Major water projects in Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan face growing funding gaps after aid cuts by the US and other donors. Lawmakers in the US approved a US$ 8 billion package of foreign assistance cuts last month, and the report notes 13 of the 17 major donor countries have reduced commitments since 2022. The UK plans a 40 per cent aid cut, lowering its target from 0.5 to 0.3 per cent of GNI from 2027.
Experts warn these cuts endanger desalination, water reuse and better water management projects. In Jordan officials say natural water resources can only serve a small fraction of the population, and USAID-backed projects to reduce loss and fund major schemes have seen funding decline.
Some countries are seeking alternatives, including climate funds and regional development banks that support resilient infrastructure and climate-smart agriculture.
Difficult words
- funding — money for a project or activityfunding gaps, funding decline
- donor — a person or country giving moneydonors, donor countries
- commitment — a promise to give support or moneycommitments
- desalination — process of removing salt from water
- reuse — using something again after treatmentwater reuse
- infrastructure — basic systems and structures for servicesresilient infrastructure
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What alternatives to donor aid are some countries seeking, according to the article?
- How could reduced funding for water projects affect people in a country like Jordan?
- Do you think your own country should increase support for international water projects? Why or why not?
Related articles
Culturally Wise Programs Help Women in Niger
A University of Michigan study published in PNAS finds that programs matching local values help women in rural Niger more than Western-style interventions. The research says social and psychological factors affect people’s ability to improve their lives.
COP30 in Belém: big finance deal but no clear fossil fuel cuts
COP30 ended in Belém on 22 November with a large finance package to mobilise US$1.3 trillion a year by 2035, but delegates did not secure clear commitments to cut fossil fuel use. Talks saw a pavilion fire and ongoing debates on implementation.
Local climate adaptation must be central to African planning
A new study warns that locally led climate adaptation must be part of national planning in Africa. It says efforts are fragmented, underfunded and often driven by external priorities, and highlights agriculture and early warning systems.
