Irrigation and water resource management

Abstract

Irrigation has been practised in the world for thousands of years but expanded during the 19 and 20 centuries. The practice of irrigation by sprinkler used in France since the second World War has caused a rapid increase in irrigated areas in the South-east (relatively dry climate), the West, Centre, East and North where it compensates for irregular weather patterns. If there are inadequate water resources, there is increased competition for its usage and the natural environment is threatened. Increased efforts are being made everywhere to make the politicians and inhabitants aware of this problem. When new water resources cannot be exploited, the extension of irrigation then depends on possible ways of water economy: modernising the water piping networks, monitoring transport, better control of irrigation techniques and practice, better management of irrigation networks, water resources and usage. Most countries have a water policy and regulations covering this (1993 French water law).