ASSESSING THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY OUTCOMES OF RAPID-POOL-BENCHLAND SYSTEMS IN UZBEKISTAN’S IRRIGATED LANDSCAPES

Abstract

Agriculture is a cornerstone of Uzbekistan’s economy, accounting for a substantial portion of its GDP and employing a significant percentage of the population. Due to the country’s arid climate and limited rainfall, Uzbekistan's agricultural productivity is heavily reliant on irrigation systems, primarily drawing from the Chirchik river. Efficient water management has thus become a critical priority for Uzbekistan, especially given the increasing challenges posed by climate variability, diminishing water availability, and a growing demand for food (Rakhmatullaev et al., 2011).