Water Resources Evaluation in Arid Areas Based on Agricultural Water Footprint—A Case Study on the Edge of the Taklimakan Desert

Water scarcity is an important factor limiting agricultural development in arid areas. Clarifying and evaluating the current situation of water resources regions helpful for decision-makers rational use resources. This study takes a typical region located at edge Taklamakan Desert-Hotan as area. The footprint (WF) Hotan was calculated based on 20 years data information from 2000–2019. An evaluation system established using four aspects WF: structural indicators, efficiency ecological safety sustainability indicators. results show that WF area mainly dominated by blue consumption, with proportion 65.74%. crop production larger than livestock production. produced grain crops highest all products share 44.21%. increase local reached 53.18% 2000 to 2019, but it still lower amount available agriculture. indicated region’s import dependency global level, annual average self-sufficiency rate 91.13% 878.95% economic index. exported form trade, quantitative contribution small does little relieve stress other regions. consumption within range could be carried only 6 sustainable use, future not optimistic. With ratio maintained about 58%, should above 43.21 × 108 m3 initially ensure There were 12 drought period, which are prone droughts high disaster levels. drought-water systems behaved three phases: 2000–2011 (uncoordinated level), 2012–2015 (transitional phase), 2016–2019 (coordinated level). threatened reduced. occurrence meteorological more related natural factors while changes driven socio-economic elements such human activities.