The Potential Role of Rainwater Harvesting in Irrigation in Turkey

Turkey is one of the countries where water resources exhibit high regional and seasonal variability; it is becoming increasingly vulnerable to drought risks due to population growth, urbanization, climate change, and the impact of agricultural water demand. In this context, rainwater harvesting holds significant potential as a complementary and sustainable water management option for agricultural irrigation. In this review study, the potential role of rainwater harvesting in agricultural irrigation in Turkey was evaluated by considering the current state of water resources, agricultural water use, global and national practices, technical system components, and key opportunities and limitations. The findings indicate that rainwater harvesting can reduce pressure on surface and groundwater resources, support supplementary irrigation practices, enhance drought resilience, and contribute to water conservation strategies, particularly in semi-arid regions and small-scale agricultural operations. However, the widespread adoption of these systems is limited by factors such as initial investment costs, the need for storage infrastructure, a lack of technical knowledge, and insufficient institutional incentives. Effective implementation requires integrated planning at the watershed and farm levels, appropriate storage design, economic support mechanisms, and farmer-focused extension activities. Overall, rainwater harvesting holds significant potential in Turkey for strengthening agricultural water security, reducing drought-related production risks, and supporting sustainable water resources management.