Accessible fresh water in the region has fallen by two-thirds in the past 40 years. Moreover, "competition between water-usage sectors will only intensify in the future between agriculture, energy, industrial production and household needs," he said. He expressed his strong support to the Egyptian Authorities and committed to back programmes aiming at addressing water scarcity and promoting climate resilient agriculture. Policy advice and best practice ideas on the governance of irrigation schemes is a key offering in FAO's Near East and North Africa Water Scarcity Initiative, backed now by a network of more than 30 national and international organizations . The initiative has gained momentum, buoyed by its endorsement by the League of Arab States as well as donor support, Graziano da Silva said.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 09, 2017 15:56 UTC