Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
ments in the picture of the water resources assessment and budget at various levels:
global, regional, and basin-wide.
Strategies to reduce poverty should not lead to further degradation of water
resources and ecology. Since we accept that environment is one of the water-using
sectors, a valid question that should be answered is
what is the fair share for it
?
Estimates of irrigation withdrawal in 2025, taking into consideration environment,
anticipate that irrigation withdrawals need to be reduced by 7 percent from the 1995
level in order to sustain ecosystems. It looks as though that trade-off between envi-
ronmental water needs and that for food production will be unavoidable. There are
many options that have been proposed for solving this complex and paradox prob-
lem. The two most promising options are increasing water productivity and upgrad-
ing rainfed systems through the implementation of highly efficient tested techniques
and improved water management practices—all at lowest environmental cost.
P
oliCies
and
i
nstitUtions
The critical issue in improved water management in the area is lack of appropriate
policies and poor implementation. Changing from supply to demand management
require incentives and change in the attitude of the people. Valuating water is essen-
tial if efficiency is to improve. Sociopolitical constraints do not allow water pricing,
but alternatives to pricing can be developed. Water trading through goods is an old
practice. It can be used in countries with extreme water scarcity to reduce inefficient
water use but agricultural practices of rural communities should be protected.
Water management institutions such as user associations and community cooper-
atives are weak in the region and need strengthening. They should be allowed to par-
ticipate in the decision making regarding water issues. Their capacity is also poor and
training is essential to improve skills and participation. Linkages between various
organizations and disciplines would help integration and exchange of experiences.
CONCLUSIONS
Water is a finite resource and certainly at the heart of human and ecosystem develop-
ment. It is unequally distributed among regions, countries, and basins. The annual
share of available water per capita across the world varies from a few hundred cubic
meters to more than 15,000 cubic meters. This dramatic difference in water avail-
ability greatly impacts the way people are valuing and using water. In the WANA
region, where poverty generally prevails, water is becoming more scarce due to the
high rate of population rise and reallocation of water from agricultural uses to other
water-using sectors, primarily domestic and industry.
Increasing water productivity is the more viable option to cope with scarcity.
Substantial increase in WP requires a shift in thinking to increase water productiv-
ity in agriculture substantially through integrated and participatory water resource
development and management. It is essential that substantial changes be made in
the way water is managed to help alleviate poverty, promote economic growth and
overcome potential conflicts. Changes needed include:
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