From scarcity to sustainability: a leap toward efficient irrigation in Saudi Arabia

03/10/2024

The challenge: water scarcity in a desert kingdom

Saudi Arabia, known for its ambitious development goals and commitment to sustainability, like many other countries faces a critical challenge with its water resources due to its arid climate and reliance on non-renewable underground aquifers. Low irrigation efficiency—estimated at around 50 percent compared to global best practices of 85 percent—and the excessive abstraction of non-renewable groundwater threaten agricultural productivity and food security. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 prioritizes improving irrigation efficiency and ensuring sustainable water use as central to its national development goals. The National Water Strategy and the Saudi Irrigation Organization (SIO) strategy highlight the urgent need for better irrigation practices and modern technologies.

The project’s vision

In response to these challenges, SIO and FAO launched the “Promoting Efficient Irrigation and Water Productivity Amongst Farmers” project. The project aims to increase the adoption of innovative irrigation technologies and practices among Saudi farmers, directly contributing to the national goal of enhanced water resource sustainability. The project aims to achieve a 20 percent adoption rate of efficient irrigation technologies, it promotes the use of best irrigation and farming practices to improve water productivity among small-scale farmers and builds capacity to support these efforts. Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and the SIO Strategy, the project addresses critical needs in water management and agricultural productivity.

From concept to cultivation

The project began with extensive assessments and benchmarking to identify the most effective irrigation technologies for Saudi Arabia’s conditions. Three key technologies were selected: movable sprinklers for cereals and fodders, smart drip irrigation for fruit trees and permanent crops, and greenhouses for vegetables. These were chosen based on their potential impact and availability in the local market, ensuring their sustainability.

A cornerstone of the project is the establishment of demonstration farms across Saudi Arabia, showcasing the potential of innovative irrigation technologies. By June 2024, 21 farms had been selected from 252 assessed sites, representing diverse regions including Jazan, Eastern Province, Al Madinah, Assir, Al Baha, Hail, Al Taif, Al Qassim and Al Jawf. The project also benefited from advances in information and communication technologies (ICT) and widespread internet coverage across Saudi Arabia. Most government services are now digital, and this digital transformation has significantly impacted various sectors.

Solutions were designed using digital controllers and integrated systems with sensors, allowing farmers to monitor and operate their irrigation systems via mobile phones. Advisory support and training are provided to ensure sustainable management through global platforms.

The project has successfully installed complete irrigation systems on 17 of these farms, bringing cutting-edge technology directly to the fields where farmers like Ibrahim and Khaled now experience the benefits firsthand.

Engaging farmers and promoting adoption

To facilitate broad adoption of efficient irrigation technologies, the project employed a Farmer-to-Farmer extension approach. Lead farmers were selected based on stringent criteria and trained to advocate for modern irrigation practices among their peers. 

Education and capacity building are central to the project's success. In 2024, five on-farm information sessions were held in Ahsa, Madinah, Al Taif, Hail, and Baha regions, attracting more than 85 farmers, including SIO experts. The project experts provided hands-on training to farmers on using the newly installed irrigation systems, empowering them to fully leverage the technology.   

When asked, Ibrahim Khawaji, a smallholder farmer from Jazan, said "I am excited to see how the new irrigation system works and can’t wait to learn more so I can share the knowledge with my neighbours". Like many farmers in Saudi Arabia, Ibrahim faces the challenges of water scarcity in an arid climate. Similarly, Khaled Al Duhailan, a lead farmer in Al Ahsa also shared his experience, "The project experts from Saudi Irrigation Organization (SIO) and FAO visited my farm and showed me how smart irrigation technologies can save water. They also advised me on the best agricultural practices to enhance my farm productivity and production." Both Ibrahim and Khaled are among the primary beneficiaries of this groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming Saudi Arabia's approach to water management in agriculture.

The project also produced informative videos and flyers, which were distributed to farmers and SIO staff, reinforcing the training. Furthermore, a comprehensive public awareness campaign titled “Irrigation without Waste” was launched by SIO in June 2024. Farmers communicate with the project, particularly SIO, through several communication channels, with a designated field coordinator at each SIO branch across the Kingdom. The dissemination of introduced technologies is carried out by the lead farmers, who have been trained in effective communication and strategies for sharing results from the demonstration sites.

Cultivating a sustainable future

To ensure sustainability, the project has trained local focal points and SIO engineers and is planning to train teams of entrepreneurs and cooperative technicians in the establishment and maintenance of irrigation systems. The development of an irrigation code (currently under preparation with FAO support) and institutional financing through Agriculture Development Fund are also being considered to support irrigation technologies.

Through rigorous assessments, targeted implementation, and capacity building, this project has successfully addressed one of Saudi Arabia’s most pressing challenges—water scarcity. As the project approaches its conclusion, the Kingdom is poised to reap the long-term benefits of these advancements. The efficient irrigation practices and technologies promoted through this initiative will continue to enhance agricultural productivity, support sustainable water use, and contribute to the Kingdom's overarching development goals. 

Related links

• Saudi Vision 2030: https://www.vision2030.gov.sa/en
• Saudi National Water Strategy 2030: https://carewater.solutions/en/what-is-the-kingdoms-national-water-strategy/
• Saudi Irrigation Organization: https://www.sio.gov.sa/About/Journey_en
• Addressing Water security in arid and water stressed in KSA: https://sdgs.un.org/partnerships/addressing-water-security-arid-and-water-stressed-ksa