Integrating Shelterbelts with Conservation Tillage (Potapenko–Lukin) to Reduce Household Vulnerability: Project Results from Akmola, Kazakhstan
Sarsekova D. Utepov A. Perzadayeva A. Sagin J. Ospangaliyev A. Satybaldiyeva G. Kyrgyzbay K.
December 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Sustainability (Switzerland)
2025#17Issue 24
In Kazakhstan’s Akmola Region, rural households face heightened vulnerability from climate change, driven by reliance on weather-dependent resources and amplified risks of extreme precipitation events, prolonged dry spells, and progressive soil degradation—further intensified by limited adaptive capacity and inequities affecting women-led or ethnic minority families. This study conducted stratified household surveys across four agricultural districts, developed a tailored Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) incorporating shelterbelt presence, condition, and perceived effects, alongside readiness for hydrological surface recovery (contour–strip organisation, swales/valokany, and tree–shrub planting). Results revealed an average LVI of 0.45–0.55, which was higher (+10–15%) in marginalized groups; testing pathways showed correlations (r = 0.65, p < 0.05) with water security, soil condition, income stability, and hazard reduction, with potential LVI reductions of 15–25% through integrated measures. District-specific recommendations include implementing the Potapenko–Lukin method on slopes <5% with valokany (width 80 cm, depth 1.5 m, spacing 100–500 m), endemic plantings, and biomaterial, supported by subsidies (488,028 tenge/ha/year) and GIS monitoring, to enhance resilience and equity in steppe and forest–steppe farming.
climate adaptation , conservation tillage , household vulnerability , Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) , Potapenko–Lukin method , shelterbelts , water security
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Faculty of Forestry and Land Resources, Kazakh National Agrarian Research University, 8 Abay, Almaty, 050010, Kazakhstan
Center for Ecosystem Solutions «EcoMind» PF, 11/1 Esenberlina, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University, 62 Zhengis Ave, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
School of Information Technology and Engineering (SITE), Kazakh British Technical University, 59 Tole bi, Almaty, 050000, Kazakhstan
Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, 49008, MI, United States
Faculty of Forestry and Land Resources
Center for Ecosystem Solutions «EcoMind» PF
Institute of Agriculture and Forestry
School of Information Technology and Engineering (SITE)
Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences
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