BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 15. A study by the
Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) is expected to guide
practical measures to support women in Kazakhstan's agri-food
sector and foster further development of the Women in Agriculture
Development Initiative (WADI), IOFS Chief de Cabinet of the
Director General Ambassador Azamat Berdibay said.


According to IOFS, the study, titled "Women in Kazakhstan's
Agri-Food Systems," was conducted under the WADI initiative and
surveyed 477 women across 17 regions of Kazakhstan. Its findings
were presented on October 15 at a regional seminar titled "Women in
Kazakhstan's Agri-Food Systems: From Research Findings to Practical
Solutions."


The study identified several barriers facing women seeking to
develop agricultural businesses. More than 53% of respondents cited
a lack of personal funds as the main constraint on developing their
farms or businesses, while nearly one-third reported difficulties
obtaining loans.


At the same time, the findings point to strong interest in
modern agricultural technologies. Nearly half of respondents
(49.5%) expressed interest in using modern agricultural machinery.
However, 60.2% identified a lack of funding to purchase equipment
as the main obstacle to technological modernization.


Financial constraints are not the only challenge. Some
respondents also reported limited access to markets and essential
agricultural resources. A total of 44.2% cited difficulties
accessing markets and logistics, 43.4% reported limited access to
seeds, fertilizers, and veterinary medicines, and 41.5% pointed to
problems with irrigation and water supply.


The study also highlighted demand for business-related training.
Financial literacy was identified as a priority by 46.1% of
respondents, while 45.5% expressed interest in entrepreneurship
training. The findings point to a need not only for financial
assistance but also for knowledge and skills that can help women
develop their businesses over the long term.


Commenting on the findings, Berdibay said food security and
sustainable agricultural development remain global priorities that
require close international cooperation.







"Climate change, water scarcity, the need to introduce modern
technologies and improve agricultural productivity require joint
efforts by states, international organizations and the private
sector. Women also play a significant role in agricultural
production, food processing, rural entrepreneurship and ensuring
food security," he said.


The seminar was attended by Kazakhstan's Vice Minister of
Agriculture Nazgul Khatepova, Head of the UN Women Central Asia
Liaison Office Ceren Güven Güres, experts from Central Asian
countries, and representatives of the Atameken National Chamber of
Entrepreneurs, the Damu Entrepreneurship Development Fund and
international organizations.


Participants discussed the study's main findings and practical
recommendations aimed at expanding women's economic opportunities
in the agri-food sector.


The Women in Agriculture Development Initiative (WADI) is an
IOFS initiative aimed at expanding women's participation in
agri-food systems across member states of the Organization of
Islamic Cooperation (OIC). It promotes women's access to financing,
modern technologies, training, markets, and professional networks
to support more inclusive and sustainable agri-food systems.


In Kazakhstan, the initiative has supported the country's first
national study of women's participation in the agri-food sector.
The findings are expected to inform practical recommendations and
pilot projects tailored to the actual needs of women working in
agriculture.