Evaluating Farmers’ Perceptions on Causes of Water Scarcity and Coping Strategies: a Case Study Example from Tehsil Karazat District Pishin

Abstract

This paper probes into the major causes of water scarcity and farmers coping strategies in tehsil Karazat of district Pishin, Balochistan. Both primary and secondary data were used for the study. A well-structured questionnaire was constructed to collect primary data from sample respondents. Systematic random sampling technique was used for the selection of sample respondents. This study employed both descriptive analysis and econometric model to quantify the key variables. The econometric model used in this study includes multiple regression model to predict the effects of various factors causing water scarcity. The dependent variable fallow Land other than Current fallow FLOTCF is taken as a proxy for showing the effect of water scarcity. The model results showed that among other variables, family size and lack of government control on tubewells installation significantly affect the dependent variable. While the other variables such as subsidized electricity, awareness about water as a scarce resource, inappropriate cropping pattern, over irrigation of crops and orchards, extensive pumping of groundwater, mass installation of tubewells, the availability of proper water management practices, and lack of water storage reservoirs were though non-significant but influencing the dependent variable as per prior expectations. To meet water scarcity, the farmers’ coping strategies were also analyzed. The results show that among other strategies, changes from flooding to control/basin irrigation was ranked first by the farmers, followed by changes in the irrigation interval, increase in number of tubewells, water courses lining, and installation of delivery pipes at the farm.