A specific indicator approach for the assessment of water resource vulnerability in arid areas: the case of the Souss-Massa Region (Morocco). Issue 7 (19th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mansir, Imane; Bouchaou, Lhoussaine; Chebli, Bouchra; Ait Brahim, Yassine; Choukr-Allah, Redouane
• Is Part Of: Hydrological sciences journal. Volume 66:Issue 7(2021)
• Page Start: 1151
• Page End: 1168
• Publication Date: 2021-05-19
• Subjects: water resources -- vulnerability -- indicators -- Souss-Massa -- assessment -- water stress; Hydrology -- Periodicals; 551.4805
• DOI: 10.1080/02626667.2021.1924379
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0262-6667

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This work aims to study the water resource vulnerability in the Souss-Massa Region, Morocco. In our case 35 subdivisions were investigated for their water resource vulnerability. Based on an indicator approach and a participatory weighting method, 10 indicators and their weights were identified for the vulnerability assessment, reflecting three aspects: exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity. A vulnerability index map was created to compare and rank areas in terms of their vulnerability threshold. The results indicate that many regions suffer from water exploitation with an index higher than 100%, which is mainly due to the high population density and to the strong water use for irrigation. Only two subdivisions are not vulnerable to water stress, while the most vulnerable areas are generally located in the northwest of the region. Our results reflect various water management strategies, enabling decision makers to shift towards using unconventional water resources as an alternative to improve adaptive capacity.