DEVELOPING ECONOMIC MECHANISMS FOR EFFICIENT USE OF WATER RESOURCES IN AGRICULTURE
Keywords:
Agricultural water use, water productivity, economic mechanisms, water pricing, water-saving technologies, water user associations, sustainable agriculture, green economy.Abstract
This thesis examines the economic mechanisms required to ensure efficient use of water resources in agriculture. The purpose of the study is to assess the current state of agricultural water use efficiency and to substantiate a set of economic incentive mechanisms capable of accelerating the adoption of water-saving practices. The research relies on comparative analysis, statistical analysis and a systemic approach, drawing on official statistics, FAO AQUASTAT data, and international scientific literature. The findings show that although agriculture accounts for roughly 90–92% of total freshwater withdrawal in Uzbekistan, water productivity remains low, and that a combination of targeted subsidies, preferential credit, differentiated water tariffs and strengthened water user associations is required to close this gap.
