A re-assessment of indicators of national water scarcity

Abstract

The indicator of naturally available water resources per capita has become the standard index for measuring the degree to which a country is facing water scarcity and is often used to show a growing global water crisis. By simultaneously analysing the national development related data provided by the UNDP, and the water resources related data provided by the FAO, it is possible to test the validity of this index, its definitions of water scarcity, and the correlation of water scarcity with national development. This analysis suggests that the naturally available water resources of a country do not have a significant effect on the ability of that country to meet the basic needs of its population.

Keywords:

• water scarcity
• water poverty
• indicators
• indices
• neo-Malthusian
• development

Notes

1. This figure is generally rounded off to 1,700 cubic metres per capita.