Optimizing the Agricultural Water Footprint: A Review of Sustainable Practices and Linear Programming Approaches

Water scarcity is a growing global challenge, with agriculture being the largest consumer of freshwater resources. The increasing demand for food production necessitates innovative approaches to enhance water efficiency while ensuring sustainability. This review critically examines sustainable agricultural practices and the application of linear programming (LP) in optimizing the agricultural water footprint. Key aspects such as crop selection, land allocation, irrigation strategies, and water resource management are analyzed to assess their impact on water use efficiency. By synthesizing findings from recent studies, this paper highlights how LP-based optimization models can improve water conservation, maximize crop yields, and promote environmentally sustainable agricultural systems. The review also identifies existing gaps in research and underscores the need for integrated, data-driven solutions to address water resource challenges. The findings emphasize the transformative potential of combining sustainable practices with mathematical modeling to enhance agricultural resilience and ensure long-term food security in water-scarce regions.