Problems of Efficient Use of Water Resources in Irrigated Agriculture

Abstract

Efficient water use in irrigated agriculture is crucial, especially in arid and semi-arid regions where irrigation ensures food security and rural development. Despite awareness of water scarcity and technological solutions, irrigation systems remain inefficient in many countries due to outdated infrastructure, environmental degradation, and weak governance. A significant gap persists in understanding how integrated policies, institutional behavior, and modern technologies can be combined to resolve chronic inefficiencies in irrigation water use. This article aims to identify and analyze the key technical, environmental, and institutional challenges limiting irrigation efficiency, and to propose actionable strategies for sustainable reform. The findings show that inefficient surface irrigation methods, institutional fragmentation, gender disparities, poor maintenance, and low uptake of advanced systems result in massive water losses across regions such as Central Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Climate change, degraded watersheds, and poor farmer engagement further exacerbate the issue. The paper uniquely integrates environmental, socio-economic, and policy dimensions, highlighting the role of behavioral change, gender inclusion, and transboundary cooperation in optimizing irrigation performance. The study concludes that sustainable improvement in irrigation efficiency requires a multi-pronged approach—technological investment, institutional reform, education, and regional coordination—to ensure future food security and environmental resilience.