ICBA Completes Agricultural Sustainability Training Programme Linking Dubai and Uzbekistan

The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) has completed a knowledge exchange programme connecting specialist training in Dubai with practical agricultural applications in Nukus, Uzbekistan, to strengthen local expertise in sustainable farming systems.

Funded by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and delivered in collaboration with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Agriculture, the programme aims to support smallholder farmers and agricultural enterprises in Karakalpakstan, a region facing challenges including soil salinity, water scarcity and land degradation.

Two-phase programme combines training and field application

The programme’s first phase took place at ICBA’s headquarters in Dubai from September 21 to 23, training 10 specialists from Uzbekistan in the principles, design and operation of integrated aqua-agriculture systems.

Participants received practical instruction on the scientific and technical requirements of these systems, preparing them to adapt the methods to local agricultural conditions.

The second phase was held in Nukus on October 5 and 6, bringing together 16 participants for laboratory sessions and field activities focused on combining aquaculture, crop production and spirulina cultivation.

Training covered system operation, spirulina cultivation, harvesting and drying, with an emphasis on practical implementation and adapting production methods to available resources.

Project aims to support farmers in Karakalpakstan

The programme forms part of the scale-up phase of the ADFD-funded project, Development of Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems in Degraded Areas of Karakalpakstan.

The wider project seeks to improve smallholder farmers’ livelihoods through more sustainable and diversified agricultural production. It also focuses on capacity development, strengthening agricultural value chains and improving market access.

By connecting specialist instruction with field-level application, the programme aims to help local professionals develop the skills needed to operate integrated production systems and expand their use in areas affected by environmental and agricultural challenges.

ICBA highlights importance of practical expertise

Dr Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA, said the programme was designed to ensure that knowledge gained during training translates into practical agricultural solutions suited to local communities.

She said the combination of training in Dubai and field application in Uzbekistan would help local professionals develop the expertise needed to expand integrated production systems and support viable agricultural enterprises.

The initiative brings together ICBA’s technical expertise, ADFD funding and collaboration with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Agriculture to strengthen agricultural capabilities in the region.

Training complements agro-entrepreneurship support

The knowledge exchange programme complements the Farmers’ and Agro-Entrepreneurs Accelerator in Karakalpakstan, which supports product development, agricultural value chains and improved market access.

Combining technical training with business skills is intended to help farmers and agro-entrepreneurs turn agricultural solutions into viable enterprises. The approach also aims to strengthen opportunities to attract investment and expand sustainable production.

ICBA said the initiative reflects its focus on connecting scientific research with practical implementation and capacity development, working alongside national institutions and development partners to support agricultural sustainability and improve livelihoods in communities affected by salinity, water scarcity and land degradation.