WATER HARVESTING FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCE IN UZBEKISTAN’S AGRICULTURE: OPPORTUNITIES, BARRIERS, AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19504874Keywords:
water harvesting; climate resilience; agriculture in Uzbekistan; irrigation; climate adaptation.Abstract
Agriculture in Uzbekistan depends heavily on irrigation, making it particularly vulnerable to water shortages
in an already arid climate. These pressures are intensifying as climate change leads to higher temperatures and more
unpredictable rainfall, further complicating water management for farmers. In this context, the present study examines
water-harvesting methods as practical and decentralized solutions to enhance resilience in the agricultural sector. Drawing
on existing research and reports, it explores techniques such as rainwater harvesting, micro-catchments, terracing, small
reservoirs, and managed aquifer recharge. The findings indicate that these approaches can improve water availability,
support crop production, and contribute to the restoration of degraded land. At the same time, their adoption remains limited
due to high initial investment costs, insufficient institutional support, and gaps in technical knowledge—challenges that
are particularly significant for smallholder farmers. The study emphasizes the need for stronger policy support, improved
access to finance, and more effective knowledge-sharing systems. Overall, water harvesting represents a practical and
scalable solution to enhance water security and facilitate agricultural adaptation to climate change in Uzbekistan.
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