International food security expert Dr. Fadel ELZUBI explained that managing water resources in the Badia raises a fundamental question about the ministry’s ability to launch a comprehensive national project for water harvesting and the utilization of water catchments, in light of mounting environmental and climate challenges.
ELZUBI added that Badia regions suffer from a lack of accurate data on water and climate resources, which weakens proper planning capacity. Climate change and rainfall fluctuations further complicate the sustainable management of these resources.
Despite the challenges, he emphasized that there are genuine opportunities for success if an integrated strategy is adopted—one that links surface rainwater harvesting with artificial groundwater recharge techniques to strengthen long-term water reserves. He noted that introducing modern technologies, monitoring systems, and artificial intelligence could enhance efficiency and ensure sustainability.
ELZUBI stressed that the success of the project does not depend solely on technical aspects; it also requires the involvement of local communities, municipalities, and development units in designing and implementing projects, while connecting them to development programs that include family farming and handicraft industries. This integration of environmental and social dimensions increases the chances of sustainability and makes the project part of comprehensive community development.
He further added that coordination between the Ministry of Agriculture and national research and scientific institutions remains essential to avoid duplication and ensure efforts are complementary. The project needs a strong institutional umbrella that guarantees a unified vision and fair, effective distribution of resources.
ELZUBI clarified that launching such a strategy is not an easy task, but it is achievable if challenges are addressed seriously, with the adoption of modern scientific and technical approaches, the engagement of local communities, and effective institutional coordination. In that case, the strategy could become a lever for sustainable development and the protection of water resources.