Evolution of Agricultural Policy in Kazakhstan

Over the years since Kazakhstan declared its independence in 1991, the agricultural sector experienced a number of ups and downs as the political and economic situation within and outside the country was changing. After the transition period of the 1990s, characterised by the economic shocks, problematic land reform, and reduced public support, the agricultural sector started slowly recovering following the stabilisation of the country’s economy. Introduced policies were targeted at increasing domestic food production and decreasing the dependence on imports in order to position Kazakhstan as an important food producer and exporter. However, implemented reforms remain incomplete, as the legacy of the former collective system, as well as misallocation of available resources, continue to affect the sector. In recent years, the policy decisions were often orientated towards the increase of production subsidies and access to low-interest loans. The chapter charts the progression of Kazakhstan’s agricultural policies since 1991, examining the different stages of the sector’s development and providing an overview of policy instruments and their evolution. It also investigates recent developments and trends in the context of climate change mitigation, and the sector’s role in the nation’s efforts towards sustainability.