Problem
Inappropriate irrigation schemes
Other Names:
Destruction of arid ecosystems by irrigationInappropriate irrigated agriculture
Nature:
Irrigation is as much a problem as a solution to improved agriculture. The majority of the world's available freshwater goes to agriculture and inefficient irrigation systems waste a considerable amount of it. Waterlogging and increased salinity and/or alkalinity can defeat the very purpose of the irrigation scheme. In almost every irrigation zone, significant species shifts in soil fauna and plants can be found. Enlarged insect populations spread diseases such as malaria.
Broader Problems:
Exploitative agribusinessAbuse of agricultural techniquesUnsustainable agricultural developmentIntroduction of high-yield crop varietiesUnsustainable short-term improvements in agricultural productivity Narrower Problems:
Irrigation water lossesLeaching of salts through irrigationInappropriate irrigation subsidies Aggravates:
Waterlogged soilsLoss of river siltDesiccation of lakesLimited irrigation waterLack of water conservationDeclining area of irrigated landVulnerability of lakes and riversDisruption of arid zone ecosystemsDisruption of the hydrological cycleInadequate integrated freshwater managementOverexploitation of underground water resourcesIncrease in pests and diseases through perennial irrigationAnimal disease due to increase in irrigation and water conservationLoss of agricultural land due to artificial flooding Reduced By:
Undeveloped irrigation systemStrategies:
Providing agricultural aid to developing countriesImproving farm irrigation systemsDeveloping agriculture Subject(s):
Agriculture, Fisheries → AgricultureClimatology → Arid zones
Geography → Ecology
Hydrology → Hydrology
Societal Problems → Destruction
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
E: Emanations of other problems Date of last update
21.02.2020 – 16:06 CET