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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
This paper presents a novel approach that integrates participatory methods and a rapid appraisal process to
identify constraints and select potentially innovative solutions aimed at improving water and energy use effi-
ciency at different levels in collective irrigation systems. First, a set of quantitative performance indicators is
calculated, allowing the identification of the main problems. The study then adopts a bottom-up approach and
emphasizes the need for active involvement of stakeholders from different backgrounds to identify potential
opportunities to improve the sustainability of the collective irrigation system. From this collaborative and
integrative approach, an innovation basket is developed, that includes a variety of techniques, technologies and
management practices tailored to the specific challenges of the Lucefecit Collective Irrigation System. The results
show that high-energy consumption is the main problem, with high values for energy consumption per hectare
(2919.9 kWh) and per m3 of water delivered at the hydrants (0.43 kWh). Another problem is the lack of support
for farmers in irrigation scheduling, which leads to large variations in irrigation water productivity across farms.
The results of this study provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the participatory approach and the
feasibility of implementing innovative solutions in collective irrigation systems.
Description
Keywords
Innovation basket Water users association Performance indicators Bottom-up approach Water use efficiency Energy use efficiency
Pedagogical Context
Citation
Cameira, Maria Do Rosário, et al. «Linking Participatory Approach and Rapid Appraisal Methods to Select Potential Innovations in Collective Irrigation Systems». Agricultural Water Management, vol. 299, junho de 2024, p. 108885. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2024.108885
Publisher
Elsevier