The interlinked challenges of climate change, water scarcity and migration in Central Asia

Authors: Zakirov, B., Babadjanov, J., Mirkasimov, B., Djanibekov, N.

Key messages:

1. Significant research gaps persist in smallholder adaptation to climate change (e.g., the development of tailored irrigation technologies), the climate-mobility nexus (including the issue of immobility among vulnerable groups), and multi-level water resource tensions.

2. Solution to the climate-water-mobility nexus requires collaboration across related issues based on evidence-based research.

3. For meaningfully addressing the nexus, there is an urgent need to enhance data accessibility and invest in repositories for relevant indicators in the region.

Zakirov, B., Babadjanov, J., Mirkasimov, B., Djanibekov, N. (2025). The interlinked challenges of climate change, water scarcity and migration in Central Asia. CPRO Policy Brief 2025-12.