Jordan, one of the driest countries in the world, has long produced valuable olive trees irrigated by spring and well water. Prolonged drought in southern Jordan now threatens to kill up to 30,000 trees around the southern city of Karak. Farmers have no access to irrigation water as springs and wells dry up.

Jordan is one of the 10 most water-poor nations. The only major river, the Jordan, has turned to a small stream after tributaries were diverted by Israel for agriculture. Rainfall, and rain-fed springs and wells, are the only water source for the nation.

It appears likely that climate change, reducing rainfall in this already-dry region,  is interacting with political disputes over water to cause the death of these valuable trees.

Links:

• JORDAN: Drought may claim thousands of olive trees
• Jordan River Dispute. ICE Case Study 6