Navigating water scarcity: Jordan's quest for sustainable solutions

Jordan grapples with the daunting reality of being among the most water-scarce countries globally and with this escalating competition for limited water resources among agriculture, domestic, and industrial sectors poses a profound challenge to the nation's sustainability.

Spanning from 2023 to 2040, Jordan introduced a National Water Strategy at a time when the country faces critical water shortages, grappling with a mere availability of 61 cubic meters of water per person annually. The increased competition for limited water resources among agriculture, domestic, and industrial sectors has posed a significant threat to Jordan's sustainability, especially alarming is the agriculture sector's staggering consumption of 51 percent of the country's freshwater resources.

The multifaceted challenges, including population growth, refugee influx, economic demands, and the adverse impacts of climate change, have compounded the already precarious water scarcity situation. Vulnerable communities, especially in rural areas, find themselves at the forefront of grappling with diminishing water resources, necessitating urgent and strategic interventions.

Responding decisively to this water crisis, Jordan has introduced this water strategy outlining a comprehensive roadmap to achieve water security. A key focus of this strategy is reducing dependence on freshwater sources by harnessing reclaimed water for irrigated agriculture, implementing efficient irrigation systems, and expanding rainfed agriculture and rainwater harvesting.

This significant stride towards bolstering water efficiency has received a substantial boost with the World Bank's approval of a USD 250 million financing package. This funding aims to revamp water distribution networks, enhance energy efficiency, and fortify the country's drought management system.

The approved financing marks a watershed moment for Jordan, with a focus on reducing water losses, minimizing electricity consumption, and strengthening water management systems. Estimates suggest that about 1.6 million people will benefit from upgraded water services. Additionally, the project seeks to bolster water system management for farmers and industries, thus enhancing economic productivity and fortifying the country's resilience against climate-induced shocks.

Comprising a USD 200 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and a USD 50 million grant from the Global Concessional Financing Facility (GCFF), the Jordan Water Sector Efficiency Project aims to target areas with higher refugee populations.

This strategic approach is expected to yield dividends for both refugees and host communities, mitigating the adverse impacts of water scarcity.

The Jordan Water Sector Efficiency Project represents a pivotal response to the nation's water crisis, aligning with the government's strategic water sector vision for 2023 and beyond. The project encompasses multifaceted approaches, addressing water losses through infrastructure rehabilitation, modernizing water supply systems, and involving stakeholders and communities for sustainable reductions.

Jean-Christophe Carret, World Bank Country Director for the Middle East Department, spoke earlier about the proactive stance of the Jordanian government in addressing water scarcity challenges. He emphasized the crucial need for investments in infrastructure and institutional reforms to bolster the water sector's efficiency and resilience.

The Jordan Water Sector Efficiency Project assumes a pivotal role in fortifying Jordan's resilience against water scarcity and climate challenges. By adopting measures to curtail water losses and enhance efficiency, the project anticipates conserving an estimated 10 million cubic meters of water, vital for climate resilience and improved water services.

Furthermore, it aims to significantly slash electricity usage in the sector and establish a robust drought management system crucial for households, farmers, and industries during recurrent droughts.

This project emerges as a linchpin in Jordan's relentless pursuit of sustainable water management. Its alignment with key governmental strategies and climate adaptation objectives underscores a collective commitment toward addressing the critical water scarcity challenge and fostering a more sustainable and resilient future for Jordan.

In 2021, Jordan ranked among the most water-deprived nations globally, with a renewable freshwater availability of approximately 61 cubic meters per person. The dual impact of climate change and excessive exploitation of water resources has significantly diminished both groundwater and surface water reservoirs. Compounding this issue, Jordan has experienced rapid population growth, placing it among the top five countries globally in terms of historical population expansion. The critical necessity for enduring water security is evident in Jordan's pursuit of sustained health, prosperity, and food security.