Climate Crisis in Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley: Story of Survival and Adaptation
Climate change, combined with the remnants of the outdated Soviet irrigation system, has led to the plight of the Fergana Valley, facing a water scarcity crisis that threatens the survival of the valley’s population.
Women farmers in the Fergana Valley oversee 21% of the valley’s farms and they are facing a looming water crisis and feel the pressing need for adaptive solutions.
To raise awareness about the situation, CAN EECCA has released a new short film titled “Female farmers at the forefront of water shortages in Uzbekistan” as part of our #WorldWeWant campaign. The film features interviews with women farmers sustaining their families and communities.
Rising temperatures are causing the glaciers that feed the Ferghana Valley’s most important rivers, the Syr Darya and Amu Darya, to recede at an alarming rate. Scientists predict that by 2050, a majority of these glaciers could vanish, intensifying the water crisis that already looms large.
In the face of the looming crisis, environmental experts are urgently seeking innovative solutions to help the Fergana Valley adapt to the changing climate. This could exacerbate the existing water shortage up to fivefold, endangering the lives and livelihoods of countless residents.
The Fergana Valley, home to nearly a quarter of Central Asia’s population, faces the alarming possibility of becoming a breeding ground for climate refugees. As water scarcity intensifies, the risk of people being forced to abandon their homes and seek more habitable environments elsewhere increases, underscoring the urgent need for global attention and action.
Nargiz Kosimova, head of NGO “Ecologist”, commented on the situation in Uzbekistan.
“In June, we conducted training sessions for women farmers; however, none of them transitioned to water-saving technologies due to the high equipment costs. Those who attempted it expressed dissatisfaction with the low equipment quality and its rapid deterioration. There is a pressing need to enhance public awareness, particularly among farmers, about climate change and adaptation methods. While they acknowledge the associated dangers, there is insufficient research and limited information on alternative crop options for them to consider switching to.”
What is the #WorldWeWant campaign?
The Climate Action Network, most prominent climate NGO network, is running the #WorldWeWant campaign to raise the voices of people on the front lines of the climate crisis through short films. Main aim is to demand from government respond to climate problems urgent action.
Communities from all over the world tell their stories about how they suffer from the effects of climate change, fossil fuel extraction, and pollution and also about possible solutions.
How can you support the campaign?
Please watch the video and share it on social media platforms.
Tell your story with #WorldWeWant
Do you notice the consequences of climate change in your village, city, region and country?
Do you remember the moment you realized how much the climate is changing?
Is there fossil fuel mining near you? Are fires blazing? Is the permafrost melting? Has it stopped snowing? Does the river freeze?
Tell us your story! Photo/video/text – any format in social networks with the hashtag #WorldWeWant
Resources:
– Website (ENG/RUS)
– Google newsletters
– Pages on social networks
#WorldWeWant
#shareyourstory
#adaptation
#climatechange
