Aridization, Water Stress, and Droughts: Migration as Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in Batken

• In Event: Migration and Central Asia: Alternative Perspectives, New Destinations, and Decolonial Approaches

Abstract

This study discusses migration dynamics in the most remittance-dependent region of Kyrgyzstan in the context of climate change dynamics. Drawing on climate change data from 1950-2023 as well as migration processes from 1991-2023, the study challenges the dominant understanding of migration as an economically driven process by placing migration from Batken within the dynamics of environmental change. As the study shows, this allows us to draw attention to the dual effect of migration as an adaptation strategy to climate change and as a process that has its limits in the context of increasing levels of livelihood uncertainty related to: aridization, Water Stress and Droughts. Research findings are important for National Adaptation Plan development, the wider policy community, and international development organizations as they indicate specific areas where improvements in climate change adaptation can help formulate nationwide climate change adaptation planning.

Author

• Asel Murzakulova, U of Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan)