Wadi Ahwar

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Wadi Ahwar is a major seasonal watercourse (wadi) of southern Yemen. It flows into the Gulf of Aden in Ahwar District, Abyan Governorate at 13°25′39″N46°40′49″E / 13.42750°N 46.68028°E / 13.42750; 46.68028 , near the village of Ahwar. [1]

The catchment of Wadi Ahwar has been estimated at approximately 6,300 km² up to diversion points, and somewhat larger when the deltaic area is included. [2] The wadi is fed largely by episodic rainfall events and characterised by spate flows rather than a steady perennial river. In the upstream mountainous areas, runoff is relatively rapid. [2]

The Wadi Ahwar delta zone supports irrigated agriculture, particularly where flood-waters and groundwater are harnessed. Traditional ‘spate’ irrigation techniques divert flood flows into fields; agricultural crops include cotton (long-staple), sorghum, millet, vegetables and melons. [3] However, the irrigation infrastructure in the region is old and often poorly maintained, and groundwater abstraction is approaching safe yield levels, with concern about sustainability. [2]

Development projects, such as the “Water Sector Support Project” have been undertaken in the Wadi Ahwar basin aiming at weir rehabilitation, canal system improvement, flood-diversion works and groundwater recharge enhancement. [1]

Because Wadi Ahwar drains from relatively steep mountain terrain down to the coastal plain, the geomorphology involves a transition from rocky upland slopes, shallow soils and sparse vegetation, into broader alluvial fans and deltaic deposits. Sediment yield is significant during flood events. [2] Sea-water intrusion into the delta aquifer system is of concern because over-abstraction and reduced recharge weaken the freshwater lens. Groundwater depletion has been reported. [2]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Yemen - Water Sector Support Project : environmental assessment (Vol. 8 of 8) : Remedial ESMP for sub-projects under the umbrella of Wadi Ahwar project in Abyan governorate". World Bank. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, Republic of Yemen; Hydrosult Inc.; Irrigation Improvement Project (IIP). (2008, December). Water resources assessment and detail design of different components of Wadi Ahwar-Abyan: Main Report, Volume One. Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, Republic of Yemen. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb18d627d53aa0e85b60c65/t/5eecc1b9aafa6d35eafe4c72/1592574402377/Volume1-0-MainReport_Jan-_Final-12th-jan_editeddoc.pdf
  3. ↑ Maktari, M. S. (1987, December). Wadi development for agriculture in PDR Yemen (Proceedings of the Subregional Expert Consultation on Wadi Development for Agriculture in the Natural Yemen, Aden) [PDF]. Floodbased. https://floodbased.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Wadi-development-for-agriculture-in-PDR-Yemen.pdf
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