ABSTRACT
Irrigation infrastructure played an important role in the intensification of agricultural production in the Mediterranean Region, with positive effects on the rural economy and the sustainability of agriculture. However, because of the observed climate trends and the intensification of agricultural practices, the Mediterranean region has been identified as one of the most susceptible areas in terms of impact on crop irrigation demand and on the performance and sustainability of existing irrigation infrastructures. A water balance model was developed to evaluate the irrigation requirements for current and future climatic conditions. Then a model for hydraulic analysis was used to assess the impact of future climatic conditions on the hydraulic performance of irrigation systems. Results indicate that climate change is imposing a new challenge for designers of irrigation infrastructure as the demand for water, particularly during peak periods, is going to increase in the near future. Under these conditions, the performance of irrigation distribution systems tend to decrease drastically in the absence of appropriate technical and/or management practices. Therefore, managers and designers together should assess which measures are technically and economically appropriate to face such problem, and then establish priorities of interventions.
