The way multiple cropping and intercropping are accounted for is not standardized and not always clear. Irrigation potential is determined on assumptions that vary from country to country. Except in a few cases, no consideration is given to the possible double counting of shared water resources. There are conceptual and methodological difficulties of interpretation. Some national data use a narrow definition while other data may be broadly defined.
Some countries report areas with irrigation facilities, while others use areas provided with water.
The indicator value does not capture the quality or conditions of both land and water resources. Knowledge of other factors such as crops grown, agro- ecological zone type, and distribution of farm size would be relevant to its interpretation. Other aspects of irrigation, including equity, efficiency, and importance to the overall national agricultural production are not reflected in the indicator. The indicator does not provide a measure of lands with irrigation potential. At the sub-national level, irrigated area as a percent of irrigable area can be a better indicator of both development potential and sustainable development.