Fragile countries need water security the most
FOR thousands of years, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has coped with a scarcity of natural water resources. Through innovation and adaptation, succeeding generations have managed their lives and livelihoods in the arid landscapes that spawned some of the world’s oldest civilizations. More recently, however, population growth and rapid urbanization combined with the impacts of climate change have exerted ever greater pressure on the already scarce water resources. Per-capita fresh water resources, which stand at only one tenth of the world average, may decrease by one third by 2050. As the competition between the various uses of water intensifies, smallholder farmers may suffer the most.
At the same time, instability is taking a severe human and economic toll, fueling massive displacements of populations, and testing the resilience of people and communities across the region. It is an unfortunate fact that many of the most fragile countries are also those with the greatest water stress.
Nowhere is this truer than in the MENA region. The turmoil of conflict and increased water stress are revealing the vulnerabilities of existing water management systems, already plagued by weak governance, strained resources and degraded infrastructure. Systems that once delivered services to citizens are now failing when they are needed most.
People caught in conflict are least able to cope with the impact of water shortages and other water-related disruptions. Urgent action is needed to prevent water shortages from adding to the devastating consequences of conflict, precisely when it is most difficult to do so. However, a balanced, long-term approach fortifies the ability to withstand shocks and protracted crises, such as climate variability and drought or a refugee influx, while also addressing immediate humanitarian needs such as water and food security.
Taking on such a fundamental challenge as water security in the MENA region will require a holistic strategy that goes beyond increasing immediate water supplies to a focus on ensuring sustainability. A regional approach is also needed, as water resources cross borders and better cooperation among countries will be essential for their effective management.
In response, the World Bank Group and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are joining forces to raise awareness of water security issues and support policies for efficient and effective water management.
At the League of Arab States’ Sustainable Development event in Cairo this week, the World Bank-FAO partnership will call for redoubling efforts toward sustainable and efficient management of water resources, reliable delivery of water services to all, and protection from waterrelated catastrophes that can increase social instability. The partnership emphasizes that governance systems, with help from the international community, can respond both proactively and reactively to the cumulative impacts of water insecurity and crises.
Future water security in the region will mean recognizing the need for diversification and recycling of water supplies, improving efficiency, investing in research and technology, and strengthening conservation incentives including appropriate pricing mechanisms.
At the same time, the essentially local nature of water and agriculture challenges requires responses and interventions through a decentralized and inclusive approach, particularly in conflict-affected areas.
Our recommendations include support for smallholder crop and livestock production, and working with a range of partners to restore basic access to water and sanitation as an immediate response to conflict.
As development opportunities materialize, the focus should include job creation and longrange water management such as modernized irrigation, sustainable and more equitable use of groundwater, efficiency gains, and making sure women are included in decision making.
The World Bank-FAO partnership is a first step in the shared goal of our organizations to promote sustainable, effective and equitable water management in fragile situations, which we believe can contribute to peace, prosperity and stability. Abdessalam Ould Ahmed is the Food and Agriculture Organization’s assistant director general and regional representative for the Near East and North Africa. Hafez Ghanem is the World Bank Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa.