WB planning agricultural project in Azerbaijan with focus on users

The World Bank (WB) is considering launching a project in Azerbaijan's agricultural sector that will focus on user needs and develop the necessary competencies for working with modern technologies, Stefanie Stallmeister, WB country manager for Azerbaijan, said on the third day of Baku Climate Action Week (BCAW2025), Report informs.

She emphasized the particular importance of satellite mapping and data-driven tools in water and agricultural management, highlighting three key benefits of their use: "The first is enhanced monitoring and decision-making capabilities. These satellite technologies allow us to obtain continuous, reliable, and consistent data on water availability and quality. The second benefit is increased transparency and equity. Data is neutral and equally accessible across borders, enabling equitable distribution and monitoring of water resources. And the third and final benefit is cost-effectiveness. Satellite monitoring can partially replace expensive ground-based systems, but must be combined with them for accuracy and calibration."

According to Stallmeister, several conditions must be considered for integrating these technologies into national systems: "First, we must ensure institutional coherence. Interoperability across various systems in different ministries, as well as access to information, must be ensured. Second, data accessibility is essential, as the power of information is only realized when it is used and disseminated. Third, the need for data calibration and verification, i.e., a combination of satellite and ground-based observations. And the fourth important aspect of integrating into national systems is individualized solutions. Each country, each situation, is unique, and this is crucial."

The country manager expressed hope that an irrigation project based on a user-driven approach will be implemented jointly with the Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan.

"It is important that farmers and specialists know how to use the system and correctly interpret the data. Therefore, capacity development will be a key element of our cooperation," she emphasized.

Stallmeister added that the World Bank intends to continue collaborating with local institutions, offering both financial and technical support for the implementation of innovative solutions.