Author(s): Yermek Anarbayev, Toleubek Pentayev, Dinara Molzhigitova, Ardak Omarbekova and Sholpan Omarova
Agriculture is the main livelihood option for development of region of Kazakhstan, which is characterised by small land-holdings, upland terrain, traditional cultivation practices, extensive irrigation, poor water conservation measures, middle productivity, limited crop diversification and low yields of food grains. 53% of the population in Kazakhstan is concentrated in rural areas and the economy is mostly based on agriculture produce with very limited industrialisation. This paper aims to perform SWOT analysis of agriculture sector of Kazakhstan. The study has been carried out by conducting SWOT-review and analysis of key characteristics of agriâ??�business, management and land use in Kazakhstan in Turkestan region of Kazakhstan. It is found that agriculture sector is contributing a lot in region’s GDP and there are many areas in which agriculture sector needs to grow and establish itself as a primary mean of development. By adopting the proposed solutions, agriculture sector can be developed significantly, its imports will decrease and exports will increase. The strength of the district lies with favorable environmental conditions, availability of labor, availability of agricultural lands. The weakness of the district include inadequate financial services, over-reliance on climatic conditions, poor post-harvest management practices and market conditions. The negative ramification of climate change, weak links between research, markets, and policy, insufficient political will towards the continuity of programs are serious threats. Based on the results of SWOT, recommendations for agri business, management and land use were provided.