CIHEAM Press Review

As the ramifications of the global water crisis grow in scope and severity, understanding the manifold and devastating consequences of water insecurity—in all its forms—is increasingly critical to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of billions around the world.

World Water Day, observed annually on March 22, draws awareness to issues of scarcity, sustainability, and safety of global freshwater resources. The security and reliability of water resources are constantly challenged by concerns over adequate availability, sufficient access to clean water, and the consequences of diminished and unsafe water supplies (e.g. to health and food security).

Hydroelectric dams have been widely panned by environmentalists for damaging the health of rivers and their ecosystems. Yet many dams are being unfairly maligned because their reservoirs can help feed the world’s population of 8 billion, say researchers at Stanford University.
The scientists quantified the amount of water storage required to maximize crop irrigation without depleting water stocks and encroaching on nature. They found that dammed reservoirs could be used to store more than half of the water needed for such irrigation.

Recycling water is key to closing the water supply-demand gap in the Middle East and North Africa.

Water is part of every step in the food value chain, from food production to processing and consumption. A dependency that is hampering food security in a water scarce region such as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

We are all familiar at this point with the assertation that "water is the new oil," signaling that the vital liquid is the next thing to fight for. If you have been taking such statements lightly, just take a look at what U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris announced recently: water security is now one of the focal points in America's strategy. Harris said that it is clear the United States cannot achieve its foreign policy and national security objectives without global water security, as water security can both contribute to and mitigate these challenges.

Turkey is rich in fertile land, water and skilled farmers. But its agricultural industry is in sharp decline, blamed by critics on failing government policies, spiralling costs and meagre state support.

The Challenge: With only 2% of the world’s renewable water supplies, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is the driest region in the world. It is home to 12 of most water-scarce countries and has an average water availability of 1,200 cubic meters per person a year, roughly 6… Continue reading

CAIRO — In the desert along the northwestern coast of Egypt, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation is building the longest man-made artificial river to ensure sustainable water resources to cultivate about 1 million feddans (1.04 million acres) within the New Delta project, which is part of the goals set by the state to protect the country’s water and food security.

Traditional water harvesting systems can help communities in the Middle East and North Africa cope with worsening water scarcity and a drying climate — if they are maintained.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is the driest region in the world and home to 12 of the world’s most water-scarce countries, with water availability per person roughly six times less than the global average. Rising temperatures and evaporation rates, combined with reductions in precipitation across the region, are exacerbating challenges to water and food security. In recent years, droughts have become more frequent, extensive and severe, degrading land and jeopardising health, livelihoods and economies. Droughts and their impacts are expected to intensify as climate change worsens.

A WLE-hosted webinar series discussing the critically important role of research and innovation to secure more inclusive, sustainable and resilient futures.