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Lesson 1: Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources in Libya
- Drought & Reduced Rainfall: Rainfall in Libya is low and irregular, concentrated mainly in the north. Climate change is projected to further decrease rainfall, threatening recharge of aquifers.
- Groundwater Stress: Over 95% of Libya’s water comes from non-renewable aquifers. Rising temperatures increase evapotranspiration, worsening depletion.
- Water Quality Decline: Salinization of aquifers, intrusion of seawater in coastal areas, and contamination from poor infrastructure are becoming more severe with climate stress.
- Agriculture Impacts: Agriculture consumes over 80% of available water, making farmers extremely vulnerable to climate-driven shortages.

Resources
UNICEF (2022). Water Scarcity and Climate Change in LibyaPDF
GWP (2021). IWRM for Climate ResiliencePDF
AfDB – Defining a New Approach to Water Management in LibyaPDF
Integrated Drought Management – Monitoring and Early WarningVideo
Al-Barouni (2015). Water Resources in Libya – Development, Evaluation, and Management. (Dar Al-Furjani Publishing, Tripoli)PDF
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. (2021) Water crisis and infrastructure challenges in Libya.PDF
Lesson 2: Adaptation and Resilience Strategies in IWRM
Adaptation is about adjusting water management systems to withstand climate pressures. Libya’s resilience relies on the integration of data, technology, and people-centered governance.
1️⃣ Demand-Side Management
- Install smart meters and repair urban water networks.
- Promote efficient irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler systems.
- Introduce public awareness campaigns to reduce domestic water wastage.
2️⃣ Supply-Side Innovation
- Expand desalination and rainwater harvesting in coastal and mountain areas.
- Encourage reuse of treated wastewater for agriculture and landscaping.
- Protect natural recharge zones (wadis and oases).
3️⃣ Institutional Strengthening
- Improve coordination among Ministry of Water Resources, Municipalities, and Environmental Agencies.
- Encourage cross-sector partnerships with NGOs, academia, and private sector.
Resources
UNICEF (2022). Water Scarcity and Climate Change in LibyaPDF
GWP (2021). IWRM for Climate ResiliencePDF
AfDB – Defining a New Approach to Water Management in LibyaPDF
Integrated Drought Management – Monitoring and Early WarningVideo
Al-Barouni (2015). Water Resources in Libya – Development, Evaluation, and Management. (Dar Al-Furjani Publishing, Tripoli)PDF
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. (2021) Water crisis and infrastructure challenges in Libya.PDF
Lesson 3: Drought Risk Reduction Approaches in Libya
- Droughts are long-term and recurring in Libya — impacting agriculture, drinking water supply, and rural migration patterns.
- Steps for DRR Implementation:
| Stage | Focus | Actions |
| Risk Assessment | Identify drought-prone areas | Map Jefara, Fezzan, Kufra basins; collect data on rainfall and groundwater depletion |
| Preparedness | Build early warning systems | Install sensors, set drought thresholds, community alerts |
| Mitigation | Promote drought-resilient livelihoods | Introduce water-efficient crops, improve storage facilities |
| Response | Emergency action | Water trucking, well rehabilitation, NGO coordination |
| Recovery | Restore & strengthen | Train local communities in sustainable post-drought practices |
Resources
UNICEF (2022). Water Scarcity and Climate Change in LibyaPDF
GWP (2021). IWRM for Climate ResiliencePDF
AfDB – Defining a New Approach to Water Management in LibyaPDF
Integrated Drought Management – Monitoring and Early WarningVideo
Al-Barouni (2015). Water Resources in Libya – Development, Evaluation, and Management. (Dar Al-Furjani Publishing, Tripoli)PDF
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. (2021) Water crisis and infrastructure challenges in Libya.PDF
Lesson 4: Gender & Youth Inclusion in Climate-Resilient Water Management
Climate resilience depends on inclusive participation. Women and youth are key drivers of innovation and sustainability in water management.
Why Inclusion Matters:
- Women: Manage household water and hygiene; often most impacted by scarcity.
- Youth: Bring creativity, digital tools, and community engagement.
Libya-Specific Actions:
- Involve women in local water committees and CSO networks.
- Train youth in climate-smart agriculture and data collection.
- Launch awareness campaigns in schools and mosques on water conservation.