Over 96% of respondents confirmed that indigenous water systems were declining.
Why indigenous water systems are declining and how to revive them: A rough set analysis
Musaed Aklan
(He/Him)
Verified academic
PhD Researcher
IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
Whilst rainwater harvesting in Yemen is in decline, locals view the revival of this practice as a vital, sustainable alternative to depleting groundwater extraction.
About
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
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.
How to use
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.
Want to read the full paper? It is available open access
Aklan, Musaed, et al. (2022). ‘Why indigenous water systems are declining and how to revive them: A rough set analysis’. Journal of Arid Environments , 202.
About this research
This journal article was part of a collaborative effort
Charlottede Fraiture
Laszlo G. Haydea
Marwan Moharamd
This research was independently conducted and did not receive funding from outside of the university.
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UN Sustainable Development Goals
This research contributes to the following SDGs
About this research
This research was independently conducted and did not receive funding from outside of the university.
This paper was co-authored
Charlottede Fraiture
Laszlo G. Haydea
Marwan Moharamd
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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.
Methodology
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.
Let your research make a social impact
Maali Jamil prepared this research following an interview with Musaed Aklan.
