Water Scarcity in the Arab World

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Access to safe water is a global concern and water scarcity is a key dimension of poverty in Arab countries. As population pressures in the region increase the demand for water resources rise and so further hamper efforts at alleviating poverty and promoting sustainable development in the region. This report looks at the severity of freshwater shortages in the Arab region, the impact of such shortages on the population and the challenges that Arab countries face in meeting a growing demand for safe water. It also looks at the options and strategies available to Governments in controlling scarce freshwater supplies and in managing demand through conservation and the use of efficient technologies. Demographic trends in the region are also examined with the aim of reducing long term pressure on water by slowing down population growth and improving reproductive healthcare of women.