Linking Environmental Water Scarcity and Options for Adaptation in the MENA Region

Abstract

Contamination of surface and underground water by sea level rise, surface runoff, and land use activities such as industrial and agricultural activities can lead to water scarcity. Water could be available and accessible but not suitable for human use. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region countries, the agriculture sector depends massively on water for farming activities, which consumes about 80% of the available water resources. In this context, the issue of environmental water scarcity is under highlighted, though the use of this term itself is still lacking in an international context (FAO). Meanwhile, the international goal of universal access to clean freshwater is included in global development targets (SDGs). This study provides some insights and deepens our understanding on environmental water scarcity, particularly MEN-A region countries. This review paper begins with an introduction to water scarcity and continues with a discussion of environmental issues associated with water scarcity in MENA region countries. Finally, we suggest some adaptive measures in two distinct areas such as agriculture sectors and policy makers and conclude that the lack of implementation of this particular term is hindering sustainable development in MENA region countries.

A Holistic Framework towards Developing a Climate-Smart Agri-Food System in the Middle East and North Africa: A Regional Dialogue and Synthesis

“…It is assumed that with the growing water scarcity, energy-intensive technologies such as water desalination would be the only alternative. Groundwater resource exploitation has reached up to 50-100% in many countries such as Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, and Palestine [17,18]. This water crisis could be a major threat to MENA's economies over the next ten years.…”

Agriculture and economic transformation in the Middle East and North Africa: A review of the past with lessons for the future

“…With growing food demand and high uncertainty about the future impact of climate change, efficient water use will become even more important for the region in the coming years. Arid and semi-arid regions are affected by droughts and wide climate variability, and the challenges are expected to worsen as population and income increase (Ibrahim and Mensah 2017).…”