Kazakh universities partner with FAO to promote sustainable agriculture and food security

Two leading Kazakh universities – the Kazakh National Agricultural Research University (KazNARU), based in Almaty; and the S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University, (KATRU), based in Astana; have signed separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The agreements, which were signed in March 2025 during an official visit to the universities by FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia, Viorel Gutu, aim to strengthen sustainable agrifood systems, improve food security and promote innovative agricultural practices in Kazakhstan.

KazNARU and FAO: a partnership for knowledge and innovation

KazNARU’s collaboration with FAO focuses on promoting sustainable agriculture through knowledge sharing, research, and capacity development initiatives. A key highlight of the partnership is the launch of the FAO eLearning Academy at KazNARU, which provides free access to more than 700 educational resources for students, lecturers and researchers. The Academy offers professional development courses, access to international scientific databases and opportunities for joint master’s degree programmes, helping to position KazNARU as a hub for academic and scientific excellence.

The agreement also focuses on digitalization, adaptation to climate change, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies to enhance the resilient management of natural resources and biodiversity conservation in Kazakhstan. KazNARU will expand its research capacities, implement innovative agricultural solutions, and train highly qualified specialists to meet the changing needs of Kazakh agrifood systems. Special attention will be paid to the sustainable management of water resources and the introduction of technological advancements, reinforcing KazNARU’s role as a regional leader in sustainable agricultural development.

KATRU and FAO: strengthening education and research

KATRU’s partnership with FAO aims to promote sustainable agrifood systems and strengthen agricultural education. During Viorel Gutu’s visit, the FAO Corner at KATRU was inaugurated, which serves as an educational centre to improve the professional skills of students and lecturers, including access to the FAO eLearning Academy. Discussions are being held on the development of joint master’s degree programmes to further strengthen cooperation between FAO and KATRU.

The addition of KATRU to the list of FAO eLearning Academy partners in January 2025 is a significant achievement, enabling the university to connect with over one million agricultural professionals worldwide. The partnership will focus on sustainable natural resource management in the context of climate change and biodiversity conservation, as well as on food security and nutrition. By introducing innovative solutions for the Kazakh agrifood system, KATRU will expand its research activities and train highly qualified professionals for the agricultural sector.

A unified vision for sustainable development

Both partnerships align with the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–2031, which is anchored on four fundamental pillars: better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life – leaving no one behind. By working with FAO, KazNARU and KATRU can advance sustainable agricultural development in Kazakhstan, integrate advanced technologies and promote international cooperation.

These agreements represent an important step for Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector and pave the way for long-term partnerships to address global challenges including food security, climate change and sustainable development. Through this collaboration, KazNARU and KATRU will become key players in shaping the future of agriculture, not only in Kazakhstan but around the world.