Evaluatıon of Irrigation Effıcıency and Managerial Performance at the Headwaters of the Sakarya River.

Çakmak B., Harman E.

VII. Baskent International Conference on Multidisiplinary Studies 20-22 June 2025, Ankara, Türkiye, 20 Haziran - 22 Temmuz 2025, cilt.1, ss.1181-1191, (Tam Metin Bildiri)

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Tam Metin Bildiri
  • Cilt numarası: 1
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Ankara
  • Basıldığı Ülke: Türkiye
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1181-1191
  • Ankara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Global climate change and increasing drought conditions have made the efficient and sustainable use of water in agriculture more critical than ever. This study focuses on the Çifteler Irrigation Scheme, covering a total of 6,200 ha in Eskişehir Province, Turkiye, and managed by the Sakaryabaşı Water User Association. Located at the headwaters of the Sakarya River, the scheme plays a vital role not only for its own command area but also for downstream irrigation organizations dependent on the same water source. Therefore, the efficiency of water use in this upstream region directly affects the sustainability of agricultural activities throughout the Sakarya Basin.

The research evaluates and compares the years 2023 and 2024, focusing on three key dimensions of the irrigation system: (1) irrigation water use efficiency, (2) managerial efficiency of the irrigation organization, and (3) economic productivity of water. Findings reveal irrigation ratios of 83–87%, water supply ratios of 92–96%, and income per unit of consumed water ranging between 0.18 and 0.20 US$ m-³. Return on investment was calculated at 286–292%, while operation and maintenance costs ranged between 25.93–37.04 US$ ha-1. Fee collection performance was 89–93%, and irrigated area per laborer reached approximately 431–448 ha. Sprinkler (4,143–4,219 ha) and drip (1,032–1,152 ha) irrigation methods dominate the area, with no surface irrigation applied.

The findings indicate that the Sakaryabaşı Water User Association operates with notable managerial and economic efficiency; however, improving irrigation water use efficiency remains essential. As an upstream water user, the association plays a decisive role in ensuring sustainable agricultural activities across the entire Sakarya Basin.

Keywords: Irrigation Efficiency, Irrigation Management, Sakarya River, Water Productivity, Performance of Irrigation Organizations, Sustainable Water Use, Sakaryabaşı Water User Association