Water Scarcity in the MENA Region: Causes, Impacts, and Strategic Policy Responses for Food Security and Regional Stability

Water scarcity represents the most severe threat facing the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, posing profound challenges to economic stability, food security, and political peace. Despite housing only 5% of the world’s population, MENA possesses less than 1% of renewable freshwater resources, and per capita availability is far below global averages. The crisis is driven by population growth, urbanization, inefficient water management, low water pricing, and climate change, resulting in overextraction of groundwater and unsustainable consumption patterns. Water insecurity exacerbates regional vulnerabilities, including heightened reliance on food imports and potential conflicts over shared water resources, as evidenced by tensions surrounding the Nile and Jordan River basins. Urgent policy action, political will, and investment in water efficiency and sustainable management are essential to prevent a humanitarian and geopolitical crisis.