Executive Summary

Jordan is the fourth water poorest country in the world in a regional system defined by uncertainty and instability. This analysis (1) outlines the main challenges and opportunities of increasing national water supply and reducing economic and demographic sectors ’ demand burden, (2) details the institutional interests of the stakeholders in the water debate, (3) analyzes the costs and benefits of a range of water policy options, and (4) recommends an integrated, multi-sectoral series of steps to reform the water sector. Water supply in Jordan comes primarily from the Jordan River Valley, groundwater sources, rainwater collection, and limited desalination plants. The agricultural sector accounts for the majority of national water demand, despite making only a minor contribution to GDP and national workforce aggregates. Other major users include the industrial, municipal, and tourism sectors. The stakeholders in the debate over current allocation and future investments include the Jordanian Water and other Ministries, donor countries, Inter-Governmental Organizations (IGOs), Jordan-based water advocacy groups, water consumers across sectors, and private investors. In preparation for the writing of this document, preliminary research was conducted using publicly available data and reports authored by both government and non-government sources. Subsequent field research in February 2008 facilitated interviews with Jordanian and international organizations directl