equitable, efficient, and effective use of (Central) pasturelands. Repaired livestock driveways, bridges, and water sources, etc. 30-60% Adaptation Improvement Reduces pressure on natural resources. of mountain Facilitates community-based natural pasturelands’ resource management. Potential increases infrastructure in food availability and reductions in postharvest loss. Talas Mitigation (Northern) Increases in production efficiency potentially reduce energy use and GHG 30-60% emissions per unit of product. Yield Income Water Soil Risk/Information Energy Carbon Nutrient The Kyrgyz Republic 19 Predominant Region and farm scale adoption rate CSA S: small scale (%) Climate smartness Impact on CSA Pillars practice M: medium <30 30-60 60> scale L: large scale Cattle (meat) (48% of total harvested area) <30% Naryn Productivity (Central) Increases food availability and quality. Maximizes household income. 30-60% Adaptation 30-60% 30-60% 30-60% Prevents pasture degradation and Improvement biodiversity loss. Limits soil erosion. of pastureland Facilitates manure collection and rotation system management. Reduces vulnerability to animal parasites and diseases. Mitigation Reduces GHG emissions per unit of product. Talas Reduces methane emissions related to (Nothern) enteric fermentation. 30-60% 30-60% Productivity Naryn Reduces loss of assets and income from (Central) livestock, thereby increasing household profits. 30-60% Adaptation Selection Increases resilience to adverse climate of adapted conditions, without compromising breeds production and quality of produce. Local breeds can present greater resistance to diseases and heat stress. Talas Mitigation (Nothern) Reduces fodder/forage and other inputs 30-60% required for attaining maximum yield. Yield Income Water Soil Risk/Information Energy Carbon Nutrient 20 Climate-Smart Agriculture Country Profile Institutions and policies for CSA Further, a broad range of projects targeting issues related to forestry have been implemented. A prominent example Institutions is the Sustainable Management of Mountainous Forest and Land Resources under the Climate Change Conditions The Kyrgyz Republic has multiple institutions that support project, which began in 2014 and is scheduled to run until sustainable agricultural development and climate change 2019, implemented by FAO and funded by the Global adaptation. These institutions have various functions such Environment Facility (GEF). The project’s vision is to sustain as disseminating theoretical and practical knowledge, the flow of ecosystem services through the enhancement of developing management skills, and conducting agricultural carbon stocks in agro-systems and forests [78]. The project research and development, including for CSA practices. developed participatory forest management methodologies Several organizations also provide financial assistance and for about 20,000 ha of forestland. The overall aim is to policy support. increase indigenous fast-growing forest trees, counteract deforestation, and offer a demonstration plot for current In the Kyrgyz Republic, the promotion of CSA falls under the innovative agricultural practices. These demonstration sites mandate of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Industry, and enable local farmers to gain insight and practical experience, Melioration (MoAFIM) and its areas of intervention involve with the hope that they will adopt the most suitable practices livestock, aquaculture, plant growing, plant quarantine, land for their farm conditions [78]. reclamation, soil fertility, land and water resources, irrigation, and improvement of infrastructure. The State Inspection on NGOs also contribute to support sustainable agriculture and Veterinary and Phytosanitary Security (SIVP) is responsible CSA. CAMP Alatoo a leading nonprofit and nongovernment for controlling and regulating veterinary and phytosanitary organization (NGO) in Central Asia based in Bishkek is a security in the country. good example. It supports, develops, and implements innovative technologies in the management of natural The State Agency for Environmental Protection and Forestry resources [79]. The NGO implements CSA-based projects (SAEPF) implements policies and regulations pertaining to in cooperation with the German Agency for International environmental protection, forestry, and natural resource Cooperation (GIZ) and Swiss Development Cooperation management, which cover climate change, adaptation, and (SDC), alongside other bilateral organizations. An example mitigation. The State Inspection on Ecological and Technical of the work done by CAMP Alatoo is the implementation of Security (SIETS) controls aspects of environmental and a project on ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) in the high technical security, while the State Agency on Meteorology mountainous regions of Central Asia (2015 to 2019), carried (SAM), working under the Ministry for Emergency Situations out in cooperation with Climate Initiative (IKI) and GIZ. Rural (MES), provides forecasts, climate projections, and early- Advisory Services (RAS), the Association of Forest and Land warning signals for natural hazards directly to farmers Users (AFLU), and the Mountain Societies Development through mobile devices. Support Programme (MSDSP) of the Aga-Khan Network are further examples of active NGOs in the Kyrgyz Republic. Educational institutions, including the Kyrgyz National These organizations work to implement development Agrarian University (KNAU), named after K.I. Skryabin, strategies at several levels. These include planning food the Mountain Societies Research Institute (MSRI), and security initiatives, focusing on the development of rural and the University of Central Asia, are actively undertaking remote mountainous areas, implementing risk management multidisciplinary research in the field of climate change, initiatives, and practicing sustainable approaches to manage contributing to the dissemination of research. For example, forestland, livestock, and agroforestry systems. KNAU collaborated with Finnish universities and FAO to carry out aquaculture research, which is an example of There is potential for local NGOs to support the multi-agency research aimed toward implementing CSA implementation of CSA, which would be key to effectively practices. generate and transfer knowledge and technologies relating to CSA practices to farmers. However, one of the major The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) institutional challenges is the lack of state finance for has been active since 1996 and it focuses on livestock agriculture. This situation has resulted in underdeveloped productivity and enhancing the climate resilience of infrastructure and a shortage in the technologies necessary pastoral communities [75]. The World Bank has focused on to implement such practices. improving irrigation infrastructure and food security through the Community Seed Funds project (2013–2018), which The following graphic highlights the key institutions whose supplied farmers across 160 villages with high-quality seeds main activities relate to one, two, or three CSA pillars [76]. The Agro Horizon and Farmer-to-Farmer projects (adaptation, productivity, and mitigation). More information of USAID, which ran from 2013 to 2018, implemented on the methodology and results from interviews, surveys, agricultural programs that enhanced agricultural extension and expert consultations is available in Annex 4. services to farmers. Approximately 70,000 farmers directly benefited from this project. Other projects have also been implemented with a focus on improving food security and agro-enterprise development [77]. The Kyrgyz Republic 21 Enabling institutions for CSA in the Kyrgyz Policies Republic Although a targeted climate change policy in the Kyrgyz Republic is lacking, government institutions, international agencies, and NGOs have actively integrated climate change measures into sectoral policies and sustainable development strategies and programs [77]. The National Sustainable Development Strategy of the Kyrgyz Republic (NSDS, 2013–2017) outlines key priorities for a long-term vision of the country’s status. It provides a guiding framework on environmental activities and practices. The CSA-related items within this framework include the strengthening of regulations on energy-saving practices, the enhancement of product quality and efficiency of agricultural production, and the improvement of natural resource management mechanisms. The NSDS intends to create an enabling environment for the application of green technologies and investments toward climate change adaptation [80]. It led to the development of diverse programs in related fields, attracting investment in the agricultural sector as well as establishing a dialogue with various international organizations. In spite of these positive achievements, the NSDS has faced implementation challenges. By the end of 2016, approximately 40% of the agriculture-related projects under the NSDS had not started, 25% of the projects were in their implementation stage, and the rest were in an uncertain stage due to a lack of state funding [81]. This highlights the need for strategic planning for the implementation of strategies and related policies. Food security and issues related to nutrition are closely interrelated with the sustainable development policies of the country. After deliberations among government institutions, led by the Food Security Council and supported by FAO, the Food Security and Nutrition Programme (FSNP) and Action Plan (2015–2017) were drafted to outline four main targets: (1) food availability; (2) physical and economic access to food; (3) dietary quality, diversity, and caloric intake; and (4) control and supervision of food safety. However, the implementation status remains incomplete due to several reasons: a significant funding gap that stands at nearly 45% of the total estimated financial cost, a tenuous engagement plan among sectoral stakeholders, a lack of installed capacity, and an ambitious execution time. These factors pose key challenges to the translation of the policy into action [85]. Policy relating to offsetting climate change is a central focus of the Kyrgyz government, and the country is a party to 13 international environmental treaties and conventions [80]. Moreover, the country ratified the UNFCCC in 2000 and the Kyoto Protocol in 2003, while the Paris Agreement has been signed but not yet ratified [44, 46]. The three National Communications were submitted in 2003, 2009, and 2017. These communications highlight the need to integrate climate change into sustainable development programs, promote gender equality, develop and transfer environmentally sound technologies as well as build capacity and support research [48]. 22 Climate-Smart Agriculture Country Profile Additionally, the Kyrgyz Republic Intended Nationally long-term efforts for enhancing national and regional Determined Contributions (INDC) [65, 81, 82] refer coordination mechanisms on climate change are yet to to the “Priorities for Adaptation to Climate Change in be put in place. Such mechanisms are necessary to fully the Kyrgyz Republic during 2013 to 2017.” This policy- implement policy frameworks, thus maximizing synergies guiding document focuses on agriculture, energy, water, across previous and future stakeholders’ initiatives within emergencies (e.g., natural disasters, risk management), and beyond the agricultural sector. An example of this is the healthcare, forests and biodiversity, and research. The INDC national commitment relating to GHG emission reduction, has a strong focus on minimizing risks related to climate which, under an international support scenario, could rise change through the implementation of adaptation measures to as much as 30.9% and 36.7% below BAU by 2030 and in vulnerable sectors. In the agricultural sector, this relates 2050, respectively [45]. broadly to the efficiency of land use, and specifically to agricultural infrastructure, pasture management, breeding The graphic below represents a selection of policies, programs to enable farmers to access and use drought- strategies, and programs that relate to agriculture and climate resistant crops, and creating a system for climate and crop change and that are considered key to the development of yield forecasting. CSA in the Kyrgyz Republic. The policy cycle classification aims to show gaps and opportunities in policy-making, In compliance with this policy, the Climate Change Adaptation referring to the three main stages: (1) formulation (policy Programme and Action Plan for the Forests and Biodiversity in an initial formulation stage/consultation process), (2) Sectors (2017) and the Programme for Agriculture and formalization (agricultural enterprise development), and (3) Water Management Adaptation to Climate Change (2016– implementation (activities under way, with visible progress 2020) were set up, alongside several guidelines in support toward achieving larger policy goals). For more information of GHG emission reduction, commitments to renewable on the methodology, see Annex 5. energy, and energy and fuel efficiency [31, 32, 65]. However, Enabling policy environment for CSA in the Kyrgyz Republic The Kyrgyz Republic 23 Financing CSA One of the challenges facing the Krygrz Republic is the reliance on NGOs for funding CSA and limited support from Access to finance for farmers and the private sector is vital local government levels. There is also made more difficult by for agricultural development and to scale CSA. According to the lack of clarity on the legal framework and administrative the Ministry of Finance, the government allocated in 2018 mechanisms for collaboration between government and US$2.35 billion to support investment in all sectors. The civil society. Such mechanisms are vital for ensuring that agricultural sector was allocated 3.4% of the total budget current and potential agricultural development funds will be (including external funding and assistance) [83]. Out of accessed, managed, and used properly, thus maximizing the allocated funds, 58% will be used in implementing the impact of sectoral programmes [81]. joint projects with partners in the field of agriculture and water management, 28%, for technical operations and The next graphic highlights existing and potential financing maintenance including irrigation facilities, and 14% for opportunities for CSA in the Kyrgyz Republic. The environmental and ecosystem protection, landscape methodology and a more detailed list of funds can be found diversity, preservation of natural resources, and of natural in Annex 6. sites. Agricultural development loans can be accessed through Financing opportunities for CSA in the Kyrgyz 24 commercial banks and more than 300 microcredit Republic institutions in the country. These loans are however subject to interest rates of 20% or more [51]. Because of these high interest rates coupled with short repayment periods, access to these financial services remains severely limited for a large percentage of farmers, who often have limited financial management skills and unstable incomes. In response to this, the government has developed a program that offers agricultural subsidies to farmers through five different commercial banks (The Kyrgyzstan Commercial Bank, Ayl Bank, Bakai Bank, Optima Bank, and the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank) in a project labeled “Financing Agriculture 6.” The aim is to provide state support to both businesses and individuals working within the agricultural sector, especially to offer support during the busy spring field work period. The sectors that benefit from this project are livestock, crop production, processing development, and agricultural services. Farmers can obtain a loan for up to 36 months with an interest rate varying from 6% to 10% regardless of the market rate. The government then compensates the banks for any difference in the average market interest rate on loans [84]. Overall, this marks a positive step, demonstrating support for CSA with the aim of reducing GHG emissions from the livestock sector. The Kyrgyz Republic has been active in attracting international funding for its economic sectors. In terms of grants and funding, during 2013–2014, donors contributed approximately US$60 million per year to climate-related development projects. However, only 5% of the total amount was spent on development within the agricultural sector [65]. With existing climate change legislation in place, avenues exist for seeking financing opportunities, including, but not limited to, GCF and GEF for CSA activities. As a result, key collaborating organizations are actively engaged in preparing project proposals targeting the agricultural sector. Thus, while funding is being sought, national and local programs and projects should be aligned to the CSA pillars, thus promoting sustainable agricultural development nationwide. 24 Climate-Smart Agriculture Country Profile Outlook with minimal interest rates and appropriate repayment periods is necessary. The Kyrgyz Government has developed various policies and strategies related to CSA activities and climate change with This study has identified several promising CSA practices the support of international donors. However, the government and technologies for the Kyrgyz Republic. These practices needs to reinforce institutional dialogue and multi- can contribute to the diversification of farming systems stakeholders’ planning to facilitate the implementation of and income sources, and address climate change long-term plans and strategies for agricultural development. challenges while attracting investments to develop the agricultural sector. 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Grajdanskii budget na 2018 god v Kyrgyzskoi Respublike (in Russ) Bishkek: MF. Available at: http://www.minfin.kg/ For further information and online versions of the Annexes Annex 1: Selection of agriculture production systems key for food security in the Kyrgyz Republic (methodology) Annex 2: IMPACT model results for the Kyrgyz Republic Annex 3: Methodology for assessing climate smartness of ongoing practices Annex 4: Institutions for CSA in the Kyrgyz Republic (methodology) Annex 5: Policies for CSA in the Kyrgyz Republic (methodology) Annex 6: Assessing CSA finances (methodology) This publication is a product of the collaborative effort between the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) – lead Center of the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) – and The World Bank (WB). The document complements the CSA Profiles series developed between 2014 and 2017 by CIAT, CCAFS, the World Bank, and USAID for countries in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. The document was prepared under the co-leadership of Godefroy Grosjean (CIAT), Andrew Jarvis (CIAT, CCAFS), Felicitas Roehrig (CIAT), James Giles (CIAT), and Miguel Lizarazo (CIAT-CCAFS). It is based on a methodology prepared by CIAT, the World Bank, and the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE) in 2014 and revisited in 2015, 2016 and 2017 by Andreea Nowak, Caitlin Corner-Dolloff, Miguel Lizarazo, Andy Jarvis, Evan Girvetz, Godefroy Grosjean, Felicitas Roehrig, Jennifer Twyman, Julian Ramirez, Carlos Navarro, Jaime Tarapues, Steve Prager, Carlos Eduardo Gonzalez (CIAT/CCAFS), Charles Spillane, Colm Duffy, and Una Murray (National University Ireland Galway). Main author: Gulnaz Jalilova (independent consultant) Editors: Daniel Knipe (independent editor) and William Hardy (independent editor) Project leader for Asia: Godefroy Grosjean (CIAT) Original graphics: Fernanda Rubiano (independent consultant) Design and layout: CIAT and Fernanda Rubiano (independent consultant) This document should be cited as: CIAT; World Bank. 2018. Climate-Smart Agriculture in the Kyrgyz Republic. CSA Country Profiles for Asia Series. International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT); World Bank, Washington, D.C. 28 p. Acknowledgements The CSA profile for the Kyrgyz Republic was developed with funding from the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) (see https://www.gfdrr.org/en/who-we-are). This document has benefited from comments received from: Artavazd Hakobyan, Tobias Baedeker and Armine Juergenliemk. November 2018