Water Scarcity in Jordan: Economic Instruments, Issues and Options

Abstract Physical water scarcity, in the MENA region, is not the only issue. Conditions of economic scarcity seem to be equally pressing: there are few incentives for wise and efficient use of this critical resource. Jordan is a glaring example of the severity of both sides of this scarcity problem; Jordan is chosen as a case study to explore the complexity and implications of this scarcity and the potential use of incentives, economic instruments and regulation to balance demand growth and supply shortages. Current water availability and uses in Jordan are quantified and profiles of the existing challenges, incentives, instruments and policies in place are analyzed in order to define feasible options for Jordan, focusing on policy change, particularly on the use of more efficient economic incentives and instruments and the building of conservation compatible institutions to manage and optimize water uses. Arabic Abstract: