Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan is a semi-arid country characterized by vast desert landscapes. It is the most water-stressed country in Central Asia with a heavy dependence on irrigation for agriculture. While access to basic drinking water has improved in urban centers, the nation faces mounting water challenges driven by inefficient water use, aging infrastructure and climate change. Turkmenistan relies on the Amu Darya River for 90% of its water, but this primary source is under severe stress from upstream withdrawals and declining flow, threatening both agricultural productivity and ecosystem stability. There is a growing need in the region for transboundary water-sharing agreements.
IWMI in Turkmenistan
IWMI is spearheading rapid drought risk and resilience assessment for Central Asia. The study, which includes Turkmenistan, seeks to identify areas and sectors most vulnerable to drought and is equipping countries with knowledge and tools to strengthen drought preparedness. Additionally, IWMI has partnered with the Turkmen government to lead regional discussions on the deepening environmental crises in Central Asia, climate adaptation and improved scientific monitoring.
Country representative
Latest Turkmenistan news
Shared rivers strengthen regional ties in Central Asia
IWMI works with partners in Central Asia to boost climate-smart water and land management
New tools for transboundary water challenges in Central Asia
Innovations and smart water technologies key to food systems transformation in Central Asia
Latest Turkmenistan publications
NEXUS Gains in the Aral Sea Basin: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan
Future research directions for understanding the interconnections between climate change, water scarcity, and mobility in rural Central Asia