Digital Transformation of Water Management in Dehkan Farms under Water Scarcity: Evidence from the Aral Sea Region, Uzbekistan

Water scarcity is hindering agricultural stability in the Aral Sea region, highlighting the need for more efficient irrigation management. This study utilized the Digital Water Management Index (DWMI) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). It aimed to assess the impact of digital water management technologies on irrigation efficiency in dehkan farms by incorporating water use efficiency (WUE). Data were collected from 214 dehkan farms in the Republic of Karakalpakstan through farm surveys and official statistical sources. The results show that farms with a high level of digital technology utilization achieved an average DEA technical efficiency score of 0.86, while farms with a low level of digitalization achieved a score of 0.69. Digital technologies also reduced irrigation water consumption from 8,620 to 6,940 m 3 (19.5%), while water use efficiency increased from 0.59 to 0.84 kg/rtf. This led to improved yields and farm incomes. These results indicate that digital transformation has significantly increased irrigation efficiency.

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