Informations et ressources scientifiques
sur le développement des zones arides et semi-arides

Titre : Water using conflicts in the Lower Jordan River Basin Optimal water allocation with a special reference to the agricultural sector

Auteur (s)  : Kathrin Stärk
Editeur  : Grin Verlag
Categorie : Mémoire (de fin d’études),
Date de parution : 2007
Pages : 134

Introduction partielle
The Lower Jordan River Basin (LJRB), defined as a hydrological entity, is of major importance for the kingdom, since this area includes 83% of Jordan’s total population, 80% of irrigated agriculture, and receives 80% of the national water resources (Courcier et al. 2005, p. v). The existing water scarcity is likely to intensify in the future. Global climate projections are predicting decreasing precipitation, while temperatures will increase (Hoff 2005, p. 25). At the same time, Jordan will experience a rapid population growth (growth rates are among the highest worldwide with 2.8% in 2003 ; Dos 2006), and expected growth rates are likely to exacerbate the problems. According to World Bank forecasts, the government will be unable to generate the financial and human resources needed to provide adequate water and sanitation facilities to meet the future demand (Allan 2002 ; Pitman 2004).

In Jordan limited freshwater resources are used in the domestic and tourist sector, industry, and in agriculture. Although irrigated agriculture contributes less than 5 % of Jordan’s gross national product, it consumes about 70% of the water. The total renewable yield is limited and might be sufficient for domestic and other municipal water demand, as well as for the demand of light industries (Dombrowsky 1998, in : Scheumann/Schiffler 1998, p. 93). However, it is certainly not enough for food self-sufficiency in local food production by irrigated agriculture, which has been estimated at 1,000 m3 per capita per year under semi-arid conditions (Allan 1996, p. 122). The issue of water allocation to the agricultural sector is controversial – given its low position in national economies, particularly in the case of Jordan, only very limited food security is attainable (Beschorner 1992, p. 66)

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