COP29. Threats of climate change for agriculture in Central Asia: climatic risks and adaptation of the agricultural sector

Central Asia's agriculture faces substantial challenges from climate change, threatening food security, economic stability, and the well-being of millions reliant on the sector. In a region already characterized by harsh, arid climates, extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, heatwaves, and early frosts are becoming more frequent. This situation is pushing Central Asian countries to reassess agricultural practices and seek resilient adaptation methods. At COP29, Central Asian nations are expected to discuss with the global community approaches to adapting agriculture to evolving climate conditions, emphasizing innovation and sustainable development in agriculture.

As one of the world’s most arid regions, Central Asia is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The increasing frequency and duration of droughts reduce critical water resources needed for irrigation, impacting the production of water-intensive crops like cotton, grains, and vegetables. Rising temperatures exacerbate soil water evaporation, leading to reduced soil fertility and productivity. Additionally, heatwaves hinder crop growth and elevate irrigation demands, putting further pressure on the already strained water supply.

Random but intense precipitation events exacerbate soil erosion and damage agricultural infrastructure. Floods destroy crops, contaminate farmland, and complicate the transport of agricultural goods. Climate change also contributes to increased populations of pests and diseases, negatively impacting crop yields and plant resilience. Warmer winters create ideal conditions for insects and pathogens to thrive, raising farmers' costs for crop protection.

Support and Cooperation within COP29

At COP29, active participation from Central Asian countries is anticipated as they seek to highlight their unique climate challenges and needs to adapt to the agricultural sector. The conference is expected to lay the groundwork for critical projects and initiatives to help improve the environmental situation in Central Asia. Central Asian countries are eager to attract support from international climate funds, such as the Green Climate Fund, which can finance climate adaptation projects by offering grants and loans for sustainable agricultural technologies. Regional cooperation on water resource management, soil restoration, and climate monitoring projects can also contribute to a resilient agricultural system across the region.

Central Asian countries are increasingly focused on training farmers and specialists in new agricultural practices to enhance the sector's ability to adapt to climate change. To this end, developing networks of cooperation between scientists, agronomists, and farmers through regional and international projects is essential. Establishing a climate-resilient policy framework within international cooperation will allow Central Asian nations to implement and improve national programs for agricultural adaptation, aligned with international standards and recommendations.

The adaptation of agriculture in Central Asia to climate change is crucial for ensuring food security and sustainable development in the region. The adoption of sustainable technologies, cross-border cooperation, and the engagement of international financial support will enable the region to not only address current challenges but also build a more productive and environmentally sustainable agricultural sector. Central Asian participation in COP29 will be a key milestone in addressing climate-related issues, setting the foundation for agriculture that is resilient to climate change and capable of ensuring long-term growth and development.



Kazakhstan: Project "Adaptation of Agriculture to Climate Change"

Kazakhstan is working on projects like the "Adaptation of Agriculture to Climate Change," which focuses on integrating sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing resilience to climate impacts. This project aims to strengthen the country’s agricultural systems through technological advancements, improved water management, and capacity-building for farmers, contributing to the broader regional efforts in tackling climate change and ensuring food security.

The project "Adaptation of Agriculture to Climate Change" in Kazakhstan is part of the country's broader state program for climate adaptation. It aims to increase the resilience of Kazakhstan's agricultural sector to extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and high temperatures. The project focuses on introducing innovative technologies, enhancing water management practices, and improving agronomic techniques to ensure better stability and productivity of agricultural crops. A key component of the initiative is the development of an early warning system for farmers, as well as improvements in meteorological forecasting. The project also supports the development of drought-resistant crop varieties, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

In addition, Kazakhstan actively participates in the Green Central Asia initiative, which focuses on improving water management and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. This includes cross-border water cooperation projects and efforts to adapt agriculture to water scarcity, particularly in regions like the Ferghana Valley, where water shortages are a critical issue. These initiatives aim to build long-term solutions to ensure the region's agricultural sustainability in the face of climate challenges.

Uzbekistan: The Project "Sustainable Use of Water Resources in Agriculture"

Uzbekistan is implementing the "Sustainable Use of Water Resources in Agriculture" project within the framework of international cooperation to address the pressing issue of water scarcity in agriculture, particularly given the region's dry climate. This initiative focuses on introducing efficient irrigation technologies, improving water management practices, and transitioning to more sustainable agricultural methods. Uzbekistan is developing "smart" irrigation systems, which significantly reduce water loss and improve productivity. In addition, alternative methods like hydroponics and drip irrigation are being promoted to reduce reliance on traditional agricultural practices that consume large volumes of water.

Uzbekistan: The Project "Climate Change and Stability in Central Asia"

Uzbekistan is also working on the "Climate Change and Stability in Central Asia" project, which supports agricultural adaptation to climate change, with a special focus on the Ferghana Valley. This project, backed by UNDP and the EU, aims to increase awareness of climate risks and foster cooperation among Central Asian countries to enhance regional adaptation efforts. The project emphasizes collaborative approaches to address climate challenges and improve the stability and resilience of agricultural systems in the region, ensuring that the agricultural sector can better withstand the impacts of climate change.

Kyrgyzstan: Project "Adaptation of Mountain Ecosystems and Agriculture"

Kyrgyzstan is actively working on adapting agriculture in mountainous regions where climate change is contributing to increased landslides, soil erosion, and deteriorating water supplies. The "Adaptation of Mountain Ecosystems and Agriculture" project focuses on developing resilient agricultural practices suited to the challenges of mountainous terrain. Key initiatives include the implementation of soil protection systems, agricultural breeding improvements, and the creation of sustainable water reservoirs. A significant aspect of the project is raising awareness among local farmers about sustainable agricultural methods and the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies to help them adapt to the changing climate.

Kyrgyzstan is also engaged in regional efforts like the Green Central Asia initiative, which focuses on improving water management and enhancing agricultural practices across the region. Additionally, the "Adaptation to Climate Change in Central Asia" program, designed to increase agricultural resilience and optimize water use under changing climate conditions, is being implemented in Kyrgyzstan. These initiatives aim to support the country's agricultural sector and ensure long-term sustainability in the face of climate challenges.

Turkmenistan: Project "Management of Water Resources and Agricultural Adaptation"

In Turkmenistan, one of the primary climate change challenges is the decline in water levels in rivers and reservoirs, which significantly impacts agriculture, particularly in regions reliant on irrigated farming. To address this, Turkmenistan is undertaking large-scale irrigation modernization efforts under the national project to adapt agriculture to climate change. The focus is on improving water use efficiency, enhancing agricultural stability, and introducing water-saving technologies. These initiatives aim to encourage farmers to shift to more resilient and water-efficient crops, reducing dependency on reservoir-based agriculture.

Turkmenistan is also focused on improving irrigation systems and upgrading agricultural infrastructure to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events and droughts, which have become more frequent due to climate change. The modernization of irrigation systems is a central part of the strategy to enhance agricultural resilience and stability.

These projects are crucial for improving the stability of agriculture in Central Asia, and addressing risks related to water resources, temperature fluctuations, and other climate-related challenges. Central Asian countries, including Turkmenistan, are increasingly committed to adapting their agricultural sectors to the changing climate, focusing on water resource management, optimized land use, and enhancing regional cooperation to combat climate-related risks.

GSR

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