Developing and framing water policy for sustainable water security in agriculture in the Jefara Region of Libya

Water sustainability is a priority issue for Libya.The country has limited water supplies, a problem compounded by the increasing demands of population growth.This research examines the challenges faced by policymakers in formulating effective water resource management strategies in agriculture and the potential impact of these policies upon farmer viability with the purpose of ensuring sustainable water security in agriculture in the Jefara Plain region of Libya.In response to the research problem, the research question was defined as: How can farmers and policymakers engage with each other to understand the key issues to facilitate more sustainable water policy?The research objectives were to examine current Libyan water institutional frameworks and water management policies and investigate the interrelationship and engagement of the major stakeholders.The study was aimed at exploring the potential to improve water use efficiency in agriculture in the Jefara region and provide insights into how water saving and a more efficient water policy framework could improve water sustainability.A qualitative research design with grounded theory methodology was chosen to explore the views of the participants in relation to sustainable water security in agriculture in the Jefara region of Libya.The information gathered from interviews and observations was classified, abstracted and interpreted, and compared to secondary data and the literature to develop a model firmly grounded in the data.Face to face interviews were integral to the research methodology, using open-ended and close-ended questions in a semi-structured interview framework.Two groups of subjects were interviewed as the units of analysis: policymakers, as represented by the managers and staff of water-related authorities, and farmers from the Jefara region.Analysis of the data revealed water use efficiency and farmer viability to be important variables in the study.The findings indicated that the ideal model for sustainable water security would take farmer viability into account in the attainment of the maximum level of water use efficiency.A key outcome of this research has been the development of a draft model, strongly supported by the research analysis and results, to effectively facilitate the development of an efficient water policy for sustainable water security in agriculture in the Jefara Region of Libya.The research has made a significant contribution in formulating a constitutive and theoretical water policy framework to enable policymakers to develop a powerful and rational water policy.An examination of the assumptions underpinning policies and the uncertainties affecting agricultural water supplies has also established the improvement of the capacity for the management of current and future risks related to water security as a priority in the Libyan context.I would like to acknowledge and express my appreciation to all those people who have helped me and provided me with constructive feedback, ideas and support which has allowed me to find my feet in my own way.I am deeply indebted to my previous supervisor Assoc.Prof. Kieran James who left the University before the submission of my thesis.Kieran provided me with endless support and friendship over the years, and his involvement in my research came at a critical time and his intervention fortuitous for its successful completion.I am also