Arab nations are feeling the effects of water scarcity. Experts are predicting this to worsen. Climate adaptation or mitigation is needed. The region also needs to build resilience against climate change.

ACCWaM (Adaptation to Climate Change in the Water Sector in the MENA Region) coordinates climate adaptation efforts in the region 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 done in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon.

It presents projects that helped and open opportunities for farmers, residents, and the region as a whole, 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 are facing freshwater shortages amid growing demands. High temperatures due to climate change compound the problem. The re-use of drainage water has been identified as a solution to alleviate water scarcity.

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

They monitor water quality to check for water salinity and food safety issues. This strategy also helps in reducing flood harm through the utilization of 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 extraction of freshwater for human consumption and agricultural use has dried the wetlands. Severe droughts and a general rise in temperatures have worsened the sinking groundwater tables as well.

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 provide growing demands for electricity due to population growth.

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

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

Lebanon is experiencing a decrease in precipitation, an increase in droughts and desertification because of climate change. Seawater intrusion in their aquifers is causing problems for their domestic, industrial, and agricultural usage as well.

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

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

Source citation:

Best Practice Examples for Adaptation to Climate Change in the Arab Region. (2018, July 27). GIZ. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8L8CvmhBMw