Water resource evaluation and development in Libya - 1969-1989

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Periodical article

Title:	Water resource evaluation and development in Libya - 1969-1989
Author:	Allan, J.A.
Year:	1989
Periodical:	Libyan Studies
Volume:	20
Pages:	235-242
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Libya
Subjects:	economic development oases
Abstract:	Deeply rooted attitudes to resources in Libya, often culturally based, have militated against the optimum long-term use of its none too abundant renewable and nonrenewable water. In addition, economic and technological changes in the past twenty years have stimulated water demand much more effectively than they have brought about changes of attitude at national and local levels to regulate water allocation and inform water utilization policies. The contraction in the Libyan economy has come too soon for the second phase in the massive investment in its southern water since 1980 to ameliorate the accelerating water shortages at the coast. The solution provided by the Great Man-Made River, which envisages the raising and transportation of the fossil water from the Nubian sandstones in the south to the coast, is bold, and it addresses the crucial issue of water provision. It remains to be seen, however, whether policies of allocating water at the national level to the competing sectors of agriculture, industry and urban use will be equally appropriate, nor is it clear that unnecessarily wasteful utilization of water in agriculture will be dramatically improved. Bibliogr.