In 2023, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) commissioned Dropstone to conduct a scoping study on groundwater management in the Sughd region of northern Tajikistan. The objective was to assess current practices and identify opportunities to strengthen the role of hydrogeology in climate change adaptation strategies.

Located in the rapidly growing Fergana Valley, the region increasingly relies on groundwater to support agriculture and drinking water supply. The study reviewed institutional frameworks, technical capacities, and hydrogeological data systems, while engaging with national and regional stakeholders to identify priorities for future support. The assessment highlighted the need to strengthen coordination between institutions, improve access to reliable hydrogeological data, and modernize monitoring networks, many of which rely on ageing equipment.

The results laid the foundation for a proposed Groundwater Management Program (GWMP) aimed at strengthening hydrogeological knowledge, enhancing institutional capacities, and promoting water- and energy-efficient agricultural practices. The initiative is designed to support the sustainable management of aquifers in the Tajik part of the Syr Darya River Basin and contribute to long-term water security, climate resilience, and sustainable development in the region.