Criterion-Based Evaluation of Water Management Performance of Irrigation Cooperatives in Pasinler District, Erzurum

The performance of irrigation cooperatives is pivotal in ensuring sustainable water management in agriculture-dependent regions. Pasinler district, located in the Eastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye, is one of the key agricultural production areas, with the local economy largely reliant on agriculture and livestock. In this context, the efficiency of irrigation systems plays a critical role not only in enhancing agricultural productivity but also in improving the quality of life and socioeconomic well-being of the local population. This study aims to assess the water management performance of irrigation cooperatives in the Pasinler district of Erzurum, Türkiye, based on five critical dimensions: physical and technical infrastructure, land and irrigation area management, irrigation methods and practices, operational maintenance and management, and economic-financial management. Data were collected from nine cooperatives operating in the region through structured evaluations and cooperative records. Findings reveal significant disparities in infrastructure capacity, with large cooperatives such as Pasu owning up to 120 wells and pumps, whereas others, like Alvar and Porsuk, operate with minimal or no infrastructure. Despite differences in scale, all cooperatives rely on traditional surface irrigation methods, indicating low water-use efficiency. Furthermore, none of the cooperatives have undergone land consolidation, leading to inefficient irrigation practices due to fragmented land structures. Most cooperatives depend on electricity for irrigation, yet lack renewable energy integration, creating financial vulnerabilities amid rising energy costs. Additionally, the absence of digital payment systems and structured fee collection mechanisms undermines financial transparency and sustainability, with some cooperatives consistently operating at a loss. This study underscores the necessity of targeted improvements in infrastructure modernization, renewable energy integration, institutional capacity building, and financial governance. Encouraging land consolidation, adopting smart irrigation technologies, and strengthening managerial frameworks are essential steps toward enhancing irrigation efficiency and agricultural sustainability. These findings suggest that future interventions should prioritize integrated policy frameworks that align technical upgrades with institutional and financial reforms to ensure the long-term viability of irrigation cooperatives.