World irrigation

Land under irrigation in the world today, about 250 million ha, makes up about 17% of the total area cropped world-wide and contributes 36% of the world's food production. About three-quarters of the irrigated area is in the so-called developing countries. Of this, 90% is concentrated in North Africa and the Near and Far East. In contrast, sub-Saharan Africa contributes less than 2%. Irrigation technology differs between regions, not only according to climatological factors, but also to historic and socio-economic influences.