By Abdullahi Lukman
Climate change is increasingly disrupting water systems across Asia, threatening livelihoods, food security and access to safe drinking water, particularly in rural communities.
Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts and floods, along with sea-level rise, are affecting traditional water sources relied upon for generations.
These impacts are most severe for agricultural populations, where water shortages lead to crop failures, reduced income and health risks.
The crisis is also deepening social inequalities, as women and girls—primarily responsible for water collection—face increased health dangers and reduced access to education and economic opportunities.
In response, governments across the region are prioritizing water management in national climate strategies, with support from international partners.
Investments in climate-resilient systems such as rainwater harvesting, improved irrigation and watershed protection are helping communities adapt.
In Bangladesh, rising sea levels and salinity have compromised freshwater supplies in coastal areas.
Climate-resilient water systems, including thousands of rainwater harvesting units and solar-powered filtration facilities, have improved access for nearly one million people, many of them women who also play key roles in managing these resources.
In Timor-Leste, rehabilitated irrigation infrastructure and environmental restoration efforts have enhanced water availability for farming, enabling year-round agriculture and reducing the burden of water collection.
Similarly, in Bhutan, expanded irrigation networks and sustainable land management practices have restored agricultural productivity, benefiting tens of thousands of farmers while improving water access and reducing soil.
These country-level interventions highlight the importance of water security in building climate resilience.
Experts say sustained investment in water infrastructure and management is essential to protect livelihoods, ensure reliable food production and support vulnerable populations as climate impacts intensify.
