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Why indigenous water systems are declining and how to revive them: A rough set analysis
Brief about:
Journal Article (2022)
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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.
What it means
With the increasing costs of living and fuel and the lack of consistent energy sources, access to water is becoming more challenging. Yemen has a rich history of indigenous water systems which provide sustainable solutions that are localised and would have a great impact on the wellbeing and livelihoods of people living in rural areas.
Groundwater in Yemen is depleting rapidly at an average of two to eight metres per year. In Sana’a Basin alone, there are over 1500 groundwater wells which have dried up which shows how serious this problem is. This rapid depletion has become, in a way, an incentive for farmers to revive indigenous systems that can alleviate the water crises they are facing. There have been positive outcomes in Amran where rainwater harvesting was successful and helped the farmers mitigate the crisis. There are many examples but government support and effective interventions are needed in order to help the farmers revive these systems.
Key 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.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.
- 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
- 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.
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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.
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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.
Extra:
With the increasing costs of living and fuel and the lack of consistent energy sources, access to water is becoming more challenging. Yemen has a rich history of indigenous water systems which provide sustainable solutions that are localised and would have a great impact on the wellbeing and livelihoods of people living in rural areas.
Groundwater in Yemen is depleting rapidly at an average of two to eight metres per year. In Sana’a Basin alone, there are over 1500 groundwater wells which have dried up which shows how serious this problem is. This rapid depletion has become, in a way, an incentive for farmers to revive indigenous systems that can alleviate the water crises they are facing. There have been positive outcomes in Amran where rainwater harvesting was successful and helped the farmers mitigate the crisis. There are many examples but government support and effective interventions are needed in order to help the farmers revive these systems.