Planning and piloting watershed rehabilitation for improved water productivity with water harvesting in Jordan

Abstract

Extremely scarce water resources in Jordan and the limited rainfall and water influxes combined with increased water demand from various sectors determine the agricultural production systems; however, climate change may eventually lead to more frequent and severe floods, erosion, and erosion droughts. Whilst the extreme events are largely threatening, agricultural adaptation technologies that can tackle those challenges and even benefit from the erratic (surface) water occurrence exist – a prominent example is Water Harvesting (WH). The technology concentrates and stores excess rainwater in defined locations for targeted utilization over time. While WH retains only a (small) fraction of the available surface water - important for, e.g. boosting the ecosystem’s recovery and/or local agriculture – it can also aim to decelerate runoff and control erosion.

A community-inclusive design for rehabilitation and sustainable management options was conducted within the Sharhabeel Bin Hasna district. In addition, the activities enhance and support the local community options toward livelihood improvements.