Irrigation Sector Research Articles

Holding Stakes in Water Management and Irrigation in Morocco : PIM policy Effects

The main policy reforms concerning irrigation management in Morocco over the last thirty years have been the introduction of mechanisms aimed at achieving financial autonomy of the Administration in charge of irrigation systems managemement -Offices Régionaux de Mise en Valeur Agricoles (ORMVA)- by applying appropriate water pricing and involvement of water users in the operation and maintenance of their irrigation systems, by transferring some responsibilities to water users' associations (AUEA). These policy reforms were presented by the World Bank projects (PAGI1 and PAGI 2) as crucial steps that Morocco should take to improve the productivity and sustainability of its irrigation sector. After more than thirty years, implementation of these reforms has been fraught with difficulties and many delays. Results and impacts are very timid and vague. The Moroccan GPI experience shows that an “ingredient” was missing to drive change. In fact, setting up new local organizations to participate in irrigation management and calls for new institutional arrangements to tackle the huge problems of moroccan large scale irrigation sector is not sufficient to drive change. A profound realistic thinking on irrigation governance and large concertation between water users are needed to meet the challenges of water scarcity, climate change and water security in the country. This article assesses the participation of Water Users' Associations (AUEA) established in Tadla irrigated scheme in Morocco. It reviews the contxt of adoption of the Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) policy in Morocco and re-examines the process of initiating and developing AUEAs in large irrigated perimeters, analyzing the specific case of the Beni Amir irrigation project. The questions of participatory planning and joint management are at the heart of our analysis.

Performance of water quality simulation model for lifting drainage water joints and mixing zone determination

Limited water resources with gradual increase in water demand led to higher dependence on drainage water as one of the non-conventional water resources in Egypt. However, there was no precise approach for using such resource. The practices ranged between stopping lifting drainage water to main canals at many locations due to the water quality degradation in the drains and pure dependence on polluted drainage water by farmers. This implies the importance of applying the mathematical models that provide precise and flexible alternative for the dependence on the drainage water. This procedure could save the big investments that were used in the lifting stations while mitigating the environmental hazards. Cornell Mixing Zone Expert System (CORMIX) model is one of these mathematical simulation models. The study used surface discharge sub-model (CORMIX3) to define the mixing zone between the lifted drainage water from Mehalet Rough drain and the freshwater in Mit Yazid canal, by investigated biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total dissolved solids (TDS). The simulation results verified that the two investigated parameters met WQ standards for the Egyptian law 48/1982. BOD standard value was met after 448.36 m, in 723 s. TDS standard value was met after 4.46 m, in 7.8 s. This was far ahead of the first municipal station regardless low quality of these parameters in the drain. This is the first time to apply this model in the irrigation sector in Egypt, and the results were promising for defining the precise approach to reuse the drainage water in Egypt.

Improving Water Efficiency Through Channel Lining - A Case Study of the Birinchiguri Runoff Irrigation Project in Assam, India

Water is the most essential commodity for human beings to be alive and so it is very necessary to make proper use of water without wasting it. Irrigation sector is the biggest consumer of water as more than 80% of available water resources in India is being presently utilized for irrigation purposes. However, the average water use efficiency of irrigation projects in the country is assessed to be only of the order of 30 to 35%. In the north eastern region also, performance of the existing irrigation schemes suffer from low water use efficiency due to distribution losses and poor operational maintenance and management and results in non - availability of water in the tail ends. Again, water demand for various purposes namely irrigation, drinking, domestic, power, industrial and other uses is increasing day by day leading to severe seasonal stress on water resources in the region. Its scarcity is more pronounced with increasing population and needs. In the present study, the water use efficiency of the Birinchiguri Flow Irrigation Project is determined as per methodology given in the guidelines for computing the Water Use Efficiency of the Irrigation Projects, Central Water Commission (CWC), February, 2014. It has also been attempted to analyze the scope of improvement of water use efficiency of the same.

NITRINET: A predictive model for nitrification in reclaimed water distribution in pressurised irrigation networks

In this work, a new model (NITRINET) to simulate nitrification processes in pressurised irrigation distribution networks fed with reclaimed water is developed and applied to the Tintín Irrigation District distribution network as case study (Montilla, southern Spain). The importance of this model relies on the fact that the nutrient chemical composition of reclaimed water varies spatially along the network. The water quality analyses carried out in the Irrigation District have shown that nitrate concentrations increase along the distribution network in contrast to the reduction observed in the ammoniacal forms. This confirms that nitrification processes occur inside the pipes. Thus, the model combines the hydraulic simulation of the distribution network and the modelling of nitrification processes to predict the concentration of ammoniacal nitrogen (NH4+-N) and nitric nitrogen (NO3--N) in water arriving at farms. This model is of great applicability to the irrigation sector, given that to carry out precision fertigation strategies and optimise the amount of fertiliser applied, it is necessary to determine the concentration of nutrients present in water arriving at farms. The nutrients that reclaimed water already carries must be considered when planning fertilisation. This allows for a reduction in the amount of fertiliser applied to the soil, which has a positive impact both on the environment and on farmers’ incomes. Simulations performed with NITRINET have shown promising results, predicting the concentration of NH4+-N and NO3--N in irrigation water with mean absolute errors of 1.49 mg·L−1 and 1.25 mg·L−1, respectively.

Improvement of earthen dikes with binders: a civil engineering advancement for agricultural irrigation and drought mitigation in Algeria

In recent decades, Algeria has faced significant challenges due to climate change, resulting in cracks in agricultural soils and degradation of the vegetation layer, especially during unusual summer rains. Dikes play a crucial role in preserving this vegetation layer, allowing farmers to restore soil integrity and utilize dikes as earth barriers for crop irrigation and animal watering.Within civil engineering, dikes are often classified as either hydraulic or geotechnical structures, typically constructed using compacted earth, especially in non-draining soils like clays or soft soils. It has been observed that accumulation of mud or water can compromise their structural integrity partially or completely.To address these issues, this study focuses on presenting reinforcement systems for earth-built dikes using commonly used binders in the Algerian market such as Portland cement, lime, gypsum, etc. Specific calculations are conducted to assess the strength, mechanical behavior, and resilience of each dike type based on soil type, reinforcement method, and concentration. This approach aims to enhance the mechanical properties of dikes and optimize soil characteristics, offering solutions to strengthen the irrigation and agricultural sector, potentially yielding significant economic benefits for the country.

AGRICULTURAL SECTOR DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE «UKRAINE FACILITY» PROGRAM

Introduction. The agricultural sector has significant potential in Ukraine and can stimulate economic growth. In this direction, the key factors are further integration into the European Union. In order to implement the specified priorities at the legislative level, the program for Ukraine "Ukraine Facility" was developed. The effectiveness of regulatory regulation of the agrarian sector should be carried out based on the study of the interaction of economic, legal and social interests and has significant scientific relevance. Systematization, structuring and generalization of the main legal provisions in the direction of reforming the agro-food sector of Ukraine within the framework of the regulations of the "Ukraine Facility" program. The research is conducted for the purpose of collecting, updating, systematizing, analyzing facts, synthesizing new knowledge and generalizations that describe legal phenomena and allow to build cause-and-effect relationships between phenomena and subsequently predict their course. Summary of the main results of the study. For the analysis, the legal norms outlined in the regulations of the program for Ukraine "Ukraine Facility" are applied, which provides for the reconstruction of the agricultural sector of our country during 2024-2027. The legislative prescriptions of the existing legal regulation of the following sectors of the agricultural market are analyzed: institutional foundations of agricultural production and sustainable development of rural areas; ensuring the operation of the agricultural land market; administrative and institutional capacity to manage investment plans for agricultural production; prospects of the electronic register of agricultural producers; irrigation sector. Conclusions. The concept of regulatory ordering and regulation of agrarian relations should take into account that their participants are endowed with awareness and independent will, namely, agricultural production should be regulated not only by economic factors, but mostly by environmental and social advantages. Classical science assumes that all participants in the food sector act in the most appropriate way, aiming to obtain the greatest income, researching agrarian relations and trying to predict the behavior of subjects of market relations, and the state of the sector was conducted precisely on this hypothesis. Comparison of the indicated indicators testify to the feasibility of adopting the legal norms set forth in the regulations of the program for Ukraine "Ukraine Facility", which provides for the reconstruction of the agricultural sector of our country during the years 2024-2027.

Evaluation of residual sodium carbonate (RSC) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) in fresh water and laundry grey water for irrigation usage

AbstractThe current study was carried out to assess the suitability of laundry grey water (LGW) for reuse in irrigation so that it can help in the reduction of freshwater stress in irrigation sector. To address this objective, concentration of sodium (Na+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), carbonate (CO32−), bicarbonate (HCO3−), and phosphate (PO43−) were tested in fresh water (FW) collected before laundry washing and LGW generated after laundry washing from different households. The suitability of LGW for irrigation purpose was determined by using water quality indices such as Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC). The SAR values of FW at the rural and urban area sites varied from 0.84 to 1.10 and 0.82 to 4.30 respectively and remained in the excellent category for irrigation purpose. The SAR values of LGW at the rural and urban sites varied from 10.06 to 13.01 and 6.26 to 9.68, respectively. In contrast to the SAR values of the LGW at rural site, which remained under good quality category, SAR values remained under excellent category for irrigation purpose at urban sites. RSC values of FW and LGW were below 3.97 showing low or medium hazards associated with it for irrigation.

Low-cost Mobile Solar Operated Lift Irrigation System : A Case Study

Effective and judicious use of irrigation water contributes a lot for the management of crop growth and increase in productivity. In the light of increasing demand for irrigation in the state of Assam(India) and to cover the non irrigated area as well as to continue the supplies for the irrigated command area, it becomes imperative to look for a holistic and people centric Low Cost Innovative Irrigation technique. Irrigation water can be assured at every crop field provided we set our mind and put concerted efforts to address it. This paper highlights the Irrigation scenario in Assam with a case study on Low Cost Solar Operated Mobile Lift Irrigation in Assam, for its continuance and contribution towards growth in Agricultural Productivity. This innovation in Irrigation Sector can cause Social transformation by bringing in the development of Agriculture and other allied Sectors. An attempt was also made to establish the economic and operational benefits of the system by making a comparison amongst the different lift Irrigation Schemes in the State. The study advocates for utilization of the non conventional solar energy for irrigating the multiple crops by lifting the surface water sources in the State of Assam by using the Low Cost Solar Operated Mobile Surface Lift Irrigation System. The paper also presents the financial analysis and Key Performance Indicators of the System with a highlight on its diversified application for disaster preparedness and mitigation on the part of Stakeholder Departments with a primary aim to increase Irrigated agriculture productivity

Viability of low‐grade heat conversion using liquid piston Stirling engines

AbstractLiquid piston Stirling engines (LPSEs) are low‐cost, simple, maintenance‐free, and flexible external combustion engines with the potential to operate from low‐grade heat sources. This study reviews the major components, operations, and variants of LPSEs along with the mathematical models to assess their performance, which have been developed since the inception of LPSEs. Consequently, the technical feasibility of LPSEs in different applications is deduced from this complete systematic review, especially useful for both theoretical and applied researchers. The operation is based on a four‐stage Stirling cycle with most engines having three main components as per the findings of this study: the displacer columns, the regenerator, and tuning columns. The two main variants categorized by this study are the dry operating fluidyne and the wet operating thermofluidic. The accurate analyses of these engines are mostly within the spheres of experimental and numerical techniques since analytical mathematical models are difficult to develop owing to the complexity of the operating thermo‐physics. Pumping, cooling, and the direct generation of electricity are frequent applications of these engines reported in the literature. However, since their inception in 1969, these engines are yet to be commercialized owing to their low energy efficiency, power density, and reliability. The findings of this research conclude that LPSEs are essential for environment‐friendly pumping applications using low‐grade heat, especially in the irrigation sector of remote regions with limited access to electricity grids. Additionally, by replacing the electricity‐consuming status quo pumps, LPSEs ensure sustainability with minimal greenhouse gas emissions.This article is categorized under: Energy and Power Systems > Energy Management Sustainable Development > Energy‐Water‐Food Nexus Energy and Power Systems > Distributed Generation Sustainable Development > Goals

Prioritizing factors for the adoption of IoT-based smart irrigation in Saudi Arabia: a GRA/AHP approach

The irrigation sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) confronts a range of obstacles, such as scarce water resources, the elevated salinity and alkalinity of irrigation water, inefficient irrigation practices, and inter-sectoral competition for water resources. These challenges have led to diminishing agricultural yields and abandonment of arable lands. Internet of Things (IoT)-based irrigation systems present a promising remedy for these issues. By curbing water wastage and ensuring precise water delivery to crops, IoT-based irrigation systems offer a viable solution to the challenges entrenched in traditional irrigation methodologies in KSA. However, the widespread implementation of an IoT-based Smart Irrigation System (I-SIMS) poses a multifaceted and intricate challenge in KSA. This study is focused on the identification of the factors and challenges through a systematic review and ranking of the challenges/factors that exert a significant influence on the adoption of I-SIMS. Ranking aids in determining the importance of various alternatives. It enables locating the best options that support the required objectives in complex decision situations. The study employs both Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) and Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) methodologies to prioritize these factors. The study’s conclusive findings indicate that among the challenges, technical expertise and security measures emerge as the foremost concerns that demand attention.

The spatial impacts of Sudanese theoretical bases of development and the relevant designated policies

This research aims to clarify and discuss the spatial impacts of Sudanese theoretical bases of development and the relevant designated policies where it was revealed that both the development theoretical base and regional development policies have relevance to the many central problems of Sudan. They included disparate regional development; environmental degradation; rural impoverishment; the production of the agrarian duality of a modern and developed irrigated agricultural sector and a traditional and backward rain-fed agricultural sector; conflict over resources; food insecurity; and socio-political instability. This research views these problems as due mainly to the alienation of development planning from Sudan’s internal reality.

Barriers to the uptake of solar-powered irrigation by smallholder farmers in sub-saharan Africa: A review

Irrigation expansion is critical for agricultural and rural development, food and nutrition security, and climate change adaptation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Lack of accessible energy for irrigation development due to limited off- and on-grid infrastructure and the resulting dependence on costly fuel-based irrigation have been key inhibiting factors for irrigation expansion in the region. Off-grid solar-powered irrigation pumps (SIPs) can overcome many of the energy access and other challenges in the region, but their uptake has been slow. Given the nascent development of the solar irrigation sector in SSA, this paper combines a review of the peer-reviewed and grey literature with key informant interviews to identify systemic barriers to the adoption and growth of solar-powered irrigation. We identify uncovered risks, lack of incentives, and lack of capacity as the key factors limiting the adoption of solar-powered irrigation. Moreover, despite significant global cost reductions, solar-powered irrigation systems remain costly in SSA due to limited market development and geographical constraints. Lack of regulation and low investment in building local institutions and value chains further affect uptake and inhibit leveraging the energy transition for ensuring food security and agriculture-led poverty alleviation in SSA. We propose a move away from thinking of SIPs as “silver bullets” and towards a systems approach and the design of context-specific solutions to address risks, incentives and capacity challenges.

Analysis of the causes of silting of natural channels

The theory of river flow transport is the major cause in the development of the irrigation sector and largely determines the stability of the irrigation scheme. Crop water requirements vary due to climate and crop growth stages. For this reason, the flow of sediments changes during the irrigation season. In this article, in order to evaluate the carrying capacity of the canals, researches in natural field conditions were carried out in the Amu-zang canal belonging to the “Amu-Surkhan Irrigation Systems” basin administration. Flow transportability in natural channels was calculated for particles with d=0.05 mm by S.Kh.Abalyans, A.Zamarin, A.M.Arifzhanov and Engelund and Hansen methods. A histogram of the dependence of flow capacity, channel depth and average speed on the Amuzang channel was obtained, according to which it was determined that the flow capacity is 1.5-1.8 kg/m3 in the range of 0.6-0.8 m/s.

Reform of the Irrigation Sector and Creation of Functional and Sustainable Irrigation Water Users Associations (AUEI) in Niger: Capitalization of the Experience of the Konni AHA

Reform of the Irrigation Sector and Creation of Functional and Sustainable Irrigation Water Users Associations (AUEI) in Niger: Capitalization of the Experience of the Konni AHA

IDENTIFICATION OF DESTRUCTION AREAS OF RECLAMATION SYSTEMS AND EVALUATION OF IRRIGATED AGRICULTURE BY THE REMOTE SENSING DATA

The article analyzes the results of using the decision-making support system to identify the destruction areas of reclamation systems and evaluates the state of irrigated agriculture by the remote sensing, as well as proves its ability to form and provide the user with preliminary information about the state of reclamation infrastructure. Most of the relatively new and functioning irrigation systems are currently out of the control of the Government of Ukraine due to the occupation of the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions by the Russians. Irrigation and drainage systems, over which control was restored and which were in the zone of direct hostilities, were in a destroyed state, and the undermining of the Kakhovska HPP by the occupiers makes it impossible to further use the irrigation systems of both the occupied and unoccupied parts of Ukraine, which were provided with water directly from the Kakhovska reservoir. To provide a rapid visual identification of destruction areas of reclamation systems for evaluating damage to irrigation and drainage infrastructure in 2023, the capabilities of the information system developed at the Institute of Water Problems and Land Reclamation of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Ukraine have been expanded. On the example of the Odesa region, based on basic information about pumping stations of reclamation systems and available information using ACLED technology about hostilities, explosions, artillery attacks, etc., as a result of Russian aggression, a synthesized image was formed, which can be used for visual evaluation of the impact of hostilities on reclamation systems in both individual areas and the whole country. The information system was used for zoning regions by the intensity of military impacts and expected damage to the infrastructure of irrigation and drainage systems. The evaluation of indirect damage zones was carried out using remote sensing data by the NDVI index, which indicates a decrease in the accumulation of biomass in the areas of irrigation systems. The forecast for the further use of irrigated land is based on a statistical analysis of the data on the conclusion of contracts for special water use, which proved a four-fold decrease in water demand, planned for 2022.
 The study results can be used to evaluate the damage caused to Ukraine as a result of the war and confirm the devastating impact of the war on the irrigation and drainage sectors.

Micro‐irrigation in Niger: The state of the art and the country's need

AbstractAfter its independence in 1960, following the droughts that occurred in particular that of 1973, 1984, and 2005, Niger promoted irrigation to feed its population through state‐led large‐scale projects. Over the years, structural problems, including the fast growing population and the effects of climate change and variability, have rendered the approach less efficient. The 2000s were marked by a change in approach that put producers at the heart. Thus, projects and programs have been initiated with the I3N initiative Nigeriens Feeding Nigeriens as a guiding strategy since 2011 to ensure sustainable agriculture and food security. Most of the projects aimed at the development of small‐scale irrigation through increased financing and new technologies to take advantage of the significant irrigable potential. Despite these efforts, the irrigation sector is yet to meet food security. This article assesses the situation of micro‐irrigation and identifies current needs. The methodology adopted consists of a review of official documentation on irrigation in Niger, data collected during agricultural fairs, such as the Sahel Niger 2020, and the 4th Edition of the Fair of Irrigation and Drainage (SAFID), combined with related literature. Results revealed the existence of an estimated irrigable land potential of 270,000 ha and 10,942,568 ha, depending on the groundwater depth. Drip technology is proving to be in full expansion, with growing interest from start‐ups and the private sector. Technological innovation is dominated by locally made and imported technologies, the emergence of digitalization, and remote irrigation. Currently, micro‐irrigation is a top priority among climate‐smart technologies, in addition to strengthening technologies for access to water resources, technical capacities of producers, particularly advisories, the strengthening of research, the popularization of micro‐irrigation technologies, access to financing and securing land tenure. Other needs persist in terms of strengthening science‐society‐policy interfaces and effective climate services for risk management.

Rooted Water Collectives in a Modernist and Neoliberal Imaginary: Threats and Perspectives for Rural Water Commons

Water schemes that rely on user (co-) ownership and collective action have been described in the irrigation sector for a long time. Still, interest in such forms of (co-) investment in the domestic/multiple use sector is more recent. To address the persisting issue of rural water service, (what has been coined) self-supply is proclaimed to be a (supposedly) low-cost, sustainable manner to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). User (co-) investments are to be promoted and realized through the creation of an enabling policy environment and development of, and training on, low-cost technologies through government and NGO support and private sector-steered access to such technologies. In this article, we apply the Rooted Water Collectives (RWC) framework to describe two such schemes, one in South Africa and one in Switzerland. The data collection followed an action research methodology, with the main author being involved in interventions in all three schemes. We show here that these collectives create positions of purpose within societies and that what motivates people is to help themselves and contribute to the greater good of the community. This article shows that interventions to foster and sustain such collective actions that follow a neoliberal/modernist imaginary negatively affect their viability since these collectives, through their other-than-capitalist interactions, form part of and depend on an alternative imaginary. We conclude that interventions aiming to strengthen forms of collective action can only succeed if they recognize contextuality, unequal power relationships, and grass-rooted forms of interdependence and collaboration, and actively build on and work toward such alternative, more convivial imaginaries.

IRRIGATION SYSTEM REFORM IN GEORGIA: A BRIEF LEGAL AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

Effective irrigation and drainage systems have always been the most significant components of the sustainable development of Georgian agriculture. Almost half a million hectares of agricultural land is irrigated by irrigation systems in Georgia. The increase of reclamation areas is the basis for the growth of agricultural products, which, in turn, is a prerequisite for Georgia's position restoration as an exporting country. Taking into account that one of the main tasks of the country is the rehabilitation, modernization, raising of the technical level, and the technological and organizational perfection of its effective functioning in order to increase the fertility and yield of the soil, the development of the law of Georgia on water user organizations is on the agenda. That is the first attempt to legally regulate the land artificial irrigation issues, which will contribute to overcoming the three main challenges in the irrigation system: (1) perfect operation of the irrigation system and supply of irrigation water to users; (2) maintaining systems in good condition and (3) increasing revenues to carry out the above two activities. The paper highlights the challenges of the reclamation system of Georgia. The possibilities of implementing a new model of irrigation system management are analyzed. The legal and economic aspects of the ongoing reforms in the irrigation sector are discussed. Establishing an affordable, reliable, stable irrigation system in Georgia will help strengthen the agro-sector and the country's economy as a whole.

An overview of the role of irrigation in the attainment of sustainable development goals through hunger and poverty alleviation in Ethiopia

A potential irrigation area of 3,088,395 hectares exists on the 74.3 million hectares of arable land in Ethiopia. The country has not received many benefits despite its enormous irrigation potential. A sizable section of Ethiopia's population today experiences food insecurity and lives below the poverty line. A comprehensive analysis has been conducted to determine the impact and potential of irrigation farming in Ethiopia. Studies have confirmed the role of irrigation in alleviating poverty and promoting food security. Irrigation plays an important role in poverty reduction in Ethiopia. It can alleviate poverty by improving crop productivity, boosting farmer incomes, providing more employment and a better pay rate and contributing to the national GDP in the long run. Irrigation also promotes food security by contributing to all dimensions such as food availability, access to food, food utilization and stability. The development of the sector is thought to significantly contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) given the significance of irrigation in reducing poverty and hunger. Hence, this study emphasizes the necessity of using the irrigation potential and developing the irrigation sector in order to alleviate the misery of hunger and poverty in the country.

Sectoral water use responses to droughts and heatwaves: analyses from local to global scales for 1990–2019

Water use for various sectors (e.g. irrigation, livestock, domestic, energy and manufacturing) is increasing due to a growing global population and economic development. Additionally, increases in frequency and severity of droughts, heatwaves and compound drought-heatwave events, also lead to responses in sectoral water use and a reduction in water availability, intensifying water scarcity. However, limited knowledge exists on the responses in sectoral water use during these hydroclimatic extremes. In this study we quantify the impacts of droughts, heatwaves and compound events on water use of irrigation, livestock, domestic, energy and manufacturing sectors at global, country and local scales. To achieve this, datasets of reported and downscaled sectoral water use (i.e. withdrawal and consumption) were evaluated during these hydroclimatic extremes and compared to normal (non-extreme) periods for 1990–2019. Our analysis shows that these hydroclimatic extremes affect water use patterns differently per sector and region. Reported data show that domestic and irrigation water use increases during heatwaves in Eastern Europe and central continental United States, while water use decreases for thermoelectric sector, particularly in Europe while it increases in north and Eastern Asia. Additionally, global water use response patterns reveal that irrigation and domestic sectors are mostly prioritized over livestock, thermoelectric and manufacturing. Reported local-scale data reveal that for most sectors and regions/locations, stronger water use responses are found for heatwaves and compound events compared to impacts during hydrological droughts. Our outcomes provide improved understanding of sectoral water use behaviour under hydroclimatic extremes. Nonetheless, given the future threats to water availability and the limited accessible information of water use, there is an urgency to collect more monitored-driven data of sectoral water use for improved assessments of water scarcity under these extremes. Consequently, this research reveals the necessity of more realistic water use models to better represent the sectoral responses to hydroclimatic extremes.