Central Asia Rapid Drought Risk and Resilience Assessment

The five Central Asian countries — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan — are facing escalating challenges of drought and water scarcity exacerbated by climate change, unsustainable practices and land degradation. These issues are particularly acute in the region’s arid and semi-arid climates, where limited water resources must meet competing demands from agriculture and hydropower.

To address these challenges, IWMI will identify the sub-national areas and sectors in Central Asia most vulnerable to drought, assess the impacts of drought on these areas and map key stakeholders. The initiative seeks to equip these countries with the knowledge and tools necessary for effective drought preparedness and resilience. Key activities include developing country-specific and regional drought risk profiles and fostering transboundary dialogues to support targeted investments and long-term risk management strategies.