Household water insecurity is a pressing problem in developing countries. Water withdrawals are increasing rapidly due to population growth, industrialization, urbanization, and increasing agricultural production. The number of countries facing problems of water scarcity, water quality, and insufficient water supply is rising. However, access to safe drinking water is a basic human need, which is essential for the health and well being of every individual. Jordan is among those countries of the world least endowed with water resources. The available water resources are already overexploited. Parallel to the rationed public water sector a private water market emerged. Through analyzing the case of Jordan the study seeks a better understanding of the economics of household water demand and supply over space and time as a basis for achieving household water security. By applying quantitative and qualitative methods the access, demand and usage of water (from different sources) by households in Jordan is analyzed in depth and effective water prices are calculated.

The Author: Maria Iskandarani received her M.A. in Economic Geography from the Rheinisch-Westfaelische Hochschule, Aachen, in 1997. Since 1998 she has been Research fellow at the Center for Development Research (ZEF) / University of Bonn. Her research interest is water resources management – particularly in developing countries. In 2001 Maria Iskandarani obtained her Ph.D. from the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Bonn.