Water Management Issues in Slovakia in the Context of Climate Change

Paper's Objective(s) and Research Background: This paper aims to provide an overview of the current state of agricultural water management infrastructure in Slovakia, with a particular focus on irrigation and drainage systems.It explores historical development patterns, identifies key challenges associated with infrastructure degradation, and examines the broader implications for sustainable water resource management in the context of climate change.The research also seeks to highlight the need for modernization and to propose strategies for enhancing the resilience and functionality of existing systems.Data/Methods: The study utilizes comprehensive data on irrigated agricultural areas and water management channels, collected from national databases and relevant institutional sources.Analytical methods include quantitative analysis to assess the functionality, distribution, and historical trends of hydromelioration infrastructure.The evaluation considers regional disparities, the age of systems, and their current operational status.Comparative analysis is employed to identify best practices and gaps in management strategies.Results/Conclusions/Value Added: The research highlights significant findings regarding the condition and effectiveness of Slovakia's water management infrastructure.It reveals notable regional disparities in the functionality of irrigation systems and identifies critical areas requiring urgent intervention.The conclusions emphasize the need for targeted modernization efforts, improved financial mechanisms, and legislative reforms to support sustainable management.Additionally, the study provides strategic recommendations to enhance water retention capacities and promote integrated water-energy-food-ecosystem (WEFE) approaches.The added value of this paper lies in its comprehensive assessment, which offers valuable insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and agricultural managers aiming to strengthen the resilience of water systems amidst evolving climatic conditions.