Water scarcity, climate change, and conflict in the Middle East: securing livelihoods, building peace

The countries that make up the MENA region display wide diversity. One of the poorest countries in the world sits alongside two of the wealthiest, whilst the region's natural resources range from immeasurable oil and gas reserves to some of the scantiest natural endowments anywhere in the world. Yet amongst this diversity runs a common thread: water scarcity. Now, as a result of human development and climate change, the water resource itself is changing, exposing it to new risks and increasing the vulnerability of those dependent on it. Chris Ward and Sandra Ruckstuhl assess the increased challenges facing MENA countries, placing particular emphasis on water scarcity and the resultant risks to livelihoods, food security and the environment. They evaluate the risks and reality of climate change in the region, and offer an assessment of the vulnerability of agriculture and livelihoods. In a final section they explore the options for responding to the new challenges, including policy, institutional, economic and technical measures.