Optimal use of irrigation water in the Jordan Valley: A case study

Water shortage is a serious problem in most countries in the Middle East. Irrigation water consumes about three-fourths of the available fresh water resources in Jordam and many other countries in the region. This article presents a practical approach to manage and optimize the irrigation water use in the region. The ultimate objective is to minimize the outside water and to manage the irrigation water use under geographic, socio-economic, and demographic constraints. This approach uses the added value (net revenue) of one cubic meter of water concept in evaluating different irrigation water use management. This concept has been demonstrated, based on a case study in the Jordan Valley. This case study shows that water scarcity can be incorporated in irrigation water management by proper choice of crops and farming patters. The objective function is to maximize the net revenue from the agricultural production process subjected to limitation on water and other production and marketing factors. Results of analysis showed that a net water saving of about 9% occurred if the objective function is to minimize water use under the same level of profitability. This example shall be useful for water and agricultural planners. Sometimes virtual water is widely exported in form of crops that consumes large amounts of water without full economic consideration to the added value of water. In some cases, food imports may be a feasible option in water-poor countries instead of water import.