A study led by researchers at The University of Manchester has exposed significant gaps in global research on transboundary rivers, revealing that the water needs of people in the Global South are being disproportionately overlooked.

Rivers that flow across international borders are essential for the lives of billions of people—they supply drinking water, support agriculture and provide livelihoods. However, these rivers face increasing challenges from pollution, climate change and political tensions.

The new research—which examined 4,713 case studies across 286 river basins—shows that while large rivers in the Global North receive significant research attention, many equally important rivers in the Global South are being neglected.

The study, published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, found that research in the Global North focuses more on technical aspects of river management and governance, while the Global South is primarily studied in the context of conflicts and resource competition.

In Asia, research is concentrated on large river basins with geopolitical significance, like the Mekong and Indus, often overlooking smaller basins where water crises are most severe. Africa faces similar challenges, with research concentrated on climate change impacts and water-sharing conflicts, but with limited infrastructure to support more comprehensive studies.

The study also reveals that small and medium-sized river basins—which are critical for local communities in the Global South, and often face the most pressing water security challenges—are being widely overlooked in research.

This lack of research has real-world implications for people living in the Global South. It means that the specific challenges they face such as water scarcity, lack of access to clean water and conflict over resources are not being adequately addressed. The people that rely on these rivers for their livelihoods are therefore at risk, and it undermines their ability to cope with climate change and other pressures on water supplies.

The research emphasizes that a collaborative, inclusive approach is necessary to address these issues. It calls for more research focused on smaller river basins with participation of local communities, increased investment in research infrastructure in the Global South, and more partnerships between researchers in the Global North and South.

According to the researchers, these changes could help to promote sustainable management of transboundary rivers, ensuring that these crucial resources are managed equitably for all.

“Our analysis shows a clear need for a shift in how research is conducted on transboundary rivers,” stated Dr. Mehebub Sahana from The University of Manchester, one of the study’s authors.

“We need to empower local researchers, enhance science diplomacy, and increase funding for underrepresented regions. Collaborative North-South partnerships should prioritize addressing socio-economic, cultural and geopolitical complexities while bridging critical knowledge gaps in these vital areas to ensure effective and equitable management of water resources,” says Dr. Mehebub Sahana.