Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Ziraat, Orman ve Su Ürünleri Alanında Akademik Çalışmalar. , Doç. Dr. Mustafa Okant,Prof. Dr. Tahir Polat, Editör, Iksad Publishing House, Ankara, ss.179-211, 2025
In
the first quarter of the 21st century, food security faces numerous
simultaneous
threats, including climate change, pandemics, and global
political-economic
tensions. Addressing these challenges necessitates the
establishment
of resilient food systems, the promotion of innovation, and the
effective
use of technology. Located in the semi-arid climate zone, Türkiye is situated
in a geography where the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly
evident. With
growing
population, industrialization, and urbanization, the demand for water
continues
to rise, while the sustainability of water resources and equitable
access
across sectors face increasing risks. Ensuring food security is not
possible
without securing water resources.
It
is projected that, due to the increase in the global population, the
demand
for food and water will rise accordingly. However, considering the
negative
impacts of climate change on water resources, the efficient and
effective
use of water becomes an inevitable necessity.
Today,
the primary challenge in agriculture is to sustainably produce
sufficient
and healthy food for the growing population while protecting soil and
water
resources. Inadequate management, operation, monitoring, and
evaluation
activities in irrigation networks lead to low performance of irrigation
systems.
Monitoring and evaluation are key components for enhancing water
efficiency
in agriculture. Increasing water use efficiency in agriculture depends
on
improved soil and water management, the technology used, and the success
of
the monitoring and evaluation system (Torun & Çakmak, 2024).
Water
efficiency and water conservation are closely related but distinct
concepts.
Water efficiency is defined as "using the least amount of water in the
production
of a product or service" or "producing more output with the same
amount
of water." Water efficiency aims to prevent or reduce waste and increase
the
benefits obtained from water use, whereas water conservation focuses on
limiting
water use (Çakmak & Torun, 2023).
Efficient
water use not only increases agricultural production but also
contributes
to environmental sustainability. In this regard, significant benefits
are
achieved in areas such as preserving the natural water cycle, improving soil
health,
promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices, and ensuring food
security.
Water efficiency goes beyond physical water saving and encompasses
a
comprehensive approach involving multidimensional strategies such as
reducing
the water footprint, implementing rainwater harvesting systems,
reusing
wastewater, and introducing regulatory frameworks.
In
Türkiye, the agricultural sector accounts for the largest share of total
water
consumption. Therefore, increasing water efficiency in agricultural
activities
is a priority issue in water management. Achieving this goal requires
monitoring
and evaluation of water both at the source and throughout the usage
process.
Monitoring is generally defined as “the continuous or periodic
observation
and collection of information by project management at all levels
to
ensure that input distribution, work schedules, targeted outputs, and other
necessary
activities are carried out as planned.” Monitoring is a component of
project
management and its primary purpose is to provide feedback to managers
and
operators at all levels, enabling the realization of an efficient and effective
project
performance. Monitoring allows operators and managers to take timely
measures
and develop appropriate work plans when facing limitations and
bottlenecks.
Evaluation
is defined as “the systematic and objective determination of
the
relevance, effectiveness, and outcomes of project activities, and their
comparison
with set goals.” In contrast to monitoring, evaluation serves more
as
a learning and problem-solving tool. In irrigation networks, monitoring and
evaluation
make it possible to detect problems early, allowing timely
intervention
and the development of appropriate solutions.
In
this regard, artificial intelligence-based technologies and digital
solutions
are being increasingly utilized. Through these technologies, data
obtained
from irrigation systems can be analyzed in real-time both temporally
and
spatially, and efficient, accurate, and timely water management can be
achieved
via decision support systems. Consequently, both the protection of
water
resources and the sustainability of agricultural production become
attainable.
In
this study, monitoring and evaluation practices in Türkiye’s irrigation
networks
are analyzed within the context of water efficiency; the current
situation, technological developments,
and recent trends are examined in detail.