Find evidence, practical ideas and fresh insight for greater impact

  • Clean Water and Sanitation
  • For policymakers
  • Yemen
  • Brief created: 2022
  • Sign up

Why indigenous water systems are declining and how to revive them: A rough set analysis

Brief about:

Journal Article (2022)

Open access
Other researchers:
Charlotte Fraiture, Laszlo G. Haydea, Marwan Moharamd
PrintShare
Cite page
Aklan, Musaed. 'Why indigenous water systems are declining and how to revive them: A rough set analysis'. Acume. https://www.acume.org/r/why-indigenous-water-systems-are-declining-and-how-to-revive-them-a-rough-set-analysis/

 Indigenous water systems in Yemen have been in decline for decades. The study looked at how this is happening and what that means for Yemen in this fragile state of conflict.

The decline of rainwater harvesting, or indigenous water systems, in Yemen is happening at a time when people are facing droughts and flash floods. Although Yemen is a country with a rich history in traditional harvesting systems, Yemen does not have enough surface water and the depletion of groundwater is alarming. A revival of water systems in rural areas is important to sustain the population.

It is important to understand the decline of the systems of what could be done about it. The purpose of the research was to identify the underlying factors of the decline in the Sana’a Basin as a case study and considered ways to reverse it.

 

Key findings

  1. Over 96% of respondents confirmed that indigenous water systems were declining.
  2. Easy access to groundwater was identified as one reason why rainwater harvesting was in decline.
  3. Ineffective government water management and limited support to farmers play a large role in why indigenous water systems were abandoned and groundwater is depleting.
    What it means

    For example, wealthier people could invest in digging wells and extracting groundwater without proper management due to a lack of enforceable laws.

  4. Because of the difficult situation in Yemen, there is renewed interest in reviving rainwater harvesting.
    What it means

    However, support from the government and international community is vital.

Proposed action

  1. The state provides subsidies to drill and operate wells which promotes excessive use of groundwater

    By raising awareness about the harm this has caused and the need for concrete rainwater harvesting revival strategies, farmers would receive the support they need.

Comments

You must log in to ask a question
 

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Maali Jamil for preparation assistance

We would like to extend a special thank you to Maali Jamil, for their invaluable contribution in assisting the preparation of this research summary.

Are you a researcher looking to make a real-world impact? Join Acume and transform your research into a practical summary.

Already have an account? Log in
Share

Why indigenous water systems are declining and how to revive them: A rough set analysis

Cite this brief: Aklan, Musaed. 'Why indigenous water systems are declining and how to revive them: A rough set analysis'. Acume. https://www.acume.org/r/why-indigenous-water-systems-are-declining-and-how-to-revive-them-a-rough-set-analysis/

Brief created by: Dr Musaed Aklan | Year brief made: 2022

Original research:

  • C. F., Aklan, M., & et al., ‘Why indigenous water systems are declining and how to revive them: A rough set analysis’ 202 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2022.104765. – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S014019632200060X

Research brief:

Indigenous water systems in Yemen have been in decline for decades. The study looked at how this is happening and what that means for Yemen in this fragile state of conflict.

The decline of rainwater harvesting, or indigenous water systems, in Yemen is happening at a time when people are facing droughts and flash floods. Although Yemen is a country with a rich history in traditional harvesting systems, Yemen does not have enough surface water and the depletion of groundwater is alarming. A revival of water systems in rural areas is important to sustain the population.

It is important to understand the decline of the systems of what could be done about it. The purpose of the research was to identify the underlying factors of the decline in the Sana’a Basin as a case study and considered ways to reverse it.

Findings:

Over 96% of respondents confirmed that indigenous water systems were declining.

Easy access to groundwater was identified as one reason why rainwater harvesting was in decline.

Ineffective government water management and limited support to farmers play a large role in why indigenous water systems were abandoned and groundwater is depleting.

For example, wealthier people could invest in digging wells and extracting groundwater without proper management due to a lack of enforceable laws.

Because of the difficult situation in Yemen, there is renewed interest in reviving rainwater harvesting.

However, support from the government and international community is vital.

Advice:

The state provides subsidies to drill and operate wells which promotes excessive use of groundwater

    • By raising awareness about the harm this has caused and the need for concrete rainwater harvesting revival strategies, farmers would receive the support they need.
Open Access|Peer Reviewed

"Why indigenous water systems are declining and how to revive them: A rough set analysis"

Cite paper

C. F., Aklan, M., & et al., ‘Why indigenous water systems are declining and how to revive them: A rough set analysis’ 202 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2022.104765.

2022 · Journal of Arid EnvironmentsFind full paper →DOI: 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2022.104765
Co-authors
Charlotte Fraiture, Laszlo G. Haydea, Marwan Moharamd
Methodology
This is a mixed methods research.

The methodology for this paper was using a rough set analysis to analyse 100 interviews with farmers, 65 interviews with experts and 22 rainwater harvesting system visits.

Funding

This research was independently conducted and did not receive funding from outside of the university.

Your research brief is live

It’s now visible on your profile and searchable by practitioners. Thank you for making your work accessible to decision-makers who need it

Close

Your research brief was updated

Changes are live now. 

Close

Your account is pending verification

We’ve been notified and will review it shortly. Once verified, it will be published and visible to practitioners.

We have this email on file: . If this isn’t your work email, update it to speed things up.

Update email

Your draft has been saved

Your draft has been saved. You can return to edit and publish it anytime from your dashboard.

Close

Thank you for subscribing!

We’d love to know who we will be talking to, could you take a moment to share a few more details?

Thanks for signing up!
If you haven’t already, create a free account to access expert insights and be part of a global effort to improve real-world decisions.

Get started

Close

For researchers

Turn your paper into a practical brief practitioners will read.

Sign up freeLearn more

For professionals

Explore free briefs, and book a call for deeper insights when you need them.

Talk with the teamLearn more