Türkiye's Drought Crisis: Urgent Action Needed

Drought, often characterized by prolonged periods of insufficient rainfall, is a major challenge that significantly impacts agricultural production, water availability, and overall economic stability. In Türkiye, where agriculture remains a vital sector, the effects of drought have become increasingly pronounced due to changing climatic conditions and unsustainable farming practices. Over the past fifty years, the country has witnessed substantial shifts in crop patterns, with many farmers transitioning towards water-intensive crops that rely heavily on irrigation. This shift, while initially boosting agricultural productivity, has placed tremendous strain on the nation’s water resources, particularly groundwater reserves.

Groundwater, a crucial yet finite resource, has been increasingly exploited to compensate for declining surface water availability. However, the uncontrolled and irregular extraction of groundwater, often without proper regulation or monitoring, has led to alarming depletion levels. Studies indicate that in certain regions, groundwater tables have dropped by several meters, making it more expensive and difficult for farmers to access water for irrigation. The overuse of groundwater not only worsens the drought crisis but also threatens long-term agricultural sustainability by degrading soil quality and increasing salinity levels, ultimately reducing crop yields.

Addressing this growing challenge requires a comprehensive approach that includes promoting water-efficient farming techniques, enforcing stricter groundwater management policies, and investing in alternative irrigation technologies such as drip and precision irrigation. If immediate measures are not taken, Türkiye’s agricultural sector could face severe disruptions, leading to declining food production, rising costs, and economic instability in rural communities. The need for sustainable water management has never been more urgent, as the country strives to balance agricultural growth with the preservation of its vital water resources.

Understanding Drought

Drought is a prolonged period of deficient rainfall that disrupts the hydrological balance, adversely affecting land and water resources. The United Nations Environment Convention (1997) defines drought as a natural event that leads to such disruptions when rainfall falls significantly below normal recorded levels. Droughts are becoming more frequent due to climate change, with increasing intensity and duration, and affecting larger areas simultaneously. Unlike other natural disasters, droughts develop gradually, making their onset and conclusion difficult to determine. Their cumulative impact extends across multiple sectors, causing long-term economic and environmental damage.

In Türkiye, drought conditions are influenced by a combination of atmospheric patterns, physical geography, and climate change. The country’s complex topography, with an average elevation exceeding 1,100 meters, plays a significant role in rainfall distribution. Only 17.5% of Türkiye’s land lies below 500 meters, while areas above 1,000 meters make up more than 55% of the total land area. These elevation differences contribute to significant variations in precipitation levels, leading to uneven water availability across regions.

Drought poses a major challenge for Türkiye’s agricultural sector, as the country has increasingly relied on irrigation-dependent crops that exert immense pressure on water resources. The combination of changing climatic patterns and unsustainable water use has exacerbated the depletion of both surface and groundwater reserves. Without effective water management policies and climate adaptation strategies, Türkiye faces increasing risks of agricultural losses, food insecurity, and economic instability in the coming decades.

Types of Drought

Drought is a complex phenomenon classified into three main types, as outlined by Wilhite and Glantz (1987): meteorological, agricultural, and hydrological drought. Each type affects different aspects of the environment and economy, making drought management a multidimensional challenge.

Meteorological drought occurs when rainfall falls significantly below the long-term average over a specific period, typically 30 years. It is assessed using meteorological indicators, such as the number of consecutive dry days or the percentage deviation from normal precipitation levels. In Türkiye, meteorological drought has intensified in recent years, with 2023 rainfall levels dropping to 30% below the historical average in certain regions. These conditions have led to lower water table levels and reduced surface runoff, directly impacting agriculture and water supply.

Agricultural drought arises when soil moisture becomes insufficient to sustain crop growth, often exacerbated by high temperatures, low humidity, and strong dry winds. Türkiye’s agricultural sector, which contributes approximately 6.5% to the national GDP, has suffered significantly due to prolonged dry spells. In 2023, wheat production declined by 10%, posing a threat to food security and increasing reliance on imports. Persistent drought conditions also affect livestock farming, reducing pasture quality and raising fodder costs.

Hydrological drought refers to a long-term deficit in surface and groundwater resources, which continues even after meteorological drought ends. Türkiye’s major reservoirs have faced severe depletion, with some dam levels dropping to as low as 25% in 2023. Per capita water availability has fallen to 1,300 cubic meters annually, pushing the country into the water-stressed category. These conditions underscore the urgent need for sustainable water management and climate adaptation strategies.

The Impact of Climate Change on Water Resources and Agriculture

Climate change has significantly intensified drought conditions in Türkiye, altering rainfall patterns, increasing evaporation rates, and exacerbating water scarcity. Over the past 50 years, Türkiye’s average temperature has risen by 1.4°C, with 2023 ranking among the hottest years on record, according to the Turkish State Meteorological Service. These rising temperatures accelerate soil moisture loss and reduce water availability in reservoirs and aquifers. As a result, droughts have become more frequent and severe, particularly affecting the southeastern and central Anatolian regions, where arid conditions already pose challenges to agriculture and water supply.

Agricultural practices have further contributed to water scarcity. Türkiye’s agricultural sector has increasingly shifted toward water-intensive crops such as corn, alfalfa, and cotton, largely due to policy incentives and changing animal husbandry practices. These crops require extensive irrigation, placing immense pressure on the country’s already dwindling groundwater reserves. The Konya Plain, one of Türkiye’s most important agricultural regions, has been particularly affected. In 2023, groundwater levels in the region declined by an alarming 2 meters, reflecting the unsustainable extraction of underground water sources. Farmers have been forced to drill deeper wells, further depleting reserves and increasing energy costs.

The combination of rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and unsustainable irrigation practices threatens Türkiye’s long-term agricultural productivity and food security. Without immediate policy interventions, including improved water management, investment in drought-resistant crops, and the adoption of efficient irrigation technologies, the country risks facing more severe and prolonged droughts in the coming decades, with devastating consequences for both rural livelihoods and the national economy.

The Path Forward

To effectively combat the worsening drought crisis, Türkiye must implement sustainable agricultural practices that align with regional water availability. One crucial strategy is the promotion of drought-resistant crops, which require less water and can withstand prolonged dry conditions. Encouraging farmers to shift towards crops such as barley, millet, and legumes can significantly reduce overall water consumption while maintaining agricultural productivity. Additionally, the adoption of efficient irrigation techniques, such as drip and sprinkler irrigation, can minimize water wastage and improve soil moisture retention.

Policy interventions are also necessary to limit water-intensive farming practices. Reducing subsidies for high-water-demand crops and incentivizing the cultivation of more sustainable alternatives can help curb excessive groundwater extraction. Moreover, integrating modern water conservation methods into agricultural policies, such as rainwater harvesting and soil moisture monitoring systems, will enhance overall water efficiency.

Enhancing water management systems is another key component in addressing drought challenges. Strengthening infrastructure to store and distribute water effectively, alongside initiatives to recharge depleted groundwater reserves, can help mitigate the effects of prolonged dry periods. Improved coordination between local governments, farmers, and researchers will be vital in developing region-specific solutions that balance agricultural needs with water conservation efforts.

The future of Türkiye’s water resources and agricultural sector depends on immediate, proactive measures. With climate change intensifying drought conditions, adopting long-term, sustainable strategies is essential to ensure food security, protect rural livelihoods, and preserve the country’s natural water resources for future generations.

Conclusion

Türkiye’s drought crisis is a growing challenge that demands immediate and sustained action. Climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of droughts, while unsustainable agricultural practices have placed excessive pressure on water resources. The depletion of groundwater reserves, declining crop yields, and economic instability in rural areas highlight the urgent need for comprehensive water management policies. Without intervention, Türkiye risks facing prolonged water shortages, threatening food security and economic stability.

To mitigate these risks, Türkiye must prioritize sustainable solutions such as promoting drought-resistant crops, adopting efficient irrigation techniques, and enforcing policies that regulate groundwater extraction. Investments in modern water conservation technologies and infrastructure will be crucial in preserving vital resources. Additionally, fostering collaboration between government agencies, farmers, and researchers can lead to innovative strategies tailored to regional needs.

As climate change continues to exacerbate drought conditions, proactive adaptation measures will determine Türkiye’s agricultural resilience and economic sustainability. The actions taken today will shape the future of the country’s water security and food production. By embracing sustainable agricultural practices and responsible water management, Türkiye can work towards mitigating the long-term impacts of drought, ensuring a stable and productive future for its agricultural sector and rural communities.

Please note that the views expressed in this article are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of any organization.

The writer is affiliated with the Department of Agricultural Economics, Selcuk University, Konya-Türkiye.

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