Abstract

Ensuring food security is a significant challenge facing our society today. The goal of irrigation management is to enhance food production within the existing agricultural areas while considering environmental sustainability. In Brazil, the high demand for irrigation, coupled with various technologies employed in food production, necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the historical context and technical feasibility. Irresponsible adoption of irrigation practices may escalate the risk of water scarcity and conflicts over water use. Despite substantial growth in Brazil's irrigated area over the past two decades, irrigated agriculture remains vulnerable to factors such as climate change and land cover, particularly in regions like the Cerrado and the Amazon. These vulnerabilities can directly impact rainfall patterns, consequently affecting the surface availability of water resources. It is crucial to address these challenges responsibly to ensure sustainable food production and mitigate potential environmental risks.

Key words: Irrigation, water, land use, natural resources, Brazil.