Agriculture and water resources crisis in Yemen: Need for sustainable agriculture

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Yemen's agriculture and water resources sectors are in a crisis. The water availability is 150 m3/cap/a. This compares with an average of 1250 m3/cap/a for the Middle East and North Africa. All surface water and groundwater resources are exploited beyond the level of recharge. The agriculture industry uses 93% of the potable water, and does not actively encourage sustainable water saving techniques. Qat (Catha edulis; recreational drug) cultivation uses 40% of the potable water. The water crisis could be mitigated by reducing qat production, and promoting water reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation. However, this is currently socially unacceptable.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)55-75
Number of pages21
JournalJournal of Sustainable Agriculture
Volume28
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 13 Jun 2006
Externally publishedYes

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 2 - Zero Hunger
    SDG 2 Zero Hunger
  2. SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
    SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation
  3. SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
    SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
  4. SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
    SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  5. SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
    SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production
  6. SDG 15 - Life on Land
    SDG 15 Life on Land
  7. SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals
    SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals

Keywords

  • Groundwater
  • Irrigation
  • Qat
  • Social problems
  • Sustainable agriculture policy
  • Wastewater reuse
  • Wastewater stabilization pond
  • Water leakage
  • Water resources
  • Yemen

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Development
  • Agronomy and Crop Science

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