Water scarcity is one of the major challenges in the 19 countries of the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region. The lack of water is affecting important irrigated areas, limiting the increase of food production needed to address the growing demand due to population growth. In most countries of NENA region, the need to use non-conventional water resources, including brackish water, is well recognized. Despite the presence of large amounts of brackish water and its potential for use in growing a number of crops, it is only used in limited amounts for irrigation. The successful use of brackish water for irrigation requires a basic understanding of scientific principles affecting the interactions among the climate, the applied water, the soil, the crop and the environment.

The scientific principles detailed in this report provide the foundations by which guidelines, appropriate for the NENA region, are developed. The guidelines were developed by applying scientific principles and GAPs. It can be adjusted based on site-specific conditions (climate, soil type, water quality, crop tolerance, etc.), local research results and grower experiences. The guidelines will be very important for stakeholders and farmers to successfully use brackish water for irrigation, while safeguarding the environment, conserving natural resources, increasing crop productivity and quality and enhancing farm income.

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