Systems Analysis and Irrigation Planning

Abstract

Certain concepts and techniques of systems analysis can assist irrigation planning in poor countries with social and physical environments different from those of industrialized nations. An extensive literature survey is followed by description of the basic deterministic planning model—a model emphasizing the interactive consequences of cropping pattern selection, conjunctive use of ground and surface water, and employment of wells as water table control devices. Stochastic parameters are introduced into the model in order to improve the model's robustness of representation of reality and in order to interpret the consequences of stochastic variability meaningfully. Various factors favor the use of the chance-constrained approach to stochastic programming. Unlike previous applications, general distribution functions, variable capacities, piecewise linear decision rules, and stochastic demands and supplies are dealt with.