Ten years after the collapse of the Soviet Union Kazakstan is still struggling economically with the sudden transition. Some have benefited from the changes that took place, others haven't. Agrinas Kazakstan wants to support farmers and rural communities in Kyzylorda oblast in the process of socio-economic development.

In a document, titled "The Aral Sea Region Development and Humanitarian Assistance Programme" (1997) the oblast akimat has set a priority list for economic development activities in Kyzylorda oblast. It ranked Water, Health and Work as the most important needs.

In accordance with this, Agrinas is able to assist local communities in dealing with needs in the area of:

• rural drinking water supply; for example by drilling wells and installing desalination equipment
• hygiene as related to water and sanitation
• income generation by agriculture; by helping farmers technically and by giving advice

Southwest Kazakstan has been plagued by enormous man induced environmental problems such as the disappearing of the Aral Sea, the salinization of soils and pollution of water resources. Operating in the heart of this area Agrinas is committed to good stewardship of natural resources. Furthermore the projects proposed by Agrinas are characterized by financial and economical feasibility.

Last but not least, Agrinas wants to support local initiatives and to involve farmers and other beneficiaries in all stages of the project cycle. Participation is key in any of our project activities.

Agrinas workers are highly qualified people in the field of Agronomy, Geo-hydrology and Rural development. Agrinas Kazakstan employs national people and recruits expatriate volunteer workers. Furthermore experts from the head office in the Netherlands will be invited for short-term consultations.