In the heart of Turkey, the bustling metropolis of İzmir is grappling with a challenge that echoes globally: the sustainable management of water resources. As population growth and climate change tighten their grip, the demand for water is surging, while supplies dwindle. A recent study, led by Belgin Çakmak from Ankara University’s Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Farm Structures and Irrigation, sheds light on the critical role of agricultural water use in this equation, offering a roadmap for more efficient water management.
Çakmak’s research, published in the Turkish Journal of Agriculture: Food Science and Technology, delves into the water footprint of İzmir province, providing a framework for assessing and improving water use in agriculture. The study underscores the stark reality that agriculture is the largest consumer of water resources, accounting for 75% of total water use in Turkey. This figure is significantly higher than the global average of 69% and the European average of 33%, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable water management in the agricultural sector.
The implications of this research extend far beyond the fields of İzmir. As Çakmak explains, “Agricultural water use is the linchpin of water resource sustainability. Efficient management in this sector can significantly enhance water security, support food production, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.”
For the energy sector, the findings present both challenges and opportunities. Agriculture’s high water consumption means that energy-intensive water pumping and treatment processes are crucial. However, improving water efficiency in agriculture can reduce energy demand, lower operational costs, and enhance the sector’s resilience to water scarcity. Moreover, as water becomes an increasingly valuable commodity, energy companies investing in water-efficient agricultural technologies could secure a competitive edge.
The study proposes a water footprint approach to assess current water use, providing a basis for creating water footprint maps. These maps can help identify hotspots of water stress, enabling targeted interventions to improve water efficiency. By integrating this approach into urban water management, cities like İzmir can enhance ecosystem sustainability, bolster food security, and support sustainable development.
Çakmak’s research also emphasizes the importance of inter-sectoral collaboration. By working together, the agricultural, industrial, and domestic sectors can develop innovative solutions for water management, ensuring that water is available in the right quantity and quality, at the right place and time.
As the world grapples with the twin challenges of population growth and climate change, Çakmak’s work offers a beacon of hope. By shining a light on the water footprint of agriculture, she paves the way for more sustainable water management, benefiting not just İzmir, but cities and communities worldwide. The energy sector, in particular, stands to gain from these insights, driving forward a future where water and energy security go hand in hand.