The sustainability of rural territories is a key factor in ensuring regional socio-economic growth. A comprehensive assessment of sustainable development indicators makes it possible to analyze the effectiveness of policies in the field of social and economic relations, identify barriers, and determine ways to overcome them, thereby contributing to the enhancement of the competitiveness of rural areas. The objective is to substantiate a system of criteria that enables the examination of the dynamics of the social and business environment and the monitoring of the structural transformation of the agri-food sector within the framework of a regional strategy. Methods include a rating-based study using the distance method, ensuring the comparability of indicators of socio logical and economic dynamics of regions and establishing their integral positions. The use of statistical data serves to identify priority areas for the innovative modernization of rural areas. The information base included data from the Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan, regulatory acts, and scientific publications. Results – the authors note that currently the transition to large-scale projects is of decisive importance for improving the quality of life of the rural population, strengthening the economy, and creating conditions for its optimization in the long term. Most rural districts require an active program of actions aimed at attracting investors, forming a favorable investment climate, and building an effective system of state support. The districts of Akmola region were ranked according to socio cultural and economic parameters, identifying problems and promising territories. Four groups were distinguished based on the rating classification. Conclusions – it is substantiated that a com prehensive system of key indicators provides grounds for objectively diagnosing the situation in rural territories, identifying disproportions, typologizing regions by the level of transformation, and developing differentiated management measures. In this regard, it is necessary to introduce mechanisms for regulating the activities of social and engineering facilities, increase the accessibility of socially oriented services, expand entrepreneurial activity, and develop the human resource poten tial of rural areas through qualified specialists.

The features of sustainable development of rural territories in Kazakhstan are considered, manifested in the dominant role of the agricultural sector. Agriculture acts as one of the main factors of socio-economic well-being, determines the condition of natural resources, and forms the basis for long-term growth. The balanced functioning of rural regions depends on the efficiency of using sociological, environmental, and infrastructural potential, as well as the level of innovation activity. The objective is to study the current state of stability of rural areas of the republic, identify trends and problems in the agricultural sector, and outline directions for increasing the volume of agro-industrial production, with a focus on Turkestan, Zhambyl, and Kyzylorda regions. The analysis was carried out taking into account institutional prerequisites directly affecting the quality of life of rural residents. Methods include comparative and statistical analysis, assessment of the dynamics of key industry indicators, and a systematic approach used for comparing indicators and processing and interpreting quantitative data. Results – the study convincingly demonstrates that the modernization of rural areas should be carried out comprehensively, where social transformation is impossible without economic transformation. Currently, there are demographic challenges expressed in the decline of the rural population and labor shortages. Rural territories face an ambiguous situation regarding investment inflows and the strengthening of small forms of farming. Attention should be paid to increasing the number of small business entities. This authorial position provides for greater investment attractiveness and the inflow of extra-budgetary funding sources, significantly reducing risks for medium and small agricultural enterprises. Conclusions – such organizational, managerial, and economic approaches will accelerate the pace of socioeconomic modernization of rural regions, increase rural incomes, optimize demographic processes, and enhance the investment value of rural areas.

Food security is the provision of the population with the necessary quantity of high-quality, safe, and affordable food products in accordance with individual needs on a long-term basis. The objective is to study the prospects for balanced supply of agricultural products in the republic, expressed through three levels: availability, accessibility, and stability. Methods include the study of scientific publications by domestic and foreign authors, the use of data from the Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Expert assessment, comparative and economic-statistical analysis made it possible to identify the main trends and changes in issues of food sustainability. Econometric modeling reflects the influence of three factors affecting food supply from the perspective of its measurement dimensions. Results – the country demonstrates strong positions in import substitution of poultry meat and apples; however, some indica tors for basic food products show high volatility ranging from 31% to 51%. The developed economic forecasting model revealed a number of significant indicators. The coefficient of physical accessibility amounted to 0.8 (80% of fluctuations under the influence of factors), for price accessibility – 0.6, system equilibrium – 0.4. Conclusions – food security is directly related to the increase in arable land area and the growth of purchasing power parity. Economic accessibility depends on the land fund of the agricultural sector. The reliability of the functioning of the food market mechanism in creases with the strengthening of investment activity in the agro-industrial complex and the expansion of agricultural land. Nevertheless, the comparability of real incomes acts as a stabilizer, minimizing sharp changes in calorie consumption among rural residents.

The stable development of rural areas largely depends on the availability of up-to-date spatial information that ensures effective management of land resources and territorial planning. In Kazakhstan, characterized by vast rural territories, uneven population distribution, and demographic changes, the use of modern digital tools that enable the integration of topographic and statistical data becomes particularly important. The objective is to analyze the use of GIS-based databases in rural areas and assess their role as an analytical basis for geographical research, monitoring, and management of transformation processes in rural districts. The study emphasizes the integration of population indicators and land use indicators into a unified geoinformation archive. Methods include landscape analysis and cartographic modeling with the implementation of geoinformation systems in the processing and visualization of land management materials and geospatial documentation. GIS methods were used to calculate the density of the rural population and to identify spatial and temporal fluctuations in demographic parameters. Results – a GIS database was formed, providing the ability to analyze the degree of settlement of rural localities and its dynamics. GIS-based mapping identified regions with high and low concentrations of rural population, as well as territorial units showing trends toward decline or relative stability in the number of rural residents. The developed structure of the GIS database contributes to the synthesis of demo graphic, land, and spatial digital values into a unified information environment. Conclusions – the use of GIS-based databases increases the accuracy and effectiveness of management in rural regions. They should be considered a priority direction for modernizing the system of land regulation and ensuring balanced economic growth of rural areas of the republic.

Program lending is one of the key instruments of state regulation and financial support for the agro-industrial complex, ensuring the sustainable development of agriculture and strengthening the country’s food security. In the context of structural transformations in the agrarian sector, the effectiveness of existing targeted financing mechanisms, taking into account regional specifics, becomes particularly significant. The objective is to substantiate priority directions of the management system for concessional investment in agrarian business under conditions requiring increased investment attractiveness of the sector, expanded access of agricultural producers to borrowed funds, and growth of economic stability of the agrarian sector. Methods include content analysis of regulatory legal acts in considering the institutional foundations of credit programs, statistical data on the volume and structure of concessional investments to assess the dynamics of distribution of financial resources among economic entities, and monitoring of the state of agroindustrial production in studying institutional, budgetary, and organizational constraints of state support measures. Results – the main problems reducing the effectiveness of targeted lending ser vices are identified, including lengthy approval periods, limited monetary limits, seasonality of farmers’ incomes, insufficient level of process digitalization, low borrower awareness, and imperfection of credit risk control methods. Proposals are substantiated to simplify investment support procedures, increase the number of guarantee instruments, introduce a unified digital platform, online monitoring, and stimulate lending at the processing stage, as well as in supply chains of the agro-industry. Conclusions – the role of social-entrepreneurial corporations as regional operators of program lending is emphasized, along with the need to diversify funding sources, expand borrower coverage, and support innovative projects

The intensification of compound feed production in Kazakhstan is driven by the expansion of the livestock sector, one of the main components of the country’s food security and an indicator of the state’s economic and social stability. The objective is to substantiate theoretical and methodological approaches to developing practical recommendations for ensuring the production of compound feed products in the republic based on sustainable development of the industry. Methods include econometric analysis, comparison and generalization using official data from the Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan, systematization of factors determining priority directions for the transformation of the feed segment and minimization of import dependence, monographic method for analyzing theoretical aspects of economic relations in the feed industry, and conjunctural analysis to study current trends in the formation of feed resources considering influencing conditions. Results – the authors state the necessity of real measures and practical steps to stimulate the domestic feed industry, which gradually replaces imports and creates a solid base for livestock production. This will enable the establishment of new enterprises, supply agricultural producers with feed, and ensure growth in animal productivity in agricultural formations and feedlots. Large companies are actively developing, meeting demand and introducing innovative technologies; although mandatory certification for compound feed mixtures is not required, compliance is confirmed through declaration according to national standards. A specific feature is the production of feed products and protein-vitamin supplements (PVS) for livestock and poultry. Conclusions – the modern strategy of the feed cluster should be focused on the active application of innovations, which will contribute to efficient management of technological and economic cycles, reduction of costs and product cost, decreased labor intensity, and will positively affect the competitiveness of the agrarian sector in the long term

Heliciculture involves the breeding of terrestrial snails to obtain valuable products and by-products for feed production. This is a promising direction acquiring particular economic and environmental significance under conditions of a deficit of complete protein and rising prices for traditional feeds. The objective is to analyze the possibilities for the introduction and development of snail farming in Kazakhstan and its role in expanding the range of the feed base of agriculture. Methods include content analysis to study the essence and economic aspects of the industry, analytical methods to systematize global experience, qualitative methods to identify key trends, quantitative methods to compare resource costs, and abstract-logical methods for formulating conclusions and substantiating improvements in this area. Results show that the cultivation, processing of gastropod mollusks, and the production of protein-mineral products as well as secondary raw materials can be effectively carried out by small and medium-sized farms using greenhouse complexes and enclosed facilities, while simultaneously reducing agri-food waste and lowering anthropogenic environmental impact, in line with the principles of the circular economy. The feasibility of breeding representatives of the gastropod class in various regions of the country has been substantiated, taking into account climatic conditions, infrastructure, state support, and logistical and production features. Conclusions – the formation of specialized agro-industrial production requires comprehensive state support, including legislative regulation, financial measures, research and in formational-educational support, quality standardization, and the application of recycling technologies based on foreign experience. Heliciculture as a sector of alternative livestock production has significant potential for forming feed resources and various industrial segments, contributing to diversification, modernization of agribusiness, and increased investment attractiveness

The objective is to study the current state of development of the crop production sector in the East Kazakhstan region and to determine directions for improving its efficiency. Methods include comparative, economic-statistical, and abstract-logical approaches used for regional assessment and identification of problems in the cultivation of agricultural crops. Scientific ap proaches proposed by FAO were applied. Results – the distribution of sown areas is presented. The share of wheat in lands allocated for grain crops is calculated and analyzed dynamically. There is an increase in sunflower production volumes, as well as in the gross harvest of agricultural crops and the rate of yield growth; however, the sown area in hectares tends to decrease. A comparison of the share of regions of the republic in investments allocated to agriculture was carried out. The necessity of strengthening financial support for the sector is substantiated. The introduction of digital technologies in East Kazakhstan is manifested in the use of precision agriculture; the main barriers are identified. Conclusions – crop production is influenced by many factors that can be grouped into natural-climatic, organizational-economic, and technological, including agrotechnical factors. Their impact on productivity formation and resource efficiency is reflected in the level of financial and labor investments, fixed and working capital per unit of land, i.e., in the intensification of the production cycle. The agrarian sector of the East Kazakhstan region is at an initial stage of implementing innovative practices; new technological methods are beginning to be used and innovative initiatives are being developed. Recommendations on key directions for modernization of this sphere of activity are formulated. The scientific article has an applied and analytical character and contributes to a comprehensive study of the tasks of crop production transformation. The research results can be used by local authorities to optimize subsidy policy, ensure justified allocation of investments among agricultural enterprises, and support effective managerial decision-making

The objective is to substantiate theoretical and methodological approaches to the development of practical recommendations for ensuring food security as an indicator of the country’s socio-economic stability based on the sustainable development of the grain market. Methods include econometric analysis, comparison and generalization, systematization of factors to deter mine priority directions for transforming the grain sector in order to strengthen food potential and reduce import dependence, monographic method for studying theoretical aspects of the functioning of grain production and economic relations within the grain industry among its participants, and conjunctural analysis to study current trends in the grain sector considering conditions that directly affect it. Results – the authors note that the grain sector traditionally represents a strategic, multi-purpose, multifunctional, and system-forming segment of the national economy in general and the agro-industrial complex in particular, stimulating the expansion of related product and raw material clusters. The grain sector is vulnerable to natural-climatic and territorial challenges. Measures are required for diversification, infrastructure improvement, management of causes of instability, and adaptation to climate change. Particular attention should be paid to the introduction of innovative technologies, compliance with agrotechnical practices, and control over the supply of fertilizers, plant protection products, and modern high-performance machinery to agricultural producers. Conclusions – the existence of a stable legislative framework adequate to market relations, interregional and interstate grain relations, pricing that ensures cost recovery for producers, and a developed mechanism for economic risk insurance are essential. Priority development is given to large agricultural enterprises designed to serve a maximum number of economic entities geographically dispersed over significant distances

The objective is to analyze the current state of the country’s meat subcomplex, determine its development prospects, and identify factors limiting its further growth. Methods include analytical methods for studying the current situation in the republic’s meat industry and identifying future guidelines; statistical methods for processing and interpreting official data on production, processing, and consumption of meat products; comparative methods for comparing domestic sector indicators with foreign analogues; a systems approach to consider the meat cluster as a set of interconnected elements of production, processing, and sales; and an economic analysis method to substantiate conclusions and formulate recommendations. Results – the importance of the meat product segment, which is essential for the production of meat products, is noted. Its sustainable functioning can be ensured through comprehensive work in key areas. The meat sector, as one of the key elements of the agro-industrial complex, has strategic value for the economy and food security of the state, providing the population with essential food products and export opportunities. The role of integration and cooperation in enhancing the effectiveness of the meat industry is highlighted. Proposals for improving regulation and innovative modernization of the meat sector are formulated. Emphasis is placed on key constraints to effective structural transformation, including insufficient integration of market participants, raw material instability, and a low share of high valueadded products. The expediency of transitioning to a strategically oriented model based on technological modernization, digitalization, and strengthening cooperative links is demonstrated. Conclusions – the implementation of the proposed measures will increase the efficiency of the meat industry in Kazakhstan, strengthen its competitive position, form a competitive domestic meat trade system in structure and volume in accordance with physiological consumption standards, and expand the presence of domestic products in the international business environment

The objective is to assess the impact of the digital transformation of logistics infrastructure on expanding the export potential of Kazakhstan’s meat sector, with a focus on increasing the share of processed products and enhancing the industry’s international competitiveness. Methods include a comprehensive set of methodological approaches ensuring a holistic study of the effects of logistics digitalization; calculation and design methods for determining relative indicators and preparing forecasts; statistical-economic methods for analyzing the dynamics of production processes and development trends in the meat processing industry; expert methods for monitoring the influence of institutional, technological, and market factors on sectoral competitiveness; and monographic methods for studying problematic aspects of livestock production under conditions of digital transformation of supply chains. Results – infrastructural and technical barriers constraining the expansion of exports of processed meat products are identified. Priority directions for modernization of the transport network are outlined, including the creation of regional agro-logistics hubs, digital platforms for supply chain management, and upgrading processing capacities. It is noted that the digital transformation of logistics mechanisms stimulates export expansion, contributes to reducing operational costs, strengthening quality and safety control of meat products, implementing IoT, blockchain technologies, and big data interpretation, and strengthening the country’s position in the global meat market. Conclusions – an important role is played by stimulating private sector participation in digital reform through targeted subsidies, tax incentives, and public private partnership models. The implementation of effective measures will reduce transaction costs, enhance the competitive advantages of the meat cluster in external markets, and create conditions for long-term export-oriented brand promotion

In the Republic of Kazakhstan, oilseed crops rank second after grain in the human diet and are widely used in livestock production and for industrial purposes. Sunflower, rapeseed, mustard, soybean, safflower, and oil flax are cultivated in various regions. While maintaining their role as an important sector ensuring the country’s food security, oilseed production demonstrates steady growth. However, despite positive trends, the volumes of oilseed cultivation, vegetable oils, and other fat-and-oil products do not yet fully meet the needs of the domestic market and industry in Kazakhstan, indicating significant development potential of the oil-and-fat sector. The objective is to analyze the state of the oilseed sector of the republic and identify problems and prospects for its modernization. Methods include statistical methods for analyzing quantitative data and identifying patterns, graphical methods for visual representation of information, and analytical approaches for identifying cause-and-effect relationships. Results – it is shown that expansion of sown areas, increases in yield, gross harvest, and selling prices are observed only for sunflower; its sown area increased by 55% in 2019–2024 and amounted to 1,287.1 thousand hectares, yield indicators increased by 17.2 centners per hectare, and the selling price of sunflower during this period reached 59.8% (146.6 thousand tenge per ton). Conclusions – it is important to draw producers’ attention to the fact that despite the high profitability of sunflower cultivation, it is necessary to compensate for the significant removal of nutrientmacroelements from the soil after harvesting, observe crop rotations, and timely apply mineral and organic fertilizers to maintain soil fertility. The implementation of targeted measures will increase domestic production of oilseed products, create new jobs, improve the social situation in rural regions, and strengthen the position of domestic products in the international economic arena

Telecommunications infrastructure is considered a key factor in the development of precision agriculture technologies in rural areas of the Republic of Kazakhstan, determining the quality of digital transformation of the agro-industrial complex. The relevance of the topic is determined by the fact that digitalization of the agrarian sector and the introduction of high-precision agricultural production require stable and high-speed data transmission, while rural areas are characterized by significant spatial heterogeneity. The objective is to study the impact of telecommunications parameters, including broadband access and fifth-generation (5G) networks, on the efficiency of crop cultivation on specific field plots in rural regions of the republic. Methods include systemic, comparative, and analytical approaches; analysis of statistical data from telecommunications opera tors, materials from the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, international reports, and pilot projects on the use of digital tools to determine the level of adoption of “smart” farming methods in rural Kazakh stan. Results – a relationship is established between the bandwidth of digital platforms, signal stability, and the accuracy of IoT systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, autonomous agricultural machinery, and automated irrigation mechanisms. It is shown that the transition from 4G to 5G ensures multiple improvements in positioning accuracy, reduction of technological errors, increased efficiency of water use, and higher productivity of agricultural operations. A pronounced regional asymmetry of digital infrastructure is identified, forming the effect of “digital agrarian inequality.” Conclusions – it is substantiated that the telecommunications model is a structural element of digital transformation in the agro-industrial complex. Expansion of broadband coverage, optimization of 5G channels, and enhancement of digital competencies of agricultural specialists are key conditions for forming sustainable high-tech production systems. The results of the study can be used in the development of state programs for digitalization of the agro-industrial complex and in planning comprehensive investment projects

Urbanization processes have a significant impact on the redistribution of land resources, including agricultural lands with high agrarian characteristics, creating new challenges for rational land use and requiring comprehensive analysis of dynamics and their impact on the country’s food security. The objective is to monitor scientifically grounded development of agricultural land with subsequent determination of directions for improvement and prioritization. Methods include analytical methods for reviewing scientific literature, statistical methods for identifying patterns in land area changes from 1991 to 2024, abstract-logical methods for identifying cause-and-effect relationships, and monographic methods for generalizing practical land use experience. Results – it is established that during 1991–2024 agricultural land areas decreased by more than two times, while lands of settlements increased sixfold, indicating high intensity of urban formation, territorial expansion of cities and settlements. The conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural use has a comprehensive impact on the organization of agricultural production and regional food supply. Expansion of urban areas directly affects a large amount of high-quality arable land, reducing land available for crop cultivation. In addition, priority soil types characterized by high fertility and productive potential are involved. Conclusions – for environmentally balanced use of the agricultural land fund, it is necessary to implement comprehensive measures for preservation and restoration of land resources, ensuring sustainable territorial development and food security. Thus, the scientific substantiation of agricultural land redistribution is of great importance in maintaining a balance between urbanization and preservation of agrarian potential, minimizing social and economic risks

The relevance of the topic is determined by the need to address risk management problems in irrigated agriculture. Agriculture, particularly irrigated areas, has specific features characterizing the control of instability and uncertainty. Under market conditions, accounting for uncertainty factors when developing recommendations for rational diversification of crop production is associated with numerous barriers, the unresolved nature of which significantly hinders the acelerated development of agricultural production. The objective is to study theoretical aspects of co ordinating adverse factors and determine the main patterns and causes of their occurrence in irrigated agriculture. Methods used in the study include abstract-logical methods for generalizing the main directions of investment risk management in agricultural enterprises and peasant (farm) households, and monographic methods for systematizing experience. Results – the article examines theoretical and methodological approaches to ensuring safety in irrigated agriculture, features of risk diagnostics in agribusiness structures, and the organizational-economic mechanism for their reduction. It is established that in agricultural formations located in this farming zone, the most appropriate method for calculating the probability of investment losses is the assessment of expected efficiency. Its advantage for medium and small farms allows effective consideration of risks even with small investment volumes and in conditions where many risk situations are not yet sufficiently identified. Conclusions – the strategy for modernization of irrigated agriculture in the republic should be aimed at supporting systemic transformations that strengthen the economy of economic entities in irrigated zones and operational services of irrigation systems, which will have a positive impact on the overall socio-economic situation. The authors emphasize the importance of applying the obtained results to enhance the competitiveness of agriculture under global challenges

In the context of structural transformations in the agricultural sector, state support for agricultural entities is gaining particular importance as a factor in the development of the labor potential of rural areas. The stable transformation of the rural economy is impossible without the effective use of labor resources, increased employment, and the creation of conditions for the selfrealization of the rural population. The relevance of the study is increasing against the background of migration outflow, a shortage of qualified personnel, and the need to update the material and technical base, which requires coordinated economic and socio-infrastructural solutions. The objective is to analyze the impact of state stimulation of agricultural structures on the growth of human capital in rural areas of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Methods include a review of scientific publications, statistical data processing, comparative and structural analysis of the effectiveness of state regulation measures and the determination of the practical value of the functioning of agricultural entities, as well as generalization of the results of applied research on this topic. The results show that in 2011–2024, the number of peasant (farm) households increased by 62.4%, while household farms decreased by 27%, reflecting structural shifts in agrarian business. Subsidies, preferential lending, and leasing programs support investment activity, contribute to technological re-equipment, strengthen cooperative movements, and expand employment, including the creation of jobs in related activities. At the same time, a high level of wear and tear of agricultural machinery and equipment (about 80%) reduces labor productivity and increases the need for technical modernization. The Conclusions confirm that state support oriented toward innovative changes, improvement of collective forms of work, reform of transport and digital infrastructure, and the development of urban–rural agglomeration links increases professional opportunities in rural areas, improves the balance of the agricultural sector, and makes rural areas attractive for young specialists

The relevance of the topic is determined by the outflow of the rural population, primarily youth of working age, which leads to a labor shortage in the agricultural sector, imbalance in the distribution of labor resources, and demographic aging of rural areas. The objective is to analyze the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of internal and external migration of rural residents, identify economic and infrastructural factors that increase migration flows, and assess their consequences for employment and the stability of rural jobs. The study uses official data from the Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Methods include statistical data processing and generalization of scientific literature to study absolute and relative indicators of rural population migration, analysis of state programs “Auyl Amanaty” and “100 jobs per 10 thousand population,” aimed at increasing employment in rural regions and their attractiveness through support of microbusiness and strengthening of social infrastructure, as well as examination of international experience of ASEAN and OECD countries, confirming the importance of a comprehensive and interdepartmental approach to regulating labor migration. The results demonstrate the impact of migration processes on the labor market of rural areas of Kazakhstan for 2020–2024. A stable trend of reduction in the number of employed rural residents and an increase in interregional imbalance in their movement has been identified. The obtained data confirm the need for systemic modernization of public administration mechanisms in the context of demographic mobility and economic activity, focused on long-term balanced rural development. Conclusions emphasize the importance of a systemic and integrated approach to migration policy in the republic. It is important to stimulate the process of return migration of residents to rural areas. For this purpose, it is necessary to create jobs, opportunities for career growth, and conditions for earning higher income

A practical approach to the development of dual education for training specialists in the water management sector of the agro-industrial complex of Kazakhstan is presented. The relevance of the study is determined by a shortage of personnel in the water sector, insufficient professional orientation of graduates, and the need to adapt educational programs to labor market requirements. The objective is to develop a methodology for a dual educational platform that ensures the integration of theoretical knowledge and practical experience within a unified educational space, as well as continuity between secondary technical and university education. Methods are based on an analytical algorithm. The study includes a comparative assessment of dual system models implemented in Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, China, and the United States. Additionally, a documentary analysis of the regulatory framework, educational standards, and industry practices determining the conditions for implementing the dual format in the republic was carried out. As an applied element, the regional case “Flood-MAR-Kaz” is used as an example of combining digital solutions and practice-oriented learning in the context of water resource management. Results show that the effectiveness of the dual form was evaluated by the level of cooperation “college university–business–government bodies,” the share of competence formation, and the degree of digitalization of educational activities. The acquisition of dual skills contributes to higher employment rates of graduates, improvement of engineering competencies, and resilience of rural areas to water and climate risks. Conclusions indicate that the practical significance of the research lies in the possibility of applying the proposed technology in the development of educational plans, disciplines, and projects for water management and in monitoring their effectiveness using key indica tors. Thus, the constructed structural-functional scheme serves as a tool for understanding and clearly presents the mechanism for designing specialist training under dual education conditions

The objective is to scientifically substantiate the importance of the digital economy as a key factor in the strategic transformation of the agro-industrial complex of Kazakhstan in the con text of Industry 4.0, aimed at increasing productivity, strengthening food security, and enhancing competitiveness. Methods include the abstract-logical method for generalizing theoretical provisions of agricultural digitalization and identifying development patterns, comparative analysis of time series for monitoring changes in indicators for 2010–2024, and system synthesis for integrating economic, technological, and institutional components into a holistic model of digital transformation. Results based on panel data for 2010–2024 examine issues of technological modernization in agriculture based on new digital competencies and innovative solutions. International experience in implementing high-tech management mechanisms is systematized. A comprehensive assessment of the level of digital development of the agro-industrial complex of the republic is provided. Despite an increase in gross output to 8.3 trillion tenge, the share of technological services remains critically low (0.17%). The potential of precision agriculture tools, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Big Data technologies is demonstrated. Prospects of the “service digitalization” model, which al lows small and medium-sized farms to reduce costs through IT outsourcing, are substantiated. Financial and economic practices of sector transformation are analyzed, including leasing of next generation equipment, preferential lending, and digital insurance instruments for agricultural risks. Conclusions show that the integration of information technologies optimizes the balance of supply and demand and ensures transparency of value chains. It is proven that long-term stability of agroindustrial production is impossible without forming a new effective concept of agricultural education and investment in human capital

The study of the logistics component in the agro-industrial complex is a relevant task not only for the economy of the republic but also for most countries of the world. Logistics in agriculture is becoming increasingly important, as it relates to uninterrupted delivery of food from producer to consumer. The objective is a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the agricultural sector of the Republic of Kazakhstan with a focus on diagnosing problems and assessing the potential of logistics management as a strategic factor for increasing competitiveness and export potential. Methods include structural diagnostics of changes in sown areas and livestock numbers, comparative analysis to assess the dynamics of indicators for 2020–2024 against target parameters, and system and content analysis of documents to identify relationships between production diversification, logistics infrastructure, and state support measures, as well as transformations in crop and livestock production and the functioning of the agrologistics mechanism. Results reveal systemic constraints in the development of the agro-industrial complex, among which high logistics costs and significant product losses in supply chains are dominant. Problem areas of logistics management are identified and systematized into three areas (infrastructure, digitalization, and supply chain regulation). The need to transition from a fragmented logistics approach to the creation of integrated digital platforms and hubs is substantiated. Conclusions show that modernization of Kazakhstan’s agro-industrial production and realization of its export potential are impossible without fundamental reform of the commodity flow system. Thus, optimization of logistics processes in the agro-industrial complex is a necessary condition for enterprise functioning, strengthening mar ket competitiveness, maximizing profits, and reducing costs

In the context of projected growth in global food demand and increasing risks to food security, enhancing the sustainability of agri-food systems is becoming increasingly important. The article examines the structure and dynamics of costs for sunflower oil production using the example of the oil and fat industry of Kostanay region of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The objective is to identify key factors in cost formation, assess the impact of individual expense items, and substantiate directions for improving the economic stability of the industry. Methods include structural and factor analysis of costs, calculation of the share of cost elements and their impact on prices (basic economic formulas), applied to aggregated statistical indicators of sunflower oil to determine the most significant cost categories and changes affecting production cost fluctuations. The empirical base includes data from the Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2020–2024. Under conditions of limited access to de tailed financial reporting of enterprises, a method of proportional allocation of expenses to produced output was used. Results show the dominant role of material costs, accounting for more than 94% of the cost of a unit of market product, indicating high raw material dependence of the oil and fat sector and its vulnerability to price fluctuations. The impact of labor and depreciation costs remains secondary. The increase in cost indicators is largely due to rising prices for raw materials and services of third-party organizations. Conclusions substantiate the need to optimize resourceoriented policies, reduce material intensity, develop local production and logistics links, and implement comprehensive tools for managing financial burden throughout the value chain

The importance of the land resources market is increasing under conditions of a more complex land use structure, transformation of fiscal mechanisms, and higher requirements for the efficiency of public administration. For the Republic of Kazakhstan, these processes are particularly relevant given the scale of its territory, the high share of agricultural land, and the need to ensure stable budget revenues from land use. The objective is to assess the fiscal results of the functioning of agricultural land and analyze the optimality of land fund management practices in the republic. Methods include economic research and analytical generalization for monitoring the dynamics of revenues from land use, comparison of indicators to assess different types of tax and non-tax pay ments and identify structural shifts in the land rent mechanism, and an institutional approach to determine the effectiveness of public management mechanisms, administrative barriers, and dupli cation of functions between levels of government regulation. Results indicate a shift in emphasis from regular tax revenues to non-tax revenues related to leasing and transactions involving land rights. It is shown that lease payments demonstrate a more stable and predictable trend compared to one-time income from land alienation. Regulatory constraints that reduce the stability of fiscal outcomes have been identified, including complex administrative procedures and fragmented regulatory control. Conclusions show that increasing the efficiency of the land resources market re quires strengthening the role of lease relations, improving cadastral and fiscal administration, and enhancing coordination between government bodies at different levels