The Efficiency of Water Resources use and its Impact in Achieving Sustainable Agricultural Development in Yemen During the Period (2000–2023)

Abstract

 Water resources in Yemen constitute a critical determinant for achieving sustainable agricultural development; however, the country confronts substantial challenges stemming from severe deterioration in the economic efficiency of water utilization, resulting in aquifer depletion and widening resource-demand disparities. This research aims to analyze water resource conditions and their implications for sustainable agricultural development (2000–2023), employing descriptive-analytical methodology and econometric approaches based on official data. Findings confirm Yemen's classification among the world's most water-scarce nations, with per capita renewable water availability of 58 m³ annually—substantially below the absolute water scarcity threshold (500 m³)—demonstrating statistically significant annual decline of 3.01%. Analysis reveals structural imbalances in water resource management, in which the agricultural sector appropriates over 90% of resources, exerting immense pressure on groundwater reserves depleting beyond natural recharge rates while contributing merely 8% to GDP. Water use efficiency stands at USD 9.24/m³, below global averages, with water stress levels exceeding safe thresholds by 169.76%. Econometric analysis demonstrates a strong inverse correlation (r = -0.958) with statistical significance between water use efficiency and prevalence of undernourishment, whereby the model attributes 93.4% of undernourishment variance to agricultural water efficiency and per capita GDP. The crisis intensifies due to qat cultivation expansion (26.8% of irrigated lands in 2023), juxtaposed with limited modern irrigation technology adoption (14% only). The research recommends formulating and enforcing comprehensive water policies, implementing effective pricing mechanisms, expanding sustainable agriculture practices, and regulating water-intensive crop cultivation to ensure optimal water utilization, food security achievement, and sustainable agricultural development.