Water is a strategic resource for Central Asia, influencing economic stability, environmental sustainability, and disaster risk reduction (DRR). The region faces compounding risks from climate change, including droughts, floods, and glacial melt, which threaten water security and livelihoods. For countries like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, water is a critical component that underpins life, food security, energy production, and even international relations.
Water Scarcity and Its Impact
The geography of Central Asia presents unique challenges when it comes to water distribution. The region relies heavily on two major river systems: the Amu Darya and the Syr Darya, both originating in the mountainous areas of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and flowing towards the Aral Sea. However, these water sources are under significant stress due to over-extraction for agricultural purposes, climate change, and inefficient water management systems.
According to recent studies, water availability per capita in some Central Asian countries has decreased by more than 50% over the past few decades. This decline has been exacerbated by the increasing frequency of droughts and unpredictable weather patterns, making water scarcity a pressing issue that affects food security and livelihoods.
Economic Implications
Climate change has intensified flash floods and mudflows, with a 40% increase in hydro-meteorological disasters (1990–2020). The 2021 Tajikistan floods displaced 15,000 people and caused severe infrastructure damage. Water-related disasters cause over $10 billion in annual losses across Central Asia (UNDRR, 2025).
Agriculture is the backbone of many Central Asian economies, with cotton and wheat being major crops. These water-intensive crops put additional pressure on already strained water resources. In Uzbekistan, for instance, agriculture accounts for about 90% of total water consumption. The inefficiency in water usage has led to significant losses, with reports indicating that up to 60% of water is lost before it even reaches the fields due to outdated irrigation systems.
Moreover, water scarcity has a direct impact on energy production, particularly in countries like Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, where hydropower is a primary energy source. Reduced water flow can lead to lower electricity generation, affecting both domestic supply and export potential to neighboring countries.
Water Management and Regional Cooperation
Effective water management is crucial for mitigating water scarcity and its broader impacts. This requires modernizing irrigation systems, implementing water-saving technologies, and enhancing regional cooperation. There is a need for an integrated approach that considers both disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation to build resilience against water-related challenges.
Regional cooperation is particularly important given the transboundary nature of Central Asia’s water resources. Initiatives to improve data sharing, joint water management projects, and diplomatic dialogues are vital. The International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) and other regional frameworks play a significant role in fostering collaboration among Central Asian states.
Conclusion
The future of Central Asia hinges on how effectively countries manage their shared water resources. As the region continues to grapple with water scarcity, fostering cooperative approaches and investing in sustainable water management practices will be essential for ensuring the well-being of its people and the stability of its economies.
Central Asia’s water crisis demands urgent action to align disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and sustainable development policies. The recent UNDRR (2025) report calls for regional collaboration, risk-informed investments, and inclusive governance to secure water security and resilience. As countries navigate the challenges posed by water scarcity, cooperation, innovation, and resilience must be at the forefront of their efforts to secure a sustainable future.
UNDRR & UNDP (2025). Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation: Coherence Pathways in Europe and Central Asia.
The report is available electronically at: https://www.undrr.org/publication/disaster-riskreduction-and-climate-change-adaptation-coherence-pathways-europe-and
Bapon (SHM) Fakhruddin, PhD 