CACILM-2: Innovative Micro Earth Reservoirs and Digital Water Management in Kyrgyzstan
Integrated water management and digital monitoring for climate-resilient agriculture
Description
CACILM-2 is a project designed to improve water management and agricultural resilience in Kyrgyzstan through the deployment of micro earth reservoirs with geotextile and geomembrane liners, drip irrigation systems, and digital water monitoring. CACILM-2 aims to increase water use efficiency, support climate adaptation, and enhance food security by enabling precise irrigation, transparent water accounting, and sustainable land management for smallholder farmers and rural communities.
Technology
- Sensor
- Cloud
- Desktop/web-based application
- Mobile app
- Internet of things (IoT)
CACILM-2 utilizes micro earth reservoirs lined with geotextile and geomembrane materials to store irrigation water, combined with drip irrigation discharge systems for efficient water delivery. The project integrates remote water sensors and IoT devices to monitor water levels and flow in real time, transmitting data to cloud-based platforms accessible via desktop and mobile applications. This enables automated, transparent water management and supports decision-making for water distribution.
Target
- Smallholder farmers
- Rural communities
- Public sector
- Agriculture cooperatives
- Farm advisors
The project targets smallholder farmers, rural communities, agriculture cooperatives, and public sector agencies responsible for water management. The project benefits thousands of farmers in irrigated areas, providing them with improved access to water, digital monitoring tools, and training in sustainable land and water management practices.
Business model
- Donor support
The initiative is funded through donor support, primarily by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by FAO in partnership with national and local agencies. All services, training, and technology deployment are provided free of charge to beneficiaries as part of the project’s development objectives.
Impact
The initiative has supported improved irrigation of water management in the Kochkor District through the installation of remote water sensors and micro earth reservoirs, with planned expansion to achieve full system coverage. Automated monitoring and improved infrastructure have contributed to increased water use efficiency, reduced crop losses caused by water shortages, and more reliable irrigation supply, supporting agricultural productivity and food security. Climate-resilient water management practices have enhanced farmers’ capacity to adapt to droughts, reduced glacier melt, and variable precipitation. Centralized monitoring has improved transparency and equity in water distribution, strengthened institutional capacity for data-driven decision-making, and contributed to more sustainable water governance and rural livelihoods in Kyrgyzstan.
Partners
Global Environment Facility (GEF); Ministry of Agriculture, Food Industry and Land Reclamation of the Kyrgyz Republic; State Agency for Environmental Protection and Forestry; PF CAMP Ala-Too; FAO Kyrgyzstan
