Mechanization in agriculture & Conserving of the resources
Vol. 69 (2025), Issue 3, pg(s) 73-77

MECHANIZATION IN AGRICULTURE

Role of Irrigation Organizations in Promoting Awareness in Drought Management

  • 1 Selçuk University Faculty of Agriculture Department of Farm Structures and Irrigation, Konya, Turkey

Abstract

Climate change, declining water resources, and increasing agricultural water demand have made effective, sustainable, and locally based solutions in struggling drought inevitable. While 8.5 million hectares of Turkey’s agricultural land (24 million hectares) are economically suitable for irrigation, only 7 million hectares are currently irrigated. Of the 112 billion m3 usable water potential annually, 58 billion m3 are consumed. 76% of the consumed water is used in agriculture, 12% for drinking, and 12% in industry. The significant use of water in agriculture highlights the importance of irrigation activities and the irrigation organizations that have a say in this matter. In recent years, drought-related rainfall has decreased, and irrigation water supply has been a problem, particularly in arid regions. Considering all of this, irrigation organizations are directly involved not only in the technical management of water but also in promoting awareness of drought, using resources effectively, and improving society’s adaptation to the process. Research reveals that irrigation organizations play an important role in maintaining agricultural production during dry periods, distributing water resources and informing farmers. Their role in drought management extends beyond infrastructure management; they also increase public awareness and encourage behavioral changes through educational activities, awareness campaigns, and technical support. This study attempts to identify the methods irrigation organizations are currently using, or should use, in drought management, drawing on literature. Key recommendations include increasing the institutional capacity of irrigation organizations, integrating scientific data with local knowledge, expanding digital monitoring systems, integrating with drought early warning systems, and developing training programs to encourage the active participation of young farmers. In addition, in order to increase the effectiveness of struggling drought, it is necessary to switch to a risk-based management approach instead of approaches that focus only on moments of crisis.

Keywords

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