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Future research directions for understanding the interconnections between climate change, water scarcity, and mobility in rural Central Asia

  • Kathleen Hermans
  • , Nodir Djanibekov
  • , Iskandar Abdullaev
  • , Nilufar Abduvalieva
  • , Aliya Assubayeva
  • , Suzy Blondin
  • , Ihtiyor Bobojonov
  • , Christopher Conrad
  • , Thomas Herzfeld
  • , Johnson Kansiime
  • , Barchynai Kimsanova
  • , Murodbek Laldjebaev
  • , Bakhrom Mirkasimov
  • , Asel Murzakulova
  • , Svetlana Rajabova
  • , Aibek Samakov
  • , Benjamin Schraven
  • , Harald Sterly
  • , Atabek Umirbekov

Publications: Contribution to journal › Annotation › Peer Reviewed

Abstract

Central Asia faces substantial water scarcity due to increasing water demand driven by rapid urbanization, population growth, economic development, and inefficiency of irrigated agriculture. These developments are compounded by the effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures, loss of glacier mass and increased frequency of extreme events, including droughts. The region's escalating water scarcity is causing disputes and straining rural livelihoods. Moreover, these challenges drive migration, creating considerable societal impacts. However, these issues remain underexplored in climate change research, making the region a global blind spot in climate adaptation and migration studies. We advocate for innovative research pathways that scrutinize smallholder adaptation strategies, examine the nexus between climate change, water scarcity, and mobility, and investigate tensions and cooperation over water resources. We conclude by emphasizing that substantial investments in inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration, improved data availability and quality, and strengthening of research and institutional capacities are essential to advance interdisciplinary climate impact research in Central Asia. Such efforts are vital for addressing existing knowledge gaps and enhancing evidence-based policymaking to improve the region’s position in current and future debates on climate change and sustainable development.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)638-647
Number of pages10
JournalClimate and Development
Volume17
Issue number7
Early online date3 Dec 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2025

Funding

Promoting research collaboration within and across the region will enhance knowledge and data sharing and drive innovations in climate adaptation. Fostering international and interdisciplinary partnerships can be achieved through conferences, panels, workshops, and special issues, targeting Central Asian researchers and involving Central Asian studies societies like the European Society for Central Asian Studies (ESCAS) and the Central Eurasian Studies Society (CESS). There is a significant need to build human and technical capacities in Central Asia, particularly through interdisciplinary research and education in climate change and adaptation. Essential qualifications measures include developing and expanding comprehensive Bachelor's and Master's programmes and establishing research groups for early-career researchers, which can foster interdisciplinary climate impact research in Central Asia with a strong link into practice and policy-making. To address the underrepresentation of Central Asian research in global discussions and to support high-level international research, teaching, and exchange, it is essential to enhance the visibility and accessibility of local research, particularly through English-language publications. This involves leveraging regional capacities by promoting bilingual journals, such as the Central Asian Journal of Water Research. To facilitate the integration of local academics into global research networks, tailor-made mobility programmes for students, doctoral candidates, postdocs, and established academics are essential. This includes promoting and expanding individual support programmes and joint study opportunities and degree programmes, taking into account existing funding schemes, such as the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program, the European Union's Erasmus Mundus programme, the German Academic Exchange Service, and the US Fulbright Program. Additionally, international or national research labs, joint chairs, dedicated centres, and networks are essential to cultivate inter- and transdisciplinary collaborations in research, education, and capacity building in the fields of research outlined above. Acknowledgements

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 2 - Zero Hunger
    SDG 2 Zero Hunger
  2. SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
    SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation
  3. SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
    SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
  4. SDG 13 - Climate Action
    SDG 13 Climate Action

Austrian Fields of Science 2012

  • 504021 Migration research
  • 105205 Climate change
  • 509023 Development research

Keywords

  • Central Asia
  • Climate Change
  • Adaptation
  • Water Scarcity
  • Climate mobilities
  • Research priorities
  • Climate change
  • Water scarcity

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