Socio-Economic Impacts of Wastewater Pollution on the Agricultural Activities in Wadi El-Shees, Al-Bayda, Libya

Abstract

Abstract: Many places in Libya rely on low-quality water sources for agriculture such as in Wadi El-Shees Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar, Libya. The present study analyzed the socio-economic impacts of using the wastewater drainage on the farming populations. A "with-without" methodology was employed, comparing 30 farms using polluted water (mixed with wastewater) with 30 control farms using non- polluted water. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews using a standardized questionnaire. Results indicated no significant demographic differences between the two groups. However, farms using polluted water incurred significantly higher cultivation costs (e.g., for soil additives) and veterinary expenses. While crop yields were similar, revenues were significantly lower in the polluted area due to diminished crop quality and lower market prices. Consequently, average annual farm income was substantially lower for families in the polluted site (70,871 D.L.) compared to the non- polluted site (116,287 D.L.). Despite a compensatory increase in off- farm income, total family income remained significantly lower in the polluted area. Furthermore, families using polluted water reported a higher incidence of water-related diseases, leading to increased healthcare costs. The study concludes that wastewater pollution has severe negative socio-economic impacts, reducing agricultural profitability and compromising human health. It