An examination of water-related education and proposals for sustainable water-conservation strategies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Saudi Arabia faces a potential water crisis, with limited water availability comparative to need. The fundamental cause of this crisis is increased consumption per capita, a rising population and constant exhaustion of available water resources. This study examines the effectiveness of current water demand management strategies in the KSA and considers potential improvements – focusing specifically on formal and informal educational settings. Specifically, the research takes a case study approach (focusing on the city of Jeddah) and utilises interviews alongside questionnaires to explore: a) the nature and extent of schools’ delivery of water conservation messages; and b) the potential role of imams (religious teachers) and mosques in delivering information relating to water conservation. The research utilises a questionnaire survey of 470 primary school teachers and 302 imams in mosques and interviews with 29 policy makers. The aim of the study was to explore the effectiveness of current education provision in relation to domestic water conservation within KSA. Overall, the findings reveal that teachers and imams have an insufficient awareness of water conservation, and there is little evidence of successful implementation of water conservation awareness initiatives – either within schools or wider society. The study also reveals a wide gap between the participants’ knowledge and actual practices in enhancing water conservation programs – something evidently attributable to the current absence of water-related planning and respective partnerships with the relevant authorities. The research therefore recommends that policymakers should focus greater attention on launching partnerships with relevant authorities, providing stakeholders and students with awareness programs, and reformulating school curricula – which, collectively, might have a positive impact on future water conservation. In relation to informal education (mosques), the study concludes that there is great potential for utilising Friday prayers as a way of informing and engaging the wider public on the potential need for, and benefits of, effective water conservation.