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

Almas, AAM; Scholz, M

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.

Citation

Almas, A., & Scholz, M. (2006). Agriculture and water resources crisis in Yemen: Need for sustainable agriculture. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, 28(3), 55-75. https://doi.org/10.1300/J064v28n03_06

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2006
• Deposit Date: May 31, 2012
• Journal: Journal of Sustainable Agriculture
• Print ISSN: 1044-0046
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 28
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 55-75
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1300/J064v28n03_06
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1300/J064v28n03_06