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On Friday, March 22, the United Nations released its World Water Development Report 2024, which considered the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) as globally the most water-stressed region, with 83% of its people exposed to extremely high stress. The amount of water available per person in this region is far below the global average, making it one of the most water-scarce areas in the world. By 2050, every country in the MENA region will experience extreme water stress. A 4°C increase in temperature could cause the region’s freshwater availability to drop by 75%. Meanwhile, many countries in the region are anticipated to warm by 5°C by the end of the century (Center for Strategic and International Studies).

Water scarcity in the Middle East is worsened by arid climates, rapid population growth, and geopolitical tensions. These challenges significantly impact food security and economic development, highlighting the need for sustainable water management. This Water Footprint Assessment of the Middle East report is commissioned by the Inter-Islamic Network on Water Resources Development and Management (INWRDAM) and funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) through the Blue Peace Middle East initiative (BPME). We evaluate regional water use, efficiency, allocation and external water dependencies in the Middle East, considering Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and Türkiye.

Key Insights from the Water Footprint Assessment of the Middle East:

Agriculture and Energy are Major Water Consumers: The two biggest users of water are agriculture and energy production. Agriculture uses about 224 km³ of water every year, and 60% of that comes from precipitation. Food security in the area is at risk  especially for crops like wheat and barley that are vulnerable to drought. Türkiye is most dominantly in relying on rainwater, mostly for growing hazelnuts and wheat. Iran, on the other hand, is the most dominantly using groundwater, mostly for energy and farming.

Significant Water Losses in Agriculture: There is a big difference between how much water is taken out for agriculture (200 km³) and how much is actually used (72 km³), which indicates inefficiencies in local irrigation systems.

Influence of Iran and Türkiye: Iran and Türkiye are the primary centers for agricultural production, collectively accounting for over 80% of the total agricultural water use in the region. They play a crucial role in producing the majority of the food and feed for the area.

Reliance on Both Local and External Water Sources: Both Iraq and Syria are large water consumers in the region; their primary source being the Euphrates and Tigris rivers. And yet, they are also significantly dependent on external water sources.

External Dependence on Water for Food Security: Imports, especially wheat and rice from Russia and Ukraine, are crucial for the region’s food security. Climatic risk, such as drought, could jeopardize the livelihood in this region by affecting future food supply.

Economic and Environmental Impacts

Water scarcity has substantial economic consequences, particularly in nations that heavily depend on agriculture. Insufficient water availability can result in decreased agricultural production, which can result in increased costs and decreased economic growth. Furthermore, the environment is negatively impacted by the depletion of groundwater and the drying up of rivers. In order to safeguard both the economy and the environment, it is critical to implement sustainable water management practices.

Recommendations for the Future

• Comprehensive Drought Assessment: Conduct a thorough and ongoing assessment of drought severity in the region
• Irrigation System Efficiency Policies: Implement policies to enhance the efficiency of irrigation systems
• Diversification of Agriculture: Encourage the diversification of crops, promoting those with higher water productivity under local conditions.
• Capacity Building for Farmers: Develop and implement training programs to strengthen the capacity of farmers.
• Virtual Water Management: Develop policies to manage virtual water imports and exports efficiently.
• Groundwater Footprint Reduction Targets: Set reduction targets for the groundwater footprint in both agriculture and energy sectors.
• Enhanced Water Data Collection: Invest in improving the accuracy and completeness of water and trade data, especially in regions with data gaps like Iran, Iraq, and Syria.
• Water Pricing Mechanisms: Implement water pricing mechanisms that reflect the true value of water.