Climate change and agriculture in Central Asia: adaptation and mitigation through the agri-food system

Climate change is expected to have a significant impact on agriculture in Central Asia. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are likely to lead to reduced crop yields, increased water stress, and more frequent extreme weather events such as droughts and floods. The region’s ecosystems and biodiversity are also at risk due to climate change, and fragile mountain ecosystems are particularly vulnerable. Melting glaciers and snow cover, altered timing and magnitude of river flow, will affect lives of people and natural systems in the region. Since 1985 the desert climate has spread by up to 100 kilometers between in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. By 2040, there may be a shortage of water for irrigation in Uzbekistan by about 33%. It is important for the Central Asian countries to implement effective policies and adaptation measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change, and to collaborate with one another to share risk of the consequences. The agri­food system refers to the complex set of activities, actors, and infrastructure that are involved in producing, processing, distributing, and consuming food and agricultural products. This includes activities such as farming, livestock production, fishing, food processing and packaging, distribution and transportation, as well as retail and food service. Through regional negotiations and cooperation, countries can achieve a reduction in agricultural sectors with high CO2 content. A sustainable agri­food system should aim to produce enough food to meet the needs of a growing population, while also preserving the environment, maintaining biodiversity, and ensuring social and economic well­being for all involved.