The land area equipped for irrigation in Saudi Arabia has seen a general decline from 2013 to 2023, dropping from 49.17 units of cropland in 2013 to 44.87 units in 2023. The year-on-year variation percentages show a fluctuating but primarily downward trend, with small increments in certain years. Over the last two years (2022-2023), there was a slight decrease of -0.067% each year. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the last five years (2019-2023) indicates a very mild yearly decrease of -0.084%.
Forecast data from 2024 to 2028 predict a further, although marginal, decline in the irrigated land area, with the CAGR for this period projected at -0.06%. The anticipated total reduction over these five years is relatively minor at -0.29%.
Future Trends to Watch:
- Increasing investment in irrigation infrastructure and technology could potentially reverse or stabilize the declining trend.
- Developments in water conservation methods and policies impacting the agricultural sector.
- Environmental factors and climate change effects on water availability and irrigation needs.
- Government initiatives targeting agricultural sustainability and food security.
