Finding the balance: population and water scarcity in the Middle East and North Africa.

Abstract

The challenge of addressing freshwater shortages in Middle East and North Africa is exacerbated by the regions ongoing population pressures. Tapping new sources of water to meet the increased demand for fresh water would relieve some of the regions shortages but as new sources of water become more expensive they become less accessible to low-income countries given those nations limited financial and technical opportunities. At the same time these low-income countries are often experiencing the fastest population growth in the region. Regional cooperation and political legal and institutional support are critical for enabling countries to address their freshwater shortages. Sound government policies regarding water allocation distribution and use can help countries to adopt better strategies to manage their scarce freshwater resources. Conservation is important in balancing the regions freshwater shortages and increased demand. Slower population growth would provide time for better water conservation and management strategies to be developed and would allow freshwater resources to be used more efficiently. (excerpt)