Abstract : Water scarcity is a pressing issue in dry places, where the already constrained water resources are exacerbated by population increase, climate change, and unsustainable water consumption habits. This study analyzes the underlying reasons of water shortage in dry places, encompassing both natural and human-induced sources, and investigates approaches for achieving sustainable water management. The paper critically examines the existing body of knowledge on water scarcity, emphasizing the main factors that cause it, associated consequences, and possible remedies. The document displays tables that provide a concise overview of the factors contributing to water scarcity, the consequences on different industries, and the efficacy of several water management approaches. The findings underscore the need of implementing integrated water management strategies that incorporate technical advancements, legislative changes, and community involvement to improve water security in dry areas.
Keywords : Water Scarcity, Arid Regions, Sustainable Water Management, Climate Change, Water Conservation
Cite :
References :
Falkenmark, M. (1989). The massive water scarcity now threatening Africa: Why isn’t it being addressed? Ambio, 18(2), 112-118.
FAO. (2011). The state of the world’s land and water resources for food and agriculture (SOLAW) – Managing systems at risk. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Fritzmann, C., Löwenberg, J., Wintgens, T., & Melin, T. (2007). State-of-the-art of reverse osmosis desalination. Desalination, 216(1-3), 1-76.
Gleick, P. H. (2003). Water use. Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 28(1), 275-314.
Global Water Partnership. (2000). Integrated Water Resources Management. Global Water Partnership Technical Advisory Committee.
IPCC. (2014). Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Molle, F., & Berkoff, J. (2007). Irrigation water pricing: The gap between theory and practice. Comprehensive Assessment of Water Management in Agriculture Series 4. CABI Publishing.
Thomas, D. S. G. (2011). Arid zone geomorphology: Process, form and change in drylands. John Wiley & Sons.
UN Water. (2018). Nature-based solutions for water. United Nations World Water Development Report.
Vörösmarty, C. J., McIntyre, P. B., Gessner, M. O., Dudgeon, D., Prusevich, A., Green, P., ... & Davies, P. M. (2010). Global threats to human water security and river biodiversity. Nature, 467(7315), 555-561.
WHO. (2017). Guidelines for drinking-water quality: Fourth edition incorporating the first addendum. World Health Organization
