Central Asia food shortages deepen as climate and water pressures intensify

Around 14% of Central Asia’s population - about 12 million people - are facing food shortages, according to the United Nations. The issue was a central focus at the Regional Environmental Summit in Astana.

Officials at the Astana summit said food security is increasingly being linked to climate and water pressures, as changing weather patterns, land degradation and water shortages begin to affect agricultural output across Central Asia.

Structural and environmental pressures by country

In Tajikistan, the constraints are largely structural. Only a small share of land is suitable for irrigation, and much of the infrastructure is outdated, meaning water does not always reach farmland. As climate pressures intensify, yields are becoming less stable and prices more volatile. The government has allocated 19 million dollars to restore degraded land by 2030, though the scale of the challenge remains significant.

In Kyrgyzstan, the condition of agricultural land is the main concern. A large proportion is degraded, steadily reducing productivity. Pastures are also affected, limiting livestock capacity and pushing up the cost of meat and dairy products. The impact is already visible at household level.

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In Uzbekistan, the pressure is more widespread. Desertification affects much of the territory, while declining water levels in the Amu Darya and Syr Darya are reducing the land available for crops. Farmers are having to spend more to maintain output, and these costs are reflected in food prices. Around 8% of the population is already struggling to access adequate nutrition.

Climate conditions and glacier loss

These developments were discussed at the summit as part of a broader regional pattern. Central Asia is warming faster than many other regions, with temperatures expected to rise by 4 to 6 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. This is already affecting water availability and agricultural conditions.

Glaciers are a key part of that picture. They provide a major share of the region’s freshwater, yet they are retreating rapidly. Under high-emission scenarios, most could disappear by 2100. This would reduce water supply and increase the risk of sudden natural events. The issue was examined during a session supported by UNESCO, with a focus on practical adaptation.

Regional coordination seen as essential

Against this backdrop, Kazakhstan outlined its climate policy. The country aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 15% by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2060, with the option of increasing the 2030 target if international support is secured.

A consistent message from the summit was that these challenges are shared. Water systems, climate impacts and food supply chains extend across borders, making regional coordination essential as environmental pressures continue to grow.

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Astana Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan Uzbekistan United Nations climate policy carbon neutrality