Equity Of Water Allocation Research Articles

Sustainable ecosystem management based on optimal water allocation and equity measures

Abstract Allocation of water resources is an interesting research topic and one of the main challenges of arid regions. From the point of view of agriculture, this issue is closely related to ecological balance, economic development and social stability. Therefore, fair, efficient and sustainable allocation of water resources for users and decision-making is essential. This paper presents a dynamic stochastic programming model that predicts soil moisture content in a growing season based on data collected from an experimental farm. The model included three types of loam soil, silt loam and clay loam with three treatments of irrigation intervals of 3, 7, 10 and 14 days and three amounts of water allocation with three replications. The proposed framework was evaluated with two criteria of spatial and temporal equity, and the optimal water allocation was analyzed based on this criterion. The results showed that the criterion of temporal equity for loam soil with 7-day irrigation intervals is more than twice that of 14-day irrigation intervals. In addition, the depth of irrigation has had the greatest impact on the fluctuations of the criterion of equity in water allocation in the growing season.

Governmental Options to Regulate Water Scarcity: What Can the Law Offer?

Governments all around the world have to decide on how to combat the coming water crisis. In our contribution, we analyze what the law has to offer in controlling the problem of water scarcity and fostering sustainable irrigation, the equity of water allocation, and control over environmental impacts. The main question is: “What are the governmental options to regulate water scarcity via legislation and how to become fit for the future?” Based on the theoretical framework of environmental economics, we will describe four types of possible regulation to deal with water scarcity: command and control regulation, incentive-based regulation, the supply of information, and nudges or paternalistic regulation. All these types of regulations can be used to achieve the same goal: combating water scarcity. Subsequently, based on this typology, we will review several European and non-European examples to see how supra-national and national governments are undertaking action to alleviate water scarcity, by either reducing the need for freshwater or increasing the availability of freshwater. These examples can inspire other countries around the world who are considering new forms of regulation. The examples also show that those governments are already inspiring each other; new forms of European regulation on reusing wastewater for agricultural irrigation are inspired by examples all over the world, including the Australia, the United States and India. One clear conclusion when reviewing the strategies across several countries is that the problem remains insufficiently recognized, and is therefore not as high as it should be on the political and scientific agenda. Even worse, as we will highlight, some legal frameworks have the unintended effect of creating obstacles against innovative projects which can alleviate water scarcity, and therefore the current framework of regulation functions as an impediment to preventing or solving the issue. After presenting an overview of the theory and practice, and drawing conclusions, we conclude our contribution with an overview of the questions to be considered when formulating new regulations, and three recommendations to make the regulatory framework fit for the future.

A New Scenario-Based Framework for Conflict Resolution in Water Allocation in Transboundary Watersheds

One of the main causes of water conflicts in transboundary watersheds all over the world is represented by the increasing water demand due to urban, industrial, and agricultural development. In this context, water scarcity plays a critical role since, during a drought period, water supply is not sufficient to cover the demand of all water uses. In this work, we have conceptualized and developed a new scenario-based framework able to improve the sustainability and equity of water allocation among two or more riparian countries. The proposed approach is in accordance with the United Nations Watercourses Convention. It considers a hydraulic/hydrologic model, a water-management model, and combines them with multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) and what if scenario analysis (WISA). The suggested framework was applied to the transboundary watershed of Cuareim/Quaraí river (Uruguay/Brazil) to tackle a real water-sharing conflict. It resulted in being very flexible in exploring various policy options and test and quantifying them with different scenarios to reach an objective and impartial decision in a water-sharing issue. This framework can effectively be applied to any other transboundary watershed to resolve any possible conflict related to water-allocation/water-management matter.

Optimization of equitable irrigation water delivery for a large-scale rice irrigation scheme

Equitable water allocation is essential in an irrigation scheme for obtaining potential crop yields from the entire scheme, especially when water supply is inadequate. An optimization model achieved this goal by coupling an optimal water allocation model with available water supply and irrigation water demand for a river-fed rice irrigation system in Malaysia. This model consists of a paddy field water balance module and an optimization module. The outputs from the module are daily irrigation demand and surface runoff, if there is any. The optimization module consists of an objective function, which minimizes water shortage across the scheme area while maintaining equity in water allocation. This model performs optimization subject to several system constraints, and the decision variable of the model is daily releases or supply to the tertiary canals. Performance of this model remained unaffected under different water supply conditions, and the optimization model reliably examined the effects of alternate water allocation and management rules with field information. It improves efficiency and equity in water allocation with respect to crop growth stages and water shortages rather than simply cutting irrigation supply on a proportional basis to overcome water shortages. Keywords: irrigation, optimization, simulation, equitable deliveries, rice DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20181105.3536 Citation: Rowshon M K, Iqbal M, Mojid M A, Amin M S M, Lai S H. Optimization of equitable irrigation water delivery for a large-scale rice irrigation scheme. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2018; 11(5): 160–166.

English

Mechanism for water allocation in the irrigated agriculture has been subject of conflict and challenges in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) due to higher input in rice farming and increasing water shortage. How satisfactory is the allocation mechanism by the stakeholders (the providers, policy-makers and the farmers) and how do farmers perceive equity objective on the existing water allocation mechanism in Nigeria? This paper examines constraints confronting water distribution, farmers’ level of satisfaction and their perception on equity in the process of water distribution to farmlands in the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority (UNRBDA) in Northern Nigeria. This study employs semi-structured interview and validated questionnaires survey approaches with stakeholders. Data collected were analysed using thematic approach based on themes generation and simple descriptive statistics. Findings show that weak institutions, legal framework incapacity and aging infrastructures majorly hinder equitable water allocation in the irrigated agriculture. Varied opinions were observed on the level of satisfaction among the stakeholders. While 77.7% of farmers reported that equity objective is observed, 22.2% declined that there is equity in the allocation policy. Institutional reform and adequate funding for maintenance of facilities is recommended for justice and equity in water allocation. Key words: Constraint, equity, irrigated agriculture, satisfaction, stakeholders, water allocation.

An agent-based-nash modeling framework for sustainable groundwater management: A case study

An agent-based-Nash modeling framework has been developed to find a sustainable solution for groundwater management in Daryan Aquifer, Fars Province, Iran. This framework also includes a MODFLOW simulation model, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN), and a Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (NSGA-II) optimization model. Groundwater state was simulated using MODFLOW and it was calibrated based on the measured data provided by Regional Water Organization (RWO) of Fars Province. In order to reduce the computational time, an ANN was trained and validated based on the input-output data of the MODFLOW model to estimate groundwater level. The validated ANN was linked to a nonhomogeneous elitist NSGA-II multi-objective optimization model to find a Pareto optimal front among the three objectives of reducing irrigation water deficit, increasing equity in water allocation, and reducing groundwater drawdown, as the objectives of the three main groundwater resource stakeholders; farmers, the government executive sector, and the environmental protection institutes. The Nash bargaining model was applied to the optimal solutions in order to find a compromise among the stakeholders. Social influential factors in the study environment, and policy mechanisms to encourage agents to cooperate with the management decisions were implemented in the agent-based model. These factors include training, incentives, penalties, and social norming (neighbors' impacts), as well as considering the executive and judicial systems. After application of the agent-based model, computed optimum solutions were modified according to social conditions. Finally, the Nash bargaining model was used again to find a compromise among modified optimal objectives of the stakeholders. Implementation of this solution led to 58.3% less water extraction and approximately 3m water level uplift.

Integrated water resources management and water users' associations in the arid region of northwest China: A case study of farmers' perceptions

Water scarcity is a critical policy issue in the arid regions of northwest China. The local government has widely adopted integrated water resources management (IWRM), but lacks support from farmers and farm communities. We undertook a case study in the Minqin oasis of northwest China to examine farmers' responses to IWRM and understand why farmer water users' associations (WUAs) are not functioning effectively at the community level. Results of quantitative and qualitative surveys of 392 farmers in 27 administrative villages showed that over 70% of farmers disapprove of the IWRM market-based reforms. In particular, the failure of farmer WUAs can be attributed to overlapping organizational structures between the WUAs and the villagers' committees; mismatches between the organizational scale of the WUAs and practical irrigation management by the farmers themselves; marginalization of rural women in water decision-making processes; and the inflexibility of IWRM implementation. An important policy implication from this study is that rebuilding farmer WUAs is key to overcoming the difficulties of IWRM. The current water governance structure, which is dominated by administrative systems, must be thoroughly reviewed to break the vicious cycle of tension and distrust between farmers and the government.

Acceptable risk and social values: struggling with uncertainty in Australian water allocation

While people support long term sustainability and intergenerational equity in water allocation in Australia it is hard to get agreement on how that should be achieved especially when water is taken away from some users and either given to others or to the environment. Governments hope that this difficulty will be alleviated by uncertainties being dealt with by improved science and evidence based decision making. This paper suggests that while it is true that acceptance of plans relies on judgments of certainty in issues of sustainability, uncertainty can come from social, institutional and economic as well as from ecological and biophysical uncertainty. It is likely that the human based uncertainties significantly exceed those of science, certainly in terms of developing water reform. This is particularly the case when intergenerational issues are at stake. Human tendencies to discount the future and moral obligations to those not close to their interests are universal. Thus even when considering future generations self motivated judgments of what is fair are likely. Nevertheless, some delegation to others (including the government) can be achieved when the ongoing procedural justice of decision making allows groups to activate trust and fairness based heuristics. These heuristics create a diminution of uncertainty in relation to complex issues such as water allocation. How uncertainty could be managed through collaborative planning is discussed. Without attention to these basic human uncertainties the conflict observed in relation to Australian water plans is likely to continue with likely negative outcomes to all concerned.

Regional allocation of irrigation water in a rice paddy area with water-saving practices

A multiobjective optimization model has been presented for allocating irrigation waters in a rice paddy area. Water-saving practices conducted on the field-plot basis are considered and expressed in the optimal water allocation problem in the regional scale. Irrigation water allocated to the blocks of paddy fields is divided into two components of a basic amount and a safety margin in order to mitigate the effect of hydrological and hydraulic uncertainties on the study area. Four competing management objectives with regard to total rice yield, total water-saving cost, equity of water allocation, and safety of water supply are defined in the linear programming formulation so that noninferior solutions can be procured which are informative and persuasive in decision-making. Applicability of the optimization model is examined using water allocation problems for a hypothetical irrigation system. It is demonstrated that the optimization model can provide satisficing solutions where the four objectives are harmonized under substantial variations of total water supply to the irrigation system.

Optimal irrigation planning model for an existing storage based irrigation system in India

A weekly irrigation planning LP model is formulated for determining the optimal cropping pattern and reservoir water allocation for an existing storage based irrigation system in India. Objective of the model is maximization of net annual benefit from the project. In an irrigation planning of a storage based irrigation system, initial storage of the reservoir at the beginning of the reservoir operation, expected inflows into the reservoir during each intraseasonal period, capacity of channels, crop calendar and yield response to water deficit in each growth stage of crop play a vital role in deciding acreage and water allocation to each crop. The planning model takes into account yield response to water deficit in each intraseasonal period of the crop, expected weekly inflows entering into the reservoir, storage continuity of reservoir, land and water availability, equity of water allocation among sub areas and proportionate downstream river release. One year comprising of 52 weeks is considered as planning horizon. To account for uncertainty in water resources availability, the model is solved for four levels of reliability of weekly inflows entering into the reservoir (90%, 85%, 80% and 75%). Alternative optimal cropping patterns and weekly releases to crops grown in each sub area under each main canal are obtained for various states of initial storage at the beginning of reservoir operation and for various levels of weekly inflows into the reservoir. Results reveal the importance of initial state of reservoir storage for feasible solution and shows the impact on cropping pattern with the change in initial storage of reservoir for different levels of reliability of weekly inflows.

Socioeconomic differentials and availability of domestic water in South Africa

The past few decades has seen massive efforts to increasing provision of domestic water. However, water is still unavailable to many people most of them located in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and East Asia. Furthermore, availability of water varies greatly both spatially and temporary. While other people pay so dearly for domestic water others have an easy access to adequate clean water and sanitation. Accessibility and affordability of domestic water and sanitation is determined by a great variety of factors including socioeconomic status of households. The main objective of the paper is to inform on factors which need to be taken into account when coming up with projects to provide domestic water. It is more critical when the issue of water pricing comes into the equation. Water pricing has many facets, including equity, willingness to pay and affordability. In this premise, it is deemed important to understand the socioeconomic characteristics of the people before deciding on the amount of money they will have to pay for water consumption. It is argued that understanding people’s socioeconomic situation will greatly help to ensure that principles of sustainability and equity in water allocation and pricing are achieved. To do so, the paper utilized 2002 South Africa General Household Survey (GHS), to analyze socioeconomic variables and availability of domestic water. Analysis was mainly descriptive. However, logistic regression analysis was also utilized to determine the likelihood of living in a household that obtain water from a safe source. The study found that there is a strong relationship between availability of domestic water and socioeconomic conditions. Economic status, household size and to a lesser extent gender of head of household were found to be strong predictors of living in a household which obtained water from a safe source. The paper recommends that needs and priorities for interventions in water provision should take into account socioeconomic status of households.

A framework for sustainability analysis in water resources management and application to the Syr Darya Basin

Sustainable water management in irrigation‐dominated river basins attempts to ensure a long‐term, stable, and flexible water supply to meet crop water demands, as well as growing municipal and industrial water demands, while mitigating negative environmental consequences. To achieve this delicate balance, new models are needed which can use indicators of sustainability to guide the decision‐making process. This paper presents a new long‐term modeling framework which uses quantified sustainability criteria in a long‐term optimization model of a basin, ensuring risk minimization in water supply, environmental conservation, equity in water allocation, and economic efficiency in water infrastructure development. “Current” and “future” water supply and demand are combined into a coherent system which takes account of the cumulative effects of short‐term water use decisions and deals with the tradeoffs between the benefits of current and future generations. The modeling framework is demonstrated with an application to the Syr Darya River Basin of central Asia. Model results show the effectiveness of this tool for policy analysis in the context of the river basin.

Perceptions of equity and procedural preferences for water allocation decisions

Abstract The concepts of equity and procedural justice have greater significance as competition for water resources increases. In this study procedural preferences and attitudes towards equity in groundwater allocation were measured for residents of Perth, Western Australia. The most preferred procedure was arbitration. Moot and market‐driven allocation procedures were the least popular. Preferences for specific procedures were not modified by the degree of conflict in the allocation. Attitudes towards equity in water allocation revealed two factors: “egalitarianism”; and “proportionality.”; Most people supported an egalitarian view of water allocation. There was a significant positive correlation between support for egalitarianism and positive attitudes towards procedural justice. Positive attitudes towards proportionality were associated with a perception of greater conflict in allocation issues. Sub‐groups of individuals high on egalitarianism and proportionality were identified. Proportional individua...