WATER RESOURCES IN THE YEMEN

Yemen is one of the countries which are suffering from extreme water resources shortage. Yemens 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 water 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, desalination of sea water. The sustainable use of water resources can be mitigated by achieving if the Government of Yemen put in the top priority agenda A national water management strategy that pave to conserve water resources in Yemen.