Comparative Analysis of Water Management Practices in Irrigation Facilities: Evidence From Eskişehir Province, Central Anatolia, Türkiye

ABSTRACT Water is essential for agricultural production, and its efficient use is critical under population growth and climate change. This study evaluates the technical and economic performance of 38 irrigation facilities in Eskişehir Province (Central Anatolia, Türkiye) using operational data from the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) for 2023. The relationship between resource‐use efficiency and management performance in irrigation associations, municipalities and cooperatives was analysed through correlation analysis. Results show that total water supply was 126 943.48 × 10 3 m 3 for associations, 110 939.00 × 10 3 m 3 for municipalities and 17 434.92 × 10 3 m 3 for cooperatives, with irrigation demand exceeding supply. Irrigation rates were 74.6% for associations, 44.7% for municipalities and 65.8% for cooperatives. Net income per irrigated hectare was highest in associations at 2170.65 US$ ha −1 . Findings indicate that associations are more efficient in utilizing water and generating productivity. These Eskişehir‐based results provide evidence to guide policy and operational decisions in comparable semiarid basins.