Factors affecting the crop's water footprint to optimize the water use efficiency in the Gaza strip, Palestine
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT The agricultural sector in the Gaza Strip consumes more than 51% of the available water, leading to a massive deficit in the water budget. This study employs the water footprint concept as an innovative tool for effective water resources management. It examines the impact of several factors on nine basic crops (olives, citrus, grapes, wheat, tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, squash, and cucumber) in the aspects of irrigation water consumption, climate parameters, crop patterns, virtual water trade, and achieving the best profits using the CROPWAT program and developing a linear programming model that combines economic benefit and water footprint. The best optimization was attained by changing crop pattern cultivation, as it achieved food security and optimized by 33% the use of green water. Also, the consumption of blue water was reduced by 29.4 million m3 (37%), as well as the productivity of water units increased to 18.5 $/m3 for eggplant, followed by potatoes at 13.9 $/m3, tomatoes at 9.25 $/m3, and cucumbers at 8.74 $/m3. The water footprint has proven its effectiveness in increasing water use efficiency and is considered an effective tool in planning for sustainable water management.
DOI: 10.2166/wcc.2025.558
Authors: Amjad Mizyed, Yunes Mogheir, Mazen S. Hamada
Institutions: Al-Azhar University – Gaza, Islamic University of Gaza
Language: English
Subfield: Ocean Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4408938942