Natural and human-induced drivers of groundwater depletion in Wadi Zabid, Tihama coastal plain, Yemen

Groundwater depletion in Wadi Zabid, Yemen, is primarily driven by human activities and policy measures rather than natural factors. Despite no significant decrease in rainfall over 40 years, runoff slightly declined while agricultural land expanded dramatically, increasing irrigation water demand. This led to extensive well-drilling and water harvesting structures, causing the water table to drop by an average of 1 meter per year between 1972 and 2016. The study introduces a novel approach combining natural and human-induced drivers, including government policies, to investigate groundwater depletion in data-scarce regions. This method provides valuable insights for understanding and addressing groundwater management challenges.

Al-Qubatee, W., Hasan, F. A., Ritzema, H., Nasher, G., & Hellegers, P. (2022). Natural and human-induced drivers of groundwater depletion in Wadi Zabid, Tihama coastal plain, Yemen. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 65(14), 2609–2630. https://doi.org/10.1080/09640568.2021.1975104