Amu Bukhara Irrigation System (ABIS) Rehabilitation Project - Project Preparation and Technical Assistance
The problem:
The Amu Bukhara Irrigation System (ABIS), serving approximately 315,000 hectares of irrigated land, is a critical agricultural resource in Uzbekistan. However, over time, the system has deteriorated due to aging infrastructure, inefficient water management practices, and the impacts of climate change. These issues have led to reduced agricultural productivity, water scarcity, and environmental degradation, threatening the livelihoods of communities dependent on the system. The need to rehabilitate and modernize ABIS is urgent to ensure sustainable water resource management, enhance agricultural productivity, and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. Furthermore, the project area faces additional challenges related to financial management, institutional capacity, social equity, and environmental sustainability, all of which must be addressed to create a viable and long-term solution for the irrigation system.
The solution:
InfoCapital Group LLC (ICG) provided comprehensive project preparation and technical assistance for the rehabilitation of the Amu Bukhara Irrigation System (ABIS). Their role involved conducting in-depth assessments of the irrigation system, including sectoral and detailed system evaluations. ICG's work extended to feasibility studies that assessed the viability of proposed interventions, taking into account climate change risks and adaptation options, as well as potential climate change mitigation measures through clean development mechanisms.
The project preparation process also included a thorough financial and economic assessment to ensure the project's sustainability and economic viability. ICG conducted social and economic surveys in the project area to gather data on the local population's needs and challenges. This informed the development of a Gender Action Plan and a Resettlement Framework and Land Acquisition Plan, ensuring that the project would be socially inclusive and sensitive to the needs of vulnerable populations.
Additionally, ICG played a key role in the institutional strengthening of local entities, enhancing project management capacities to ensure effective implementation. Environmental considerations were also a priority, with ICG preparing an Initial Environmental Evaluation Report and a functional Geographic Information System (GIS) for the project. These efforts culminated in the formulation of investment packages, the preparation of contract documents, and the development of comprehensive project reports, all aimed at ensuring the successful rehabilitation and modernization of the ABIS, ultimately leading to improved water resources management and enhanced agricultural productivity in the region.
Start date:
05/2012
Services:
Client:
ADB
