Managing groundwater in times of climate uncertainty

In the arid regions of the Middle East and North Africa, freshwater resources are among the lowest in the world. As the climate in the regions become hotter and more unpredictable, freshwater is becoming ever more vital to survival. Karen Villholth and Alvar Closas, of the International Water Management Institute, have been exploring the problems and solutions for managing this precious resource, including aquifer contracts, community management practices and recharging of groundwater supplies.

The effective management of groundwater resources is critical in tackling climate change and food insecurity in the MENA region. Groundwater has historically been a lifeline for those inhabiting dry and arid areas. Traditional communities in the Northern Africa and Middle East region have historically depended strongly on groundwater due to its widespread availability and its reliability, even during drought.

In the last 40 years, per capita freshwater resources in the region have decreased by two thirds and are expected to fall over 50 percent by 2050. Yet population figures, and demand for food, are going in the opposite direction. Over-extraction, is now leaving aquifers severely depleted. A vast array of policy measures is in place across the region to attempt to tackle this problem. Understanding which of these options might be feasible and successful can help decision-makers as they try to tackle the issue of over-extraction.