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Asia’s water scarcity challenge

increased agricultural water demand may worsen the strategies may be more effective when coordinated
situation. This could jeopardize food security and the across neighboring nations that share transboundary
livelihoods of vulnerable populations by reducing water resources.
agricultural yields. To address these challenges, climate- This study presents several limitations that highlight
resilient agricultural practices are essential. Farmers directions for future research. First, the analysis covers
should adopt drought-resistant crop varieties, improve 39 Asian countries from 1996 to 2022; however, the
soil health through sustainable agricultural practices, absence of comprehensive data may have excluded
and invest in upgraded water storage and harvesting relevant factors that could have enhanced the findings.
systems. 52 Due to inconsistencies in reporting across countries,
Advanced agriculture offers a solution by reducing several socioeconomic and environmental aspects
waste of water, fertilizers, and pesticides through the of WS may have been overlooked. Future studies
use of technology. Tools such as soil moisture sensors, should incorporate larger and more detailed datasets,
automated irrigation systems, and satellite imagery including information on national water regulations and
enable precise irrigation, thereby enhancing water governance systems, to improve the robustness of the
conservation and agricultural productivity. Techniques results. Although this study employs GMM to address
such as drip irrigation, rainwater collecting, and other endogeneity, it may not fully capture all dynamic
advanced systems can significantly reduce water loss changes in water management and governance over
and improve water-use efficiency. Degraded soil causes time. Alternative econometric models, such as spatial
sedimentation and the deterioration of water quality – models or dynamic panel threshold models, could offer
issues that may negatively affect aquatic ecosystems deeper insights into the complex interactions among
and human health. Addressing these concerns variables.
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requires land restoration and protection. Sustainable This research primarily focuses on governance
land management practices aimed at rehabilitating indicators, climate-related factors, and economic
degraded lands can improve soil health, increase water variables affecting water shortage. However, future
retention, boost agricultural productivity, and enhance studies could incorporate additional dimensions,
water availability. Investments in farmer training and such as technology innovation, institutional capacity,
agricultural extension services are also critical for and localized water management practices. Future
disseminating best practices and building capacity in research may also examine how renewable energy
water-efficient agriculture. In addition, governments integration, advanced irrigation technologies, and water
should improve the monitoring and enforcement conservation strategies contribute to reducing global
of regulations against illegal land clearing and water stress. To improve the granularity of findings,
deforestation to mitigate AGLD and reduce the risk of future analyses should consider subnational or city-
water shortages. level data, offering a better understanding of localized
Long-term environmental changes and catastrophic water governance issues and solutions. In addition,
events pose serious threats to ecosystems and increase examining the long-term effects of climate adaptation
pressure on water demand. To mitigate the impacts policies on sustainable water resource management
of climate change on water resources, projects and would be valuable, particularly given the current
initiatives must be adequately funded. Investment in study’s emphasis on CLF in addressing water shortages.
climate-resilient infrastructure – particularly water Expanding the dataset to include other water-stressed
storage and distribution systems – can help manage regions outside Asia would enhance the generalizability
the effects of shifting weather patterns and fluctuating of findings and allow for cross-regional comparisons of
water supply. CLF can also support the development of policy effectiveness.
technologies aimed at improving water efficiency and
reducing waste. Changes in precipitation patterns, 6. Conclusion and policy recommendations
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prolonged droughts, and more intense weather events
directly affect water supplies. These changes not only The present study analyzes key drivers of water shortage
affect the quantity and quality of water but also endanger governance – specifically, GEF, RQ, REC, POPG,
ecosystems, biodiversity, and human livelihoods. CLF CROP, AGLD, and CLF – across 39 Asian countries
plays a critical role in safeguarding water resources from 1996 to 2022. The findings reveal the complex
and natural ecosystems from climate variability. In dynamics between GEF, CLF, and agricultural practices
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addition, climate change adaptation and mitigation in shaping WS outcomes. The results suggest that

Volume 22 Issue 2 (2025) 147 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025090057