WATER SCARCITY PERSPECTIVES IN UZBEKISTAN: DRIVERS, IMPACTS, AND SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS

Abstract

Uzbekistan is among the most waterstressed countries in Central Asia, largely due to its arid climate, heavy dependence on trans-boundary rivers, inefficient agricultural water use, and accelerating climate change. Nearly 80 percent of the country’s surface water originates outside its borders, primarily from the Amudarya and Syrdarya rivers. This paper examines the major drivers of water insufficiency in Uzbekistan, including upstream water withdrawals by neighboring countries, glacier retreat in mountainous regions, infrastructure losses, and agricultural inefficiencies. It further analyzes socioeconomic and environmental impacts and proposes realistic, policyrelevant solutions aimed at ensuring longterm water security.