Abstract
Since irrigation water is assumedly the predominant factor determining crop yield, the difference in irrigation water availability across the administrative sub-districts of the Khorezm region, Central Asia, also inflicts an unequal distribution of agricultural revenues. Considering the national aim of a fair distribution and efficient use of resources, here we analyze the relationships between irrigation water access and rural welfare from 2000 to 2007 by descriptive statistics. Analyses revealed not only the general dependency of agricultural revenue on irrigation water availability, but also occurrence of low land productivity during water scarce years and, irrespective of the annual water availability, in some tail end regions each year. Furthermore, apart from irrigation water availability, land productivity was also impacted by soil quality, cropping structure, and type of land ownership. Fair distribution of water and land resources should also take into consideration population density. It is argued that an anticipated equal and efficient water allocation necessitates improved irrigation water conveyance, distribution, and application efficiency via best water management practices. Liberalization of markets, development of a market infrastructure and improvement in yields also contribute to increased land and water productivity.
Highlights
Sustainability, equity and resource use efficiency in water use planning and policy are main pillars of an Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) paradigm [1]
The complexity of the linkages between agricultural revenue and water availability are well-illustrated in the Khorezm region in arid Central Asia, located in the northwest of Uzbekistan at the tail end of the
[2.15 Mio UZS (1,430 USD) ha−1] and Gurlen [2.2 Mio UZS (1,466 USD) ha−1] obtained significantly higher agricultural revenue per hectare, whereas the lowest agricultural mean revenue per hectare was observed in the tail end district, Kushkupir due to water scarcity and consequent lowest yields
Summary
Sustainability, equity and resource use efficiency in water use planning and policy are main pillars of an Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) paradigm [1]. The complexity of the linkages between agricultural revenue and water availability are well-illustrated in the Khorezm region in arid Central Asia, located in the northwest of Uzbekistan at the tail end of the Amu Darya River. Irrigated agriculture plays a dominant role in the economy of Uzbekistan in general and in the study region Khorezm in particular. Both on national and regional levels, more than 90% of all water resources are used by the agricultural sector [3,4]. Water deficiencies at the tail ends of the irrigation network, even in years of abundant water supply, are caused by badly managed water distribution, which aggravates the problem of water supply to producers. Owing to the inverse relationship between water use improvement potential and financial feasibility of various water-wise options, meaning that water-efficient technologies are usually more capital intensive [6], an improved understanding of key factors impacting land and water productivity are imperative for a better informed decision making
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