Water insecurity in the Gaza strip: adaptation strategies of farmers and households
This research presents the results of a public survey (random selection), five focus group discussions with farmers from all five governates of Gaza, as well as twelve key informant interviews with specialists on Water Management in Gaza strip.
Results of the research show that there is a growing need for local government and international support to ensure sufficient quality and quantity of water, to safeguard life in dignity. Gaza’s population has been suffering severe and exponentially deteriorating water insecurity and it is highly dependent on the coastal aquifer as its sole source of fresh water. The water level of the aquifer has rapidly declined and one of the causes is a lack of adequate water management policies. In addition, high demands for water by farmers and households led to a rapid decline of groundwater levels. It is critical to understand the adaptation strategies adopted by farmers and households in order to mitigate the effects of water insecurity.