OIM - Kahriz Selection Methodology de 2026

KAHRIZ SELECTION METHODOLOGYThe opinions expressed in the report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout the report do not imply expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of IOM concerning legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning its frontiers or boundaries. IOM is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As an intergovernmental organization, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to: assist in meeting the operational challenges of migration; advance understanding of migration issues; encourage social and economic development through migration; and uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants. _____________________________ This publication was made possible through support provided by Sasakawa Endowment Fund, under the terms of “Promoting Kahriz Rehabilitation for Enhanced Water-Related Climate Adaptation in Azerbaijan“ project. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of IOM.

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PUB2025/091/RKAHRIZ SELECTION

METHODOLOGY

Prepared for IOM by: Mr Rauf Amanov (Lead)

Mr Rais Abdulazimov (Hydrogeologist) Mr Rovshan Karimov (Socioeconomic Analyst) Mr Shahin Maharramli (Cost-Benefit Analyst) Mr Anar Nuriyev (Climate Change and Water Resources Expert)iii Contents List of tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v List of abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii Executive summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix

Executive summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix

1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 1.1 Overview of situation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 1.2 Problem statement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 1.3 Project objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2. Water profiles of regions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.1 Assessment approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 2.2

2.1 Assessment approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 2.2 Ganja–Dashkasan economic region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 2.3 Gazakh–Tovuz economic region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 2.4 Karabakh economic region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

3. Analysis of international experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

4. Methodological design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

5. Application of metodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

6. Conclusion and recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

6. Conclusion and recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

7. References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

8. Annexes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Annex 1: Focus Group Summary Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Annex 2: Socioeconomic Evaluation of Selected Kahrizes​. . . . . . . . . . 49v List of tables Table 1. List of visited kahriz sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Table 2. Ganja–Dashkasan: Population and gender distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Table 3. Gazakh–Tovuz: Population and gender distribution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Table 4. Karabakh: Population and gender distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Table 4. Karabakh: Population and gender distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Table 5. Description of socioeconomic criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Table 6. Scoring guide for socioeconomic criteria. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Table 7. Description of technical criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Table 8. Scoring guide for technical criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Table 9. Socioeconomic criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Table 10. Technical criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38vii

List of abbreviations AHP Analytical Hierarchy Process ASWRA Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency FAO Food and Agriculture Organization GIS Geographic Information System GPS Global Positioning System IDP Internally displaced person IOM International Organization for Migration IWRM Integrated Water Resources Management KOICA Korea International Cooperation Agency MCDA Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis NPV Net Present Value SDG Sustainable Development Goal

UNESCO

Global Positioning System IDP Internally displaced person IOM International Organization for Migration IWRM Integrated Water Resources Management KOICA Korea International Cooperation Agency MCDA Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis NPV Net Present Value SDG Sustainable Development Goal

UNESCO

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization WUA Water User Associationviii

List of abbreviations Community members filling water containers from “Bala Bino” kahriz in Uchoghlan village of Aghdam district, rehabilitated within the “Integrated Rural Development for IDP Communities through Revitalization of Kahriz Water Supply System” project, funded by KOICA. ©️ IOM 2022ix

Executive summary Kahrizes are traditional underground water channels that have sustained communities in arid and semi-arid regions for centuries, providing reliable, energy-free water for households, agriculture and livestock. Historical sources indicate the existence of tens of thousands of kahrizes in Azerbaijan, predominantly in Nakhchivan, Karabakh, Shirvan, Sheki–Zagatala, Ganja–Gazakh and Absheron regions. In recent decades, however, the extensive drilling of subartesian wells, technological shifts, declining funding for kahriz rehabilitation and maintenance, climate change and neglect have led to the deterioration of a large portion of these systems. Climate change poses a critical challenge for Azerbaijan, a country contributing only 0.15 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, but highly vulnerable to droughts, floods and heat extremes due to its geography and climate. Observed impacts already include temperature rise, decreased precipitation and intensified pressures on ecosystems, water resources and rural livelihoods. According to Azerbaijan’s Nationally Determined Contribution 3.0, over the past 23 years, the average temperature increase across the country has reached 1.1°C, while precipitation decreased by about 3.4 per cent over the last 10 years (Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, 2025).

According to Azerbaijan’s Nationally Determined Contribution 3.0, over the past 23 years, the average temperature increase across the country has reached 1.1°C, while precipitation decreased by about 3.4 per cent over the last 10 years (Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, 2025). In the mid-twentieth century, Azerbaijan utilized 450–525 million m³ of groundwater annually through kahrizes. Today, only 25–30 per cent of that water is still being used, meaning 350–400 million m³ of clean, high-quality kahriz water remains untapped each year. Reports confirm that with minor repairs and restoration, the total water discharge of kahrizes could increase by 8.168 million m³ annually. One of the few actors in this field is the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which has rehabilitated nearly 200 kahrizes in the country over the past 25 years. Over the same period, the Government of Azerbaijan has integrated kahriz rehabilitation into strategic policy documents. The State Programme on the Great Return included kahriz assessments in its action plan, while the National Strategy on the Efficient Use of Water Resources defined the rehabilitation and reuse of kahrizes as a specific priority for 2024–2040 (President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, 2024). Furthermore, IOM and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) plan the rehabilitation of additional kahrizes between 2026 and 2030. However, a key challenge remains the absence of a unified methodology for determining which kahrizes should be prioritized and which selection criteria should be applied. To date, neither in Azerbaijan nor internationally has a standardized approach been established for selection of kahrizes for rehabilitation, which complicates the efficient allocation of resources.x

Executive summary In this regard, this report, prepared within the framework of IOM’s project “Promoting Kahriz Rehabilitation for Enhanced Water-Related Climate Adaptation in Azerbaijan”, funded by the Sasakawa Endowment Fund and commissioned by the Azerbaijan State Water Reserves Agency, aims at developing a methodology for prioritizing kahrizes for rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation for Enhanced Water-Related Climate Adaptation in Azerbaijan”, funded by the Sasakawa Endowment Fund and commissioned by the Azerbaijan State Water Reserves Agency, aims at developing a methodology for prioritizing kahrizes for rehabilitation. The geographical boundaries for this study include some marginal economic regions of Azerbaijan, namely Ganja–Dashkasan, Gazakh–Tovuz and Karabakh. These regions were selected due to their historical reliance on traditional water systems such as kahrizes and the continued relevance of these systems for rural livelihoods and agricultural activities. For the preparation of water profiles of these economic regions, an assessment was carried out through a structured, multistage process designed to balance technical assessment, community knowledge and long-term sustainability considerations. The assessment approach is based on collection of preliminary information about the socioeconomic situation in the regions and the condition of their water resources; focus group discussions, surveys and public consultations during field visits to each region; and inspections of 35 kahriz sites in 9 districts. Special attention was given to integrating gender perspectives, recognizing the critical role of women in water use and management, and ensuring their meaningful participation in decision-making processes. The methodology developed in this report draws on international experience, highlighting the effectiveness of multicriteria decision analysis, geographic information systems and participatory governance in prioritizing water infrastructure projects. Lessons from India, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Morocco, Oman and Spain underscore the value of integrating traditional and modern systems, data-driven decision-making and institutional support. The methodology suggests that the selection of kahrizes for rehabilitation should be undertaken in two steps:

(a) Shortlisting: Potential socioeconomic benefits from kahriz rehabilitation are evaluated based on the secondary sources (historical data, statistics, official records, etc.). Socioeconomic screening is based on 14 indicators, including the potential of a kahriz to meet drinking water demand and irrigation needs, its net present value, and access for vulnerable groups. Each criterion is scored (1–5) and weighted. The socioeconomic criteria have a maximum of 100 points.

(b)

screening is based on 14 indicators, including the potential of a kahriz to meet drinking water demand and irrigation needs, its net present value, and access for vulnerable groups. Each criterion is scored (1–5) and weighted. The socioeconomic criteria have a maximum of 100 points.

(b) Selection: The shortlisted kahrizes are visited and the potential for their successful rehabilitation is evaluated based on technical analysis. These criteria translate the results of fieldwork, analytical procedures and sustainability considerations into a structured assessment framework. The technical evaluation is based on seven indicators, including current water discharge, water quality, safety risks and structural condition. Each criterion is scored (1–5) and weighted. Technical criteria have a maximum of 50 points. Prioritization intervals are defined for both socioeconomic and technical scores, ensuring transparent, evidence-based decision-making. The adoption of a two-tiered selection approach is of particularKAHRIZ SELECTION METHODOLOGY xi importance in contexts where financial resources and time are limited. This sequence reduces the need for expensive and time-consuming fieldwork at an early stage, while ensuring that only those kahrizes with the strongest socioeconomic justification are subject to detailed technical assessment. The kahriz selection methodology developed in this study offers a robust, transparent and reproducible framework for decision-makers to identify kahriz systems most in need of rehabilitation. Based on the suggested methodology described above, socioeconomic and technical evaluation was conducted for the Girili kahriz in Girili village of Aghstafa district (Gazakh–Tovuz economic region) as a sample. In addition, the results of the socioeconomic evaluations of 44 kahrizes are provided in Annex 2 to assist government stakeholders and international actors with shortlisting of kahrizes for rehabilitation in future. This initiative supports Azerbaijan’s long-term water security goals, rural revitalization and the preservation of indigenous knowledge, providing a replicable model for sustainable water management. It is consistent with the gender equity and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) provisions already present in national and global commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals

This initiative supports Azerbaijan’s long-term water security goals, rural revitalization and the preservation of indigenous knowledge, providing a replicable model for sustainable water management. It is consistent with the gender equity and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) provisions already present in national and global commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 6 (Clean water and sanitation) and SDG 5 (Gender equality). This report is closely aligned with national policy priorities, particularly the above-mentioned National Strategy for the Efficient Use of Water Resources.3 1 Introduction The kahriz, also known as qanat, kariz, chahriz, falaj, aflaj, or foggara in different regions, has played a vital role in human life by providing underground water since ancient times across the world. Similar types of water supply system have been found in different water-scarce regions, such as the Islamic Republic of Iran, Turkmenistan, Eastern Türkiye and Morocco. The kahriz has been proven to be one of the most efficient and eco-friendly water systems, since it does not require any electricity or fossil fuel for supplying water. It also contributes to preserving water aquifers and ground beds by not extracting underground water excessively. The inclusion of Persian qanats by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in the World Heritage list illustrates its outstanding universal value (UNESCO World Heritage Convention, n.d.). These underground water channels, originating in the Islamic Republic of Iran, represent a sophisticated engineering solution that, unlike other human-made underground water supply and irrigation systems, allows water to flow from higher elevations to lower areas solely through the force of gravity, without the need for mechanical or thermal energy (Maliki and Khorsandi, 2004; Haeri, 2007). Historically, the preservation and maintenance of qanats have been centrally due to human attention, with various tools developed to protect and excavate these structures (Mehdizade Ardakani, 2014). The kahriz is constructed as a gently sloped subterranean canal by tunnelling into a cliff, scarp or

and maintenance of qanats have been centrally due to human attention, with various tools developed to protect and excavate these structures (Mehdizade Ardakani, 2014). The kahriz is constructed as a gently sloped subterranean canal by tunnelling into a cliff, scarp or base of a mountainous area, following a water-bearing formation. A certain amount of surface water and precipitation is drained through less water-resistant soil structures and gathered on more waterresistant layers. Through this cycle, the structure accumulates subterranean water and creates an aquifer. The kahriz continuously discharges the aquifer water, so that users can easily adapt to the fluctuations of water level resulting from seasonal changes in climate conditions. 1.1 Overview of situation Azerbaijan holds a distinctive place among countries with ancient traditions of irrigation culture. Examples include the irrigation system known as the “Gavur Arkh”, constructed in the fourth century, the wells built in Gobustan and Absheron during the Early Middle Ages, and the stonemasonry dam remains of the Gazanchi Lake in Nakhchivan. Some of the stone-lined wells in Absheron exceeded 100 metres in depth (Guliyev, 2019). Historical sources indicate the existence of tens of thousands of kahrizes in Azerbaijan, predominantly in the Nakhchivan, Karabakh, Shirvan, Sheki–Zagatala, Ganja–Gazakh and Absheron regions. Among the most notable high-discharge kahrizes are the Hamida Khanum kahriz in Karabakh (160 litres/ second), the Chay kahriz in Nakhchivan (120 l/s) and the Aliabad kahriz (114 l/s).4 Introduction Many Azerbaijani kahrizes were excavated by kankan masters (traditional well-diggers) with funding from wealthy individuals, many of whom were from various regions of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including Tabriz, Urmia and Marand. This is confirmed by historical records, the tools used in construction and the specific excavation techniques applied. Their expertise played a decisive role in

from wealthy individuals, many of whom were from various regions of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including Tabriz, Urmia and Marand. This is confirmed by historical records, the tools used in construction and the specific excavation techniques applied. Their expertise played a decisive role in shaping the technological and cultural heritage of Azerbaijani kahriz systems. Following the Napoleonic Wars, part of the German population, facing economic decline, migrated to Azerbaijan from 1816. They established settlements such as Yelenendorf, Annenfeld, Georgsfeld, Grinfeld, Eigenfeld and Traybenfeld, where they cultivated vineyards and also produced wheat, barley and vetch. To meet irrigation needs, the Germans relied on the expertise of the local population and constructed kahrizes with their assistance. The German settlers further improved the kahriz system by reinforcing the shafts with fired brick masonry, which enhanced their durability and reduced water losses. These efforts not only sustained agricultural productivity, but also demonstrated the adaptability and advancement of kahriz technology in the region (ibid.). By the first quarter of the nineteenth century, the kahriz system had already become widespread across Azerbaijan. According to contemporary researchers of that period, the area irrigated by kahriz networks in Azerbaijan reached nearly 2,500 km². According to researchers, in the 1930s there were more than 1,500 kahrizes across Azerbaijan, collectively supplying about 25 m³ of water per second. According to the official records of 1938, there were 885 registered kahrizes in Azerbaijan, with a total discharge of 13,354 m³/s. The maps of 623 kahrizes across various districts of the country, excluding the Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur economic regions, are presented in the Bilingual National Atlas of Kahrizes in Azerbaijan.1 In recent decades, however, the extensive drilling of subartesian wells, technological shifts, declining funding to kahriz rehabilitation and maintenance, climate change and neglect have led to the deterioration of a large portion of these systems. Currently, the Azerbaijan State Water Resources

of Kahrizes in Azerbaijan.1 In recent decades, however, the extensive drilling of subartesian wells, technological shifts, declining funding to kahriz rehabilitation and maintenance, climate change and neglect have led to the deterioration of a large portion of these systems. Currently, the Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency (ASWRA) has 8,713 subartesian wells on its balance sheet. Of these, 7,042 wells are used for irrigation, 1,618 for water supply and 53 for land reclamation. 1.2 Problem statement Climate change poses a critical challenge for Azerbaijan, a country contributing only 0.15 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, but highly vulnerable to droughts, floods and heat extremes due to its geography and climate. Since ratifying the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (1995), Kyoto Protocol (2000) and Paris Agreement (2016), Azerbaijan has committed through its Nationally Determined Contributions to reduce emissions by 40 per cent by 2035 compared to 1990 levels. Observed impacts already include temperature rise, decreased precipitation and intensified pressures on ecosystems, water resources and rural livelihoods. According to Azerbaijan’s Nationally Determined Contribution 3.0, over the past 23 years, the average temperature increase across the country has reached 1.1°C, while precipitation decreased by about 3.4 per cent over the last 10 1 Caucasus Geo Survey, on behalf of IOM, developed the Bilingual Atlas of Kahrizes in Azerbaijan within the “Integrated Rural Development for IDP Communities in Azerbaijan Through Revitalization of Kahriz Water Supply System” project, implemented in 2018–2024 in cooperation with the State Committee for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons of the Republic of Azerbaijan and with funding from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The atlas is available online via www.azkahriz.az.KAHRIZ SELECTION METHODOLOGY 5 years (Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, 2025). Future projections indicate that river flows may decline by 5–20 per cent under moderate warming (+2°C) and 30–35 per cent under severe

available online via www.azkahriz.az.KAHRIZ SELECTION METHODOLOGY 5 years (Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, 2025). Future projections indicate that river flows may decline by 5–20 per cent under moderate warming (+2°C) and 30–35 per cent under severe scenarios (+4°C, –10% precipitation), threatening water, food and energy security. These trends underscore the urgency of accelerating adaptation measures, strengthening water management and mobilizing resources to safeguard Azerbaijan’s socioeconomic development and resilience. In the mid-twentieth century, Azerbaijan utilized 450–525 million m³ of groundwater annually through kahrizes. Today, only 25–30 per cent of that water is still being used, meaning 350–400 million m³ of clean, high-quality kahriz water remains untapped each year. Reports confirm that with minor repairs and restoration, the total water discharge of kahrizes could increase by 0.259 m³/s (8.168 million m³ annually). In regions such as Gazakh, Aghstafa, Tovuz, Shamkir, Goygol and Goranboy, these improvements could provide 8.168 million m³ of drinking water to the population at minimal cost. However, government authorities have not made significant efforts to tap into this potential. One of the few actors in this field is the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which has rehabilitated nearly 200 kahrizes in the country over the past 25 years and was twice awarded the Energy Globe Award for this work, in 2012 and 2021 (United Nations Azerbaijan, 2021). Between 2018 and 2024, 33 kahrizes were rehabilitated across Aghdam, Agjabedi, Barda, Fuzuli, Goygol, Gazakh and other districts by IOM with funding from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). At the same time, the Government of Azerbaijan has integrated kahriz rehabilitation into strategic policy documents. The State Programme on the Great Return included kahriz assessments in its action plan, while the National Strategy on the Efficient Use of Water Resources defined the

At the same time, the Government of Azerbaijan has integrated kahriz rehabilitation into strategic policy documents. The State Programme on the Great Return included kahriz assessments in its action plan, while the National Strategy on the Efficient Use of Water Resources defined the rehabilitation and reuse of kahrizes as a specific priority for 2024–2040 (President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, 2024). Furthermore, IOM and KOICA plan rehabilitation of additional kahrizes between 2026 and 2030. However, a key challenge remains the absence of a unified methodology for determining which kahrizes should be prioritized and which selection criteria should be applied. To date, neither in Azerbaijan nor internationally has a standardized approach been established for selection of kahrizes for rehabilitation, which complicates the efficient allocation of resources. 1.3 Project objectives This report was prepared within the framework of IOM’s project “Promoting Kahriz Rehabilitation for Enhanced Water-Related Climate Adaptation in Azerbaijan”, funded by the Sasakawa Endowment Fund and commissioned by the Azerbaijan State Water Reserves Agency. The purpose of this report is to develop a methodology for prioritizing kahrizes for rehabilitation, given the lack of such methodology. The report creates a decision-making tool that can be replicated and scaled up for the efficient utilization of financial and technical resources. The intended methodology aims to identify high-6 Introduction priority sites where the potential return on investment – with returns such as improved water supply, agricultural support and socioeconomic resilience – is expected to be the greatest to enhance national and regional water infrastructure programme effectiveness and impact. The report will assist in evidence-based policy and investment decisions at the national and subnational levels, and facilitate strategic planning in all water, agriculture and rural development areas. It will also be consistent with the gender equity and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) provisions already present in national and global commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 6 (Clean water and sanitation) and SDG 5 (Gender equality). The methodological framework developed and presented in this report is closely aligned with national policy priorities, particularly the above-mentioned National Strategy for the Efficient Use

already present in national and global commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 6 (Clean water and sanitation) and SDG 5 (Gender equality). The methodological framework developed and presented in this report is closely aligned with national policy priorities, particularly the above-mentioned National Strategy for the Efficient Use of Water Resources. This strategic document outlines a comprehensive set of measures aimed at strengthening national water security, promoting sustainability and ensuring equitable access to water for all sectors of society. Under Objective 9.3.2 of the Strategy, which focuses on “increasing water resources and utilizing alternative water sources”, specific emphasis is placed on the rehabilitation and reconstruction of kahriz systems as a means of reintroducing these traditional infrastructures into active use (President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, 2024).7 2 Water profiles of regions The geographical boundaries for this study include some marginal economic regions of Azerbaijan, namely Ganja–Dashkasan, Gazakh–Tovuz and Karabakh. These regions were selected due to their historical reliance on traditional water systems such as kahrizes and the continued relevance of these systems for rural livelihoods and agricultural activities. They are grappling with challenges surrounding water insecurity and their issues have broad relevance when discussing the policy implications of post-conflict and rural revitalization efforts. Hence, the water profile for each selected region is presented below, providing an overall socioeconomic picture