Human Development Index places Jordan above the regional average for Arab states
AMMAN -- Jordan made further progress on the UN's scale of human development this year, moving four notches to 86 from 90 last year, according to the UNDP's 2006 Human Development Report (HDR) launched on Tuesday.
The HDR 2006, which measures the progress of 177 countries in terms of life expectancy, adult literacy and per capita income, showed that Jordan's Human Development Index (HDI) progressed slightly this year from 0.753 to 0.760.
It showed life expectancy as rising slightly to 71.6 years compared to 71.3 years last year while adult literacy stayed at 89.9 per cent, and real GDP per capita rose from $4,320 in 2005 to $4,688 in 2006.
According to the report, Jordan's new HDI, based on 2004 figures (the most recent data available), placed the country above the regional average for Arab states (0.680), better than the median for developing countries and the median for average human development states, among which Jordan is counted.
This year's report weighed in on a crucial resource that has been put in the frame of human development: Water.
Under the theme, "Beyond scarcity: Power, poverty and the global water crisis," the HDR authors raised the issue of water as a main component of the broader concept of human security and basic human rights.
They carried their debate beyond the familiar argument of the water crisis as being one of scarcity to one linked to poverty, inequality and the power struggle. They contend that such inequality, compounded by shaky water management policies further aggravated the problem of water scarcity.
UNDP Resident Representative Muna Hider told participants the prevailing widespread need for water and the ongoing power struggle to control this resource has brought about a human tragedy that has left millions suffering and deprived of growth opportunities.
According to the report, around 1.1 billion people in developing countries do not have adequate access to water, while another 2.6 billion are without basic sanitation. These elements not only mean that millions die of thirst, but also live in dismal conditions that are breeding grounds for some of the gravest diseases in the world.
"Indeed it is saddening to know that, in our age, which has witnessed tangible progress at all levels, more than one billion people do not as yet enjoy their right to access clean water," Hider said.
"Each year, we witness the death of 1.8 million children to diarrhoea -- a disease that can be prevented with clean water and adequate latrines -- and more than 443 million school days are lost because of diseases related to the scarcity of clean water," she added.
The UNDP official said water and sanitation problems have not roused sufficient interest from the media, unlike wars and natural disasters. She said this situation broadens the gender gap and hinders women's empowerment, because millions of women and young girls are forced to spend long hours collecting and carrying water to their homes instead of putting their energies to better use.
Hider said Jordan was fortunate in not having these problems thanks to government investments in these areas.
The report indicates that the majority, or 93 per cent, of the Jordanian population currently has access to clean and safe drinking water, and 97 per cent to improved sanitation facilities. Also, more than 60 per cent of houses are connected to sewage networks, with plans ongoing to increase this percentage.
Minister of Water and Irrigation Thafer Alem noted that the Kingdom had made great strides to ensure that the population has these essential services despite limited water resources and financial constraints.
"Water and sanitation have always been at the centre of the national agenda... We have also developed an action plan through which we will continue to expand access to water... and raise the per capita share of water," Alem said, adding that the ministry plans to build an additional 12 wastewater treatment plans.
At present, the average Jordanian has less than 200 cubic metres of freshwater available each year. The Kingdom relies mainly on rainfall to meet its household, industrial and agricultural needs but population growth, urbanisation and increasing needs of industrial production have put a strain on the country, forcing it to find new and innovative ways to deal with the shortage.
Various countries have been involved in Jordan's water management over the years including Japan, Germany and USAID, which contributes $104 million for the $125 million Zara Maain project, designed to increase potable water supply by 40 per cent in the capital.
Another project is also under construction at Al Samra for treatment of 60 million cubic metres of wastewater per year.
The power struggle for water
The report warned that the gravest threat to sustainable human development right now was the "vicious competition" for water. It described the root of the global water crisis as being one of a power-struggle, marred by mismanagement, rather than scarcity. The HDR said increased control of water by multinational corporations and privatisation efforts for water access in some countries, which were meant to increase efficiency, had made it unaffordable for many.
The report said small farmers were the biggest losers of inequalities in water distribution, particularly women who enjoy the least level of rights and suffer stiff competition from large producers.
HRH Princess Basma, who has been extensively involved in community development initiatives and the empowerment of women in rural areas, said the power struggle for water presented a real threat and caused the suffering of millions around the world.
"As the report notes, the real crisis is not the lack of water -- though it is diminishing fast -- but rather the unequal distribution of this precious commodity at the country, community and individual levels," the Princess said.
"Although water resources are deteriorating, they can sufficiently meet the household, industrial and agricultural needs of communities around the world if they are managed properly and in a way that protects basic human rights," she added.
Princess Basma, who is also UNDP's Honorary Human Development Ambassador, said this year's HDR performed a commendable task in presenting a "profound and daring analysis" of the water crisis. She urged policy makers to make use of the issues presented to better manage this vital resource and consider the ramifications they have on human growth and development.
The Princess also paid tribute to the government and partner agencies and organisations for their efforts to achieve a more sustainable development process, particularly in the context of this year's report.
She also called upon the world community to regard water as an element of cooperation rather than conflict.
"Although there is so much diversity in the world, which we respect and hold on to, water is also a key issue we have in common," Princess Basma said.
"As a concept it should help bring us together towards a common future rather than divide us," she added.
By Dalya Dajani
© Jordan Times 2006
