Amman:The Jordan Valley Authority's (JVA) innovative use of satellite data to enhance irrigation efficiency and manage agricultural water resources has been highlighted in an international study. This study is supported by the European Union and the European Space Agency (ESA).
According to Jordan News Agency, the study, titled "Improving Water Use Efficiency in Jordan," was conducted as part of the SeBS4GEO project. This project is implemented by the European Association of Remote Sensing Companies (EARSC) for ESA, with funding from both the EU and ESA.
The Jordanian Ministry of Water and Irrigation noted that the research examined the country's application of Earth observation technologies to refine irrigation planning, optimize water distribution, and bolster agricultural productivity. These efforts are particularly significant as Jordan faces increasing water resource pressures and the impacts of climate change.
The study highlighted JVA’s integration of satellite observations and technical performance indicators into irrigation management. This integration allows authorities to assess network efficiency, monitor crop water requirements, and identify areas for potential water use improvement. Central to these efforts is WaPOR, a satellite-based water productivity monitoring platform developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
Furthermore, the study reviewed JVA's use of an irrigation performance assessment tool, which evaluates water supply adequacy, consumption patterns, distribution equity, and agricultural productivity. The findings from this tool help pinpoint underperforming irrigation areas and guide investments towards necessary infrastructure improvements.
The study underscored the role of satellite monitoring in strengthening water management by enhancing planning and distribution efficiency. It also emphasized the importance of collaboration with farmers and water user associations to improve irrigation performance and ensure the sustainability of agricultural water resources.
The successful smart irrigation management in Jordan relies on the combination of satellite data, operational information, and local expertise, supported by capacity building and knowledge sharing. This initiative involves cooperation among the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, JVA, FAO, IWMI, EARSC, ESA, the European Union, the Copernicus program, and the Group on Earth Observations Global Agricultural Monitoring Initiative (GEOGLAM).
The Ministry stated that this international acknowledgment of Jordan's experience accentuates the country's growing use of advanced monitoring technologies and scientific data to advance irrigation efficiency and ensure the sustainability of its scarce water resources.