Abstract:
There is a finite amount of fresh water on earth and only 3% of the total water in the world is freshwater while less than 1% is readily usable by humans. Water availability varies in time and space. One river basin may be suffering extended drought while neighbouring river basins may be experiencing devastating floods. Water scarcity can be defined as a lack of sufficient water or not having access to safe water supplies. When considering the situation in the Mi Oya river basin, clearly it can be identified water scarcity in this area as mentioned by the definition. Therefore, the purpose of the study is, identify the impacts of water scarcity on agriculture while introducing mitigation methods to the recognized impacts. Accordingly, research problems seek answers for the questions of what are the main fields of agriculture affected by water scarcity and to which extent it impacts agricultural activities in this area. The main objective of the study is to identify the impact of water scarcity on agriculture in the Mi Oya river basin. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used for data collection through questionnaires, structural and semi-structural interviews, and case studies. As well as a mixed method of descriptive and analytical have been applied for the data analysis and discussion. Accordingly, results proved that paddy cultivation as the main field affected due to water scarcity and at least one season or abandon because of the insufficient water in the area. Therefore, people have to use adaptive methods for water scarcity. Finally, can be concluded that it is very important to recognize these kinds of impacts as we are having an agricultural economy and because of water scarcity considered as a global crisis around the world.
