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″N 46°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]

• List of wadis of Yemen

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