IRRIGATION WATER MANAGEMENT IN ISLAMIC COUNTRIES

Background and Rationale

Water scarcity is one of the most pressing challenges facing many Islamic countries, as they are predominantly located in arid and semi-arid regions. Effective irrigation water management is crucial for ensuring food security, economic stability, and sustainable agricultural development in these nations. Many Islamic countries rely heavily on irrigation for agricultural productivity, yet they also face challenges such as inefficient water use, climate change impacts, and the degradation of freshwater resources.

Islamic teachings emphasize the responsible use and conservation of water. Given the increasing water stress in many regions, integrating modern irrigation technologies with traditional water management practices informed by Islamic principles can offer innovative solutions for sustainable water use.

Recognizing the crucial role of water in overall human and socio-economic development and the fact that water scarcity is a serious concern in one-third of the OIC Member States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has accorded high priority to this sector. The OIC Water Vision 2025, developed by the OIC, underscores the importance of integrated water resource management in ensuring water security across member states. It advocates for enhanced cooperation, technological innovation, and policy alignment to tackle water scarcity challenges, particularly in agriculture and irrigation. The vision emphasizes sustainable water governance, efficient irrigation techniques, and capacity-building efforts to improve water productivity in the agricultural sector.

The OIC plays a crucial role in addressing water-related challenges in its member states. Through initiatives such as the OIC Water Vision 2025 and collaborative research programs, the OIC facilitates knowledge exchange, technical cooperation, and policy coordination among its 57 member countries. It encourages the adoption of sustainable water management practices and supports capacity-building efforts to improve irrigation efficiency and resilience to climate change.

One key initiative in this regard is the Water Resources Management Capacity Building Programme (Water-CaB), which aims to strengthen the capacities of OIC member states in sustainable water resource management. This program focuses on training, knowledge sharing, and technical support to improve water governance and enhance the implementation of efficient irrigation techniques.

Objectives of the Session

  • Explore the current state of irrigation water management in Islamic countries.
  • Identify key challenges and opportunities in ensuring water efficiency in agriculture.
  • Discuss the role of Islamic teachings in promoting sustainable water management practices.
  • Highlight best practices, innovative technologies, and policy recommendations for improving irrigation water management.
  • Foster collaboration among stakeholders, including governmental organizations, research institutions, universities, non-governmental organizations and local communities, to enhance water resource governance.

Key Themes and Topics

  1. Current State of Irrigation in Islamic Countries:

Water availability and consumption, common irrigation structures and efficiency levels, the impact of climate change on water resources.

  1. Challenges in Irrigation Water Management:

Water scarcity and declining groundwater levels, inefficient irrigation methods and high water loss, socioeconomic and cultural barriers to water conservation.

  1. Islamic Perspectives on Water Management:

Islamic teachings on water conservation and equitable distribution, traditional water management systems in Islamic history (e.g., qanats, aflaj, and hima systems), the role of faith-based approaches in promoting sustainable water use.

  1. Innovative and Sustainable Solutions:

Adoption of modern irrigation technologies (e.g., drip and precision irrigation), rainwater harvesting and wastewater reuse in agriculture, integrated water resource management approaches, policy interventions and regional cooperation, with reference to OIC Water Vision 2025 and Water-CaB Programme.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the session, participants will:

  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of the irrigation water management landscape in Islamic countries.
  • Identify best practices and technologies for improving water efficiency in agriculture.
  • Develop actionable recommendations for policymakers, researchers, and farmers.
  • Strengthen partnerships for collaborative initiatives on sustainable water management.

Target Audience

Government officials and policymakers, water and agriculture experts, researchers and academics, representatives from international and regional organizations, private sector stakeholders in water and irrigation technologies.

Format and Methodology

The session will adopt an interactive format, including:

  • Keynote presentations by experts on irrigation water management.
  • Panel discussions featuring policymakers, scientists, and faith-based leaders.
  • Case study presentations highlighting successful water management initiatives.

Conclusion

Effective irrigation water management is vital for ensuring food security and environmental sustainability in Islamic countries. By integrating modern technologies with traditional and faith-based approaches, sustainable water use in agriculture can be achieved. This session aims to foster dialogue, share best practices, and develop strategic actions to improve irrigation water management in Islamic countries, aligning with the objectives of OIC Water Vision 2025 to enhance regional cooperation and water security. The OIC’s role in facilitating international cooperation, capacity-building, and policy alignment remains essential in achieving these goals.

Contact: Dr. Köksal AYDINŞAKİR

e-mail: koksalaydinsakir@yahoo.com