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The Middle East and North Africa
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Water and sanitation
One of the most important trans-national problems in the Middle East and North Africa is the scarcity of water, which is vital for life and thus a potential source of conflict. The region is one of the most arid areas on Earth, and control of water has political and economic implications.
The strong population growth and intensive land use in the region is continuing to reduce the volume of water available per capita per annum. Climate change is further aggravating this trend. The production of almost all food crops depends on irrigation, and the agricultural sector accounts for 85 per cent of total water consumption.
In many countries of the region, water consumption is subsidised by the state, which encourages people to waste this vitally important resource. To date there are practically no incentive schemes to move people to save water.
Germany has wide-ranging experience in the water sector. The efforts of the Federal Republic of Germany focus on three main fields:
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Water resources management
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Boosting the efficiency of water use and protecting water resources
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Ensuring access to urban water supply and sanitation.
Water resources management
German development policy aims to ensure the sustainable management of existing water resources at local, regional, national and international level.
Water legislation and administrative law, including water use rights, must be brought into line with the scarce water resources available. Subsidies that encourage people to use more water must be abolished. In their place positive incentives to save water must be introduced, especially for the agricultural sector.
To reduce water consumption in agriculture, Germany is promoting the use of sustainable agricultural practices, which protect the soil from erosion, thus preventing further water losses. They also boost water productivity, producing more crops for every litre of water used. Multiple water use is being encouraged; waste water and sewage sludge are valuable resources in agriculture.
In a political dialogue with partner countries, the long-term impacts of water scarcity are discussed, and the awareness of user groups raised. The aim here is to bring about behaviour change.
Numerous bodies of water transcend national borders. To encourage integrated management of these water bodies, German development policy is supporting international cooperation between the states involved.
Boosting the efficiency of water use and protecting water resources
German development cooperation aims to help protect water resources and to encourage the people of the region to use water more economically.
In order to reduce water losses, Germany is helping its partners to repair and renew pipelines and to modernise irrigation systems.
The introduction of economic incentives, such as wastewater discharge fees and socially acceptable tariff systems, are intended to reduce water consumption.
In an effort to ensure the controlled, and socially and ecologically balanced distribution and utilisation of water, Germany is helping the authorities to draw up water management plans.
Since any unplanned extension of farmland, settlements and industrial plants can jeopardise the drinking water supplies of the population, land use planning is to be improved and water protection zones demarcated. The protection of surface water and groundwater from contamination is another key task in water management in the region; here too Germany is providing support.
Ensuring access to urban water supply and sanitation
With the help of German development cooperation the water supply and sanitation in the towns and cities of the region is to be improved in terms of quality and quantity, taking into account the availability of water resources.
Water utilities are receiving support to help them ensure a supply of safer drinking water. Tariffs are to be raised to improve the economic situation of the utilities.
Germany is also helping partner countries to put in place appropriate wastewater collection, treatment and recovery systems.
Where the connection rate is still low, as is the case in Yemen and Mauritania for instance, and when cities are spreading rapidly, Germany is also providing assistance to extend the supply networks.
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