Introduction

In the Nakhchivan Autonomous  Republic, agriculture is an important part of the economy and employs the largest part of the labour (70%) compared to industry and services sectors. Most rural people are engaged in both crop and livestock production. Nakhchivan has a potential to expand irrigated agricultural land for about 150,000 ha, out of which 60,000 ha are cultivated.

Agriculture sector growth will boost the economy, and will ensure food security of Nakhchivan. The main crops cultivated are wheat, potato, vegetables, fruit, and sugar beet. 100% of agricultural production isused for local consumption but satisfies only 90% of Nakhchivan population needs. Azerbaijan has numerous and extensive natural floodplains associated with the Astara, Samur, and Kura – Araz river basins. Large areas of agriculture,

various villages and main towns, and essential infrastructure are affected by flooding on the wide lower Kura River and Araz River floodplains, particularly near to and downstream of Sabirabad. The frequency of dangerous or damaging floods varies, and some mountain streams experience flash floods once every two years on average, and torrents every 5 to 10 years. Many lives have been lost in flash floods and torrents especially where the settlements are close to the mountains.

This Project is addressing both challenges by modernizing and expanding irrigated agriculture and building  protection  structures from frequent flooding as well as improving farmers’ access to efficient irrigation scheme. The project was  approved by the bank on 01/05/2011, financing agreement was signed on 26/11/2011 and declared effective on 01/01/2012.

(Image: Map of the Project Locations)

Objective

The overall objective of the project was to enhance food security, poverty reduction and improve the management of water resources and land protection. The development objective was to increase agricultural production and incomes  of smallholders, protect land against erosion and protect irrigated areas and villages against floods.

The  project’s development objectives and expected outputs were aligned with the key strategic thrusts of the IsDB’s vision 1440 H to reduce poverty, boost prosperity, and enhance the economy. It addressed several objectives of Azerbaijan’s the State Program on Secure Food Supply to the Population in the Republic of Azerbaijan (SPSFSP), which underline the significant role of agriculture in national food security, income generation, and employment potential.

The project after its completion remains aligned and contributes to the IsDB 10 years Strategy as Pillar - 1  Economic and Social Infrastructure. It also contributes to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) adopted in 2015 and specifically  the SDG  No.2:  Achieve food security and promote sustainable agriculture, SDG No.6: Water for all and SDG No.13: Climate change.