Evaluation of Irrigation Efficiency and Economic Performance: A Case Study of the Eskişehir Water User Association

ABSTRACT Climate change and population growth have led to a decline in water resources, necessitating more efficient water use. This study aims to analyse water use efficiency in the Eskişehir Water User Association by evaluating irrigation performance. Based on irrigation data from 2016 to 2022, the research examines water management efficiency and economic indicators. The findings indicate that the total volume of distributed irrigation water varied between 103 × 10 6 m 3 and 28 × 10 6 m 3 over the years. The amount of irrigation water per unit area ranged from 6207 to 1670 m 3 ha −1 , whereas the annual water supply ratio fluctuated between 1.13 and 0.24. In terms of economic assessments, the return on investment ranged from 146% to 39%, the ratio of maintenance costs to revenue varied between 54% and 21%, and the water fee collection performance was recorded between 96% and 46%. The annual total agricultural production value was calculated to be between 86,188 × 10 3 US$ and 46,187 × 10 3 US$. The results revealed that the Eskişehir Water User Association has improved water use efficiency, achieved significant progress in optimizing water utilization and enhanced agricultural productivity. These findings can contribute to the development of critical strategies for regional irrigation management and the sustainable use of water resources.