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, Alisher Mirzabaev, Asel Murzakulova, Svetlana Rajabova, Aibek Samakov, Benjamin Schraven, Harald Sterly and Atabek Umirbekov

EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, 2025, vol. 17, issue 7, 638-647

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.

Keywords: Central Asia; climate change; adaptation; water scarcity; climate mobilities; research priorities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:zbw:espost:336250

DOI: 10.1080/17565529.2024.2436090

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