Biki, S., Almaghribi, S. (2023). Evaluation of water resources in Libya: Current challenges and measures to address them. Journal of Egyptian Academic Society for Environmental Development. D, Environmental Studies, 24(1), 113-121. doi: 10.21608/jades.2023.310327
Saleh M. Biki; Salmin A. Almaghribi. "Evaluation of water resources in Libya: Current challenges and measures to address them". Journal of Egyptian Academic Society for Environmental Development. D, Environmental Studies, 24, 1, 2023, 113-121. doi: 10.21608/jades.2023.310327
Biki, S., Almaghribi, S. (2023). 'Evaluation of water resources in Libya: Current challenges and measures to address them', Journal of Egyptian Academic Society for Environmental Development. D, Environmental Studies, 24(1), pp. 113-121. doi: 10.21608/jades.2023.310327
Biki, S., Almaghribi, S. Evaluation of water resources in Libya: Current challenges and measures to address them. Journal of Egyptian Academic Society for Environmental Development. D, Environmental Studies, 2023; 24(1): 113-121. doi: 10.21608/jades.2023.310327
Evaluation of water resources in Libya: Current challenges and measures to address them
Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Bani Waleed University, Bani Walid, Libya
Abstract
The demand for food security cannot be achieved without ensuring water security, as water is the essential substance upon which all human requirements and activities depend. Any impact on this resource negatively affects living organisms, especially humans. Groundwater in Libya is being depleted due to irrational pumping for agriculture, industry, and population growth, causing an increase in water deficit and depletion of surface water resources. This has resulted in gaps between what is available and what is needed to meet growing demands. Available surface water in northern regions is one of the most important sources for the country. Sixteen major dams have been constructed to preserve rainwater, totaling approximately 385 million cubic meters of water. By 2035, the demand for drinking and household water use is expected to increase to more than 1100 million cubic meters to meet the needs of 8.2 million people. The poor infrastructure of the General Company for Water and Wastewater has resulted in the loss of large amounts of water, reaching around 50% of the company's total supply network. This study aims to identify natural water sources and the importance of tackling their deterioration to preserve food security in the face of climate change and the increasing demand for clean drinking, agricultural, and industrial water.