Best Climate Adaptation Examples in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon

Arab nations are feeling the effects of water scarcity, and experts predict this will worsen. Climate adaptation or mitigation is needed, and the region also needs to build resilience against climate change.

ACCWaM (Adaptation to Climate Change in the Water Sector in the MENA Region) coordinates regional climate adaptation efforts in close cooperation with local partners.

The video “Best Practice Examples for Adaptation to Climate Change in the Arab Region” shows three climate adaptation pilot projects in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon.

It presents projects that helped and opened opportunities for farmers, residents, and the region as a whole to address climate change challenges like water scarcity, droughts, saltwater intrusion, and rising temperatures.

Increasing water efficiency through agricultural drainage water reuse in Egypt.

In Egypt, farmers in the Nile Delta face freshwater shortages amid growing demands. High temperatures due to climate change compound the problem. Reusing drainage water has been identified as a solution to water scarcity.

Using a mobile pumping unit, they mixed drainage water with fresh water on the branch canal to complement the water supply, which proved helpful to farmers in addressing the climate-induced water shortage.

They monitor water quality to check for water salinity and food safety issues. This strategy also helps reduce flood harm by utilizing excess water.

Solar Energy farming replaces traditional farming as a new source of income in Jordan

In Jordan, farmers also suffer from water supply problems. Excessive freshwater extraction for human consumption and agricultural use has dried the wetlands. Severe droughts and a general rise in temperatures have also worsened the sinking groundwater tables.

Water extraction for agriculture and human use has gone beyond sustainable levels, and this is where solar farming came into the picture as an alternative and new source of income and provides growing demands for electricity due to population growth.  

Solar energy farming reduces the dependence on fuel and gas imports, emissions, and water extraction. A good percentage of farmers welcome this idea. However, they need additional technical and financial support.

Preventing Seawater Intrusion in Lebanon through an integrated water resources management approach.

Because of climate change, Lebanon is experiencing a decrease in precipitation, an increase in droughts, and desertification. Seawater intrusion in its aquifers is also causing problems for its domestic, industrial, and agricultural usage.

To prevent further saltwater intrusion, ACCWaM has offered an integrated water resources management approach as a result of a feasibility study. This holistic approach includes curbing seawater intrusion, raising consumer awareness to manage water demand and reduce water losses, rainwater harvesting, and reusing treated water.

Watch the video below to learn more about these three pilot climate adaptation measures in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon and their potential to help other regions in the Middle East and elsewhere in the world experiencing the same climate change challenges.