ARS | Publication request: Book Review of "Water Resources in Jordan: Evolving Policies for Development, the Environment, and Conflict Resolution" Munther J. Haddadin (ed)

Submitted to: Agricultural Water Management
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: June 15, 2007
Publication Date: October 16, 2007
Citation: Ayars, J.E. 2007. Book Review of "Water Resources in Jordan: Evolving Policies for Development, the Environment, and Conflict Resolution" Munther J. Haddadin (ed). Agricultural Water Management.Vol 93(1-2):84

Interpretive Summary: Water management in arid and semi-arid areas of the world is a critical issue as the competition for water between the municipal, industrial, environmental, and agricultural sectors increases. This book provides a detailed look at how the country of Jordan has begun to address the demands from each of the sectors. The specter of regional conflict adds a dimension to the book that is not found in many other areas of the world. The impact of irrigation on society in the Jordan Valley is also discussed. This is an interesting book that will provide much needed information to policy makers as the struggle to equitably allocate water resources in water short areas.

Technical Abstract: The competition for water between municipal, industrial, and environmental uses and agriculture is intense in arid and semi-arid areas of the world. Agriculture is the principal user of water for irrigation and will therefore be required to relinquish part of the supply to meet the other demands. This book detailed the analysis used to allocate water between the various parties. In particular the analysis of impact of rainfall and stored soil water on the total water supply was critical in the programs being developed. The use of treated waste water was an integral part of the management scheme. The use of an economic model for the allocation of resources was also highlighted. This book provides valuable information and analytic tools for water resource allocation in water short areas.