Jordan is one of the world’s most
water-scare countries in the world. Being exacerbated by climate change, water
scarcity is becoming one of the prominent issues in the country and the region.
اضافة اعلان
This is attributed to changes in
rainfall patterns, increased evaporation due to climate change, groundwater
depletion, and growing water demand from population growth and economic
activities.
Additionally, hosting a large number
of refugees has further expanded the water scarcity crisis in the Kingdom.
The water scarcity crisis affects
vital sectors such as agriculture, the economy, and public health, directly
impacting food security, especially since the agricultural sector heavily
relies on groundwater for sufficient food production. Moreover, climate change
is expected to increasingly impact Jordan's water scarcity issue, particularly
with rising evaporation rates and noticeable fluctuations in rainfall patterns
due to climate change.
According to the farmer Basel
Ramadneh, who works in the Jordan Valley, the situation for farmers in the
region has worsened in recent years.
COVID-19 pandemic and the
Russo-Ukrainian War have compounded the climate crises“Multiple factors, including global
crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russo-Ukrainian War, have compounded
with the climate crisis, exacerbating the challenges they face", Ramadneh
told
Jordan News.
This farmer said that the unusual
heat waves that hit Jordan in the summer, and the unprecedented severe frost,
snow, and heavy rain in the winter "lead to the destruction of crops that
require moderate climatic conditions to mature".
Olive trees
Ramadneh noted that many farmers find
themselves in dire straits, especially after the destruction of essential
income sources such as olive trees.
This is expected to further strain
natural water sources, as studies suggest an increased likelihood of more
frequent droughts and reduced rainfall, intensifying the negative impact on
water supplies in Jordan.
Water scarcity will
affect the ability to farm effectively
Water, agriculture, and environmental
experts interviewed by
Jordan News stated that water scarcity will
significantly affect the ability to farm effectively, posing a threat to
meeting the population's food needs.
To address these challenges,
comprehensive strategies are deemed necessary, including improving water
management, raising awareness about water sustainability, investing in water
desalination technologies, and developing alternative sources.
Given the continuous influx of
refugees and increasing demand for food resources, the country's need for
sustainable solutions to the water crisis and enhanced food resource management
for food security is emphasized.
These remarks coincide with the 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UNFCC in the United Arab
Emirates, where a Jordanian delegation is participating in the Climate and
Refugee Initiative launched by Jordan in the previous COP 27 conference in
Sharm El Sheikh.
A global effort from
Jordan
His Majesty King Abdullah initiated
the Climate and Refugee Initiative at the United Nations Climate Change
Conference (COP 27) last year, leading a global effort from Jordan.
At that time, His Majesty emphasized
the unique pressures faced by countries like Jordan, bearing the double burden
of climate change and its resulting impacts, coupled with hosting a large
number of refugees.
HM urged nations to endorse this
initiative, aiming to prioritize support for host countries bearing the brunt
of climate change, attracting around 60 participating countries.
Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture
Khaled Hneifat stated that climate change affects various aspects of
livelihoods, particularly in Arab countries, including Jordan, situated on the
edge of the desert.
A decrease in rainfall
can contribute to an increase in disease and epidemics
The decrease in rainfall, according
to the Minister, has broad implications for life in general, contributing to
increased diseases and epidemics, affecting fodder and livestock.
He emphasized the government's
efforts to mitigate these impacts, including expanding green spaces and the
Million Trees Reforestation Project.
Furthermore, Hneifat highlighted the
government's endeavors to revive pastures, unveiling an ambitious plan for
water harvesting.
"Between 2022 and 2023, 115
earth dams were constructed, joined with the ongoing efforts involving
financing water harvesting projects to secure water resources", the
Minister told
Jordan News.
"The government is actively
seeking interest-free loans and grants for these initiatives", he added.
Jordan has witnessed an
increase in floods, frost, and a sharp rise in temperaturesFurthermore, the Director-General of
the National Center for Agricultural Research, Dr. Nizar Haddad, stated
that Jordan has witnessed an increase in floods, frost, and a sharp rise in
temperatures in recent years, placing significant burdens on the agricultural
sector.
Haddad emphasized the need to
increase water storage and alter soil composition, explaining that this would
enhance water absorption within the soil.
He stressed that this approach would
ensure the storage of a larger quantity of water, especially given the decrease
in rainfall.
However, he noted that it would
require substantial funding from international institutions, which prioritize
financing studies rather than these types of projects.
Olive cultivation is a
crucial source of income for Jordan’s agricultural sector
"Olive cultivation is a crucial
source of income for Jordan's agricultural sector, and the country is
self-sufficient in olive production. However, it has been notably affected by
the decline in rainfall rates", Haddad told
Jordan News.
He mentioned that the olive oil yield
for this year was lower than in previous years, contributing to price
increases.
"This has a direct impact on
food security, particularly considering that olive oil is a staple for
citizens", he said.
He cautioned against food security
imbalances, highlighting that it's not only olive oil but also wheat, another
essential and indispensable commodity, that has been affected according to his
analysis.
Furthermore, Maysoon Al-Zoubi, who is
the former Secretary-General of the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, told
Jordan News that food insecurity has been on the rise, attributing a
significant part of it to climate phenomena.
"Global warming affects weather
patterns, leading to heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and droughts", she
explained.
Zoubi noted that current methods of
food production contribute significantly to this problem.
Recent estimates indicate that the
global food system is responsible for about one-third of greenhouse gas
emissions, second only to the energy sector.
It is also the leading source of
methane and biodiversity loss. While increased temperatures and carbon dioxide
can be beneficial to crops to a certain extent, rising temperatures also
accelerate plant and soil evaporation. Additionally, sufficient water must be
available for crop growth.
In regions already facing water
scarcity, such as Jordan, Zoubi mentioned that the negative effects of climate
change on agricultural production are increasing due to declining water
supplies and an increase in extreme events like floods, severe storms, heat
stress, and the spread of pests and diseases.
Zoubi emphasized that if this issue
is not addressed, "the decline in crop yields will lead more people into
the clutches of poverty".
Regarding proposed solutions, the
former Secretary-General mentioned that it is possible to reduce emissions and
enhance resilience, but doing so often requires significant social, economic,
and technological changes.
One of these changes, according to
Zoubi, is the more efficient and effective use of water, coupled with
implementing policies to manage demand.
Additionally, utilizing advanced
water accounting systems and technologies to assess available water, including
soil moisture sensors and measurements of evaporation using satellite data, and
transitioning to crops with lower water consumption to improve soil health, are
key strategies.
When asked if Jordan has presented
valuable initiatives at the ongoing COP28 in Dubai, Zoubi stated, "Jordan
has presented initiatives, but not at the required level, although the need for
it is high."
"In my opinion, we lack the
knowledge and skills in Jordan needed to submit projects that meet all the
requirements to secure appropriate funding from climate funds such as the Green
Climate Fund and Adaptation Fund, among others related to climate change,"
Zoubi explained.
The former Secretary-General
emphasized that maintaining food security remains a fundamental issue with deep
structural roots.
Given Jordan's limited financial
capabilities, it needs to reassess its strategies related to food supplies and
accessibility.
Agricultural policies should consider
available and sustainable resources, focusing on local agricultural production
for domestic consumption and self-sufficiency rather than cash crops and
excessive reliance on a narrow range of imports.
Simultaneously, according to Zoubi,
restructuring the unsustainable support system is necessary, shifting the focus
to needy categories rather than higher-income segments.
Cooperation between regional
countries should be an integral part of these efforts, translating into mutual
agreements on water consumption and other shared resources to ensure fair
access and prevent conflicts.
The expert stressed the importance of
increasing Jordan's research capacity through partnerships with regional and
international organizations to adopt sustainable and innovative solutions.
This includes using clean technology
to maximize crop yields, modern practices to enhance resource efficiency,
reduce waste and costs, ultimately promoting food security, and creating demand
for new technological jobs.
It is worth mentioning that Jordan is
among the countries facing severe water scarcity globally, with an annual per
capita water share of around 61 cubic meters.
Returning to the agricultural reality
and farmers in Jordan, farmer Bassel Ramadneh emphasized that the government is
obligated to implement long-term solutions to assist farmers, who are
ultimately citizens.
Many of them can no longer bear the
burdens of life or meet their commitments.
Supporting farmers and helping them
continue their work and production is crucial, especially given the continuous
challenging climatic conditions that lead many farmers to abandon agriculture.
The impacts of climate change not
only affect farmers but also impact all citizens. As a result, vegetable and
fruit prices will rise, making it difficult for many citizens, especially those
with limited income, to afford essential goods like tomatoes.
These economic challenges, combined with water
scarcity, create a real challenge for citizens.
Ramadneh concluded, "We have
always suffered from water scarcity, but I see that it has worsened in recent
years, becoming a real challenge in the absence of serious solutions that could
ease the lives of citizens, including those working in agriculture who may not
be able to continue their work at all, necessitating long-term solutions."
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