From desalination to irrigation: How countries are adapting to water scarcity
From desalination in the UAE to modernising irrigation systems in Uzbekistan, countries facing water pressure are finding ways to secure supplies and reduce losses.
Approximately half of the world's population faces water scarcity for at least part of the year, a trend climate change, population growth and increasing demand are expected to worsen. The challenges differ by location. The United Arab Emirates, for instance, relies heavily on desalinating seawater due to its scant rainfall and lack of permanent rivers. Uzbekistan, on the other hand, depends on irrigation networks to transport water across arid landscapes.
In the UAE, traditional falaj irrigation systems have been utilized for over a millennium to channel water to communities and agriculture. Modern desalination, coupled with newer technologies like artificial intelligence, has ensured universal access to water. Astronaut Dr Sultan Al Neyadi, who spent six months on the International Space Station, highlighted the importance of water conservation on board, recycling about 95% of the limited supply.
In Uzbekistan, the agricultural sector relies on irrigation infrastructure to transport water over long distances. The Fergana Valley has benefited from a World Bank-backed project that modernized its irrigation systems. This has allowed previously inaccessible land to be cultivated and increased agricultural productivity. Additionally, lining canals with concrete has reduced water losses, ensuring a more consistent flow of water to farmers.
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