Water Resource Management in Fergana Valley Irrigation Systems: GIS Technologies Implementation to Enhance Optimization
Abstract
This study discusses the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for enhancing the management of water resources in the Fergana Valley irrigation systems of Uzbekistan. The research addresses the main problems of water shortage, inefficient distribution of resources, and environmental issues such as soil salinity and reduced river runoff. The evidence suggests that signifacant enhancement of water use efficiency is achievable using GIS tools by detailed mapping and predictive modeling, thereby enhancing crop yields and enabling cross-border cooperation. Andijan projects demonstrate that GIS enables farmers to plan irrigation more effectively. The study analyzes 23 sources to make recommendations such as monitoring canals and equitable distribution of water, which appear highly feasible. The findings indicate that the use of GIS can have an enormous potential to improve agricultural yields in the Fergana Valley if adapted to the local context. Future research must focus on field experiments for the evaluation of the economic impact of GIS applications.