Issues and Challenges in Sustainable Usage of Groundwater Resources in Afghanistan

Abstract

Globally, Afghanistan is currently a frontrunner in groundwater scarcity due to unplanned urbanization, rapid rise in population, climate change, weak policies, mismanagement, and lack of long-term vision. Frequent weather extremes like droughts and floods and prolonged war and political instability lead the country far away from achieving water security, food reliance and sustainable management of its natural resources. The war situation also refrains in gathering of long-term hydrological data and thus, there is a huge gap in understanding the water resources even better. Furthermore, aids from international organizations are limited in groundwater development and management. This chapter highlights various issues and challenges in sustainable usage and the importance of groundwater in the country. The chapter compiles the research carried out with regard to Afghanistan's quest to manage its groundwater resources more efficiently.