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Approximately 85% of the water in the MENA region is used for irrigated agriculture. The World Bank projects that water scarcity could cause gross domestic product losses of up to 6% by 2050, especially in countries like Iraq and Egypt. To protect the region’s food supply and economy, it’s essential that farming becomes more water-efficient. This article explores innovative solutions from Egypt and Iraq, highlighting three companies that are leading the way in water-efficient agriculture.
Water-Efficient Hydroponic Systems
Agriculture in Iraq accounts for more than 80% of water usage, putting the population, especially children, base of the pyramid, and marginalized groups, at risk. These groups are particularly vulnerable because they often lack access to clean water and are highly dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods. Children are especially at risk from malnutrition and waterborne diseases due to limited water availability. Marginalized communities, including low-income households, are disproportionately affected by water scarcity as they rely on agriculture for both food and income, making them more susceptible to the adverse impacts of water shortages.
Due to the effects of climate change, Iraq has experienced drier rainfall seasons, which reduces the water flow in its rivers and directly affects irrigation, crop cultivation, and livestock watering. Pollution from industrial waste, agricultural runoff containing pesticides and fertilizers, and untreated sewage also heavily contributes to growing water scarcity in Iraq, making freshwater toxic and unsuitable for agricultural use.
To mitigate these challenges, LORK developed an affordable, small-scale hydroponic system for growing barley without soil. The system is manually operated and comes in three models, priced between $600 and $1,000, depending on functionality and size. It produces fully grown barley in about one week, yielding 36-48 kg per week for the smaller model and 50-70 kg for the larger designs. This method uses significantly less water and space compared to traditional open-field cultivation. So far, approximately 50 farmers have adopted LORK’s system, benefiting from reduced feed costs and more efficient water usage, even in dry regions.
In Egypt, the water situation is just as dire. If nothing is changed, the country could run out of fresh water by as early as 2025 because of droughts, heatwaves, and pollution. The Nile is essential to all of Egypt’s freshwater needs, yet pollution, mismanagement and inefficient use of resources make the future of the river uncertain. Faced with such a crisis, Egypt needs sustainable solutions and efficient irrigation techniques now more than ever.
One of these potential solutions is Plug’n’Grow’s hydroponic system which does not use soil, instead mixing nutrients into the water. This method saves up to 90% of the water used in traditional farming. Additionally, farmers who use the Plug’n’Grow system have reported an increase of up to 30% in their crop production. By conserving water and increasing crop yields, Plug’n’Grow helps farmers boost their income.
Innovative Fish Farming Techniques
Within Iraq’s agricultural water usage, open-field fish farming – a conventional practice in Iraq – also results in significant waste and water pollution, as the water is not typically reused or subjected to proper treatment. To improve fish farming, Al Rakae’z Al Handasiyah has introduced a closed-loop system that recycles water, reducing freshwater usage by nearly 50%, when compared to conventional practices. This method conserves water, improves fish quality, and doubles production. By using Internet of Things technology, like devices with sensors and other devices that can collect and exchange data within their system, Al Raka’ez maintains optimal farming conditions while reducing waste (e.g., unused feed). To further enhance their sustainable practices the innovator plans on transitioning to solar energy.
Supporting Communities at all Levels with Sustainable Solutions
These innovations have a particularly big impact on the base-of-the-pyramid farmers and other end-users, by making advanced agricultural technology accessible and affordable. For instance, Plug’n’Grow developed Grow Cell, a small-scale hydroponics unit designed for small areas or home usage, making it easier for small-scale farmers to adopt. LORK and Al Raka’ez Al Handasiyah also provide tools and systems that reduce costs, conserve resources, and improve crop yields. These affordable solutions help small-scale farmers and low-income communities increase their productivity and income, directly benefiting the most vulnerable groups in the region.
Innovations, like those offered by the previously mentioned companies, are essential for ensuring the region’s future. They serve as an example of how the private and public sectors can work together to scale sustainable solutions that reduce the economic and social impacts of water scarcity while improving water management.
To learn more about the types of support provided to innovators and the results achieved, read the Water and Energy for Food 2023 Annual Report.