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Water scarcity

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Sabrina Kraaijenbrink-Doetjes

Project Manager International

+31 70 304 3763

s.doetjes@nwp.nl

Drought is often not immediately seen as part of water management. The past few years have shown that water scarcity is evidently related to water management. It is already a pressing issue in many parts of the world. NWP believes that Dutch water expertise can contribute to solving issues on water stress.

Integrated approach on managing water scarcity

Water scarcity is often caused by less and irregular rainfall in combination with high temperatures. A rapid population growth, a rising standard of living and agricultural expansion put also pressure on water resources. This often causes a gap between water supply and demand. In most cases it’s a combination of these developments that causes water shortage. Therefore, an integrated and multi stakeholder approach is needed to solve issues related to water stress and manage water scarcity. The Netherlands is well known for such an integrated approach where an issue is discussed with a multidisciplinary team.

Mission to Jordan on water scarcity and its effects on agriculture

Scoping mission to Jordan on water and agriculture.

Effects of drought on agriculture

As the world’s population increases, so does the pressure on food production. At the end of 2018 NWP organised a scoping mission to Jordan on Water & Agriculture in close collaboration with the Netherlands Embassy in Amman. One of the conclusions was that a shift in the use of water in agriculture, including in greenhouse cultivation is necessary. “We must get to a situation where using fresh water for agriculture is a taboo” says Tessa Terpstra, Dutch Regional Envoy for Water and Energy Security in the MENA region in her blog.

Read more about the effects of water stress on agriculture in Jordan in the blog: Smart Dutch solutions for Jordan’s water scarcity and agriculture.

Water & crisis

Water scarcity not only has its effects on agriculture. It also has an impact on fresh water resources. As a consequence, less food production or a lack of fresh water resources can result in migration, conflict or other crises.

According to the Global Risks Report of the World Economic Forum (WEF) water crisis is in the top 10 of risks with the highest impact to global security. Therefore, solving water stress issues and sustainable water management are important to prevent (the impact of) water crisis.

Looking for expertise on water stress

Are you looking for expertise or advise on water scarcity issues? NWP can get you into contact with the Dutch water sector and can facilitate a cooperation or partnership between local and Dutch organisations. We are looking forward to collaborate with you.