South Asia

South Asia has been characterized by fertile soils, rice-wheat systems, a largely favourable climate and abundant surface and groundwater, providing the basis for food security for the several hundred millions of people in the region. Yet the region is considered to be highly vulnerable to climate change due to its huge population, predominance of agriculture, a relatively limited and depleting resource base, and projected large changes in climatic risks.

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The western region, with high investment in infrastructure and institutions, effective policy support, and intensive agriculture, faces greater future risks due to increasing episodes of heat and droughts, and over-exploitation of natural resources, especially groundwater. The eastern region, with poor infrastructure, low agricultural productivity and limited human capital, already faces high risk of flooding and drought. These risks are projected to increase over the next few decades.

Baseline surveys: Data and materials are now available from baseline surveys at the household, village and organizational levels in this target region.

South Asia video