Assessing Barriers in Adaptation of Water Management Innovations under Rotational Canal Water Distribution System

This study assessed problems associated with irrigation water provisions and the potential barriers to the adaptation of the interventions (soil moisture sensors, on-farm water storage facilities and the drip method) under rotational canal water distribution in Punjab, Pakistan. Three groups of stakeholders were individually surveyed during September-December 2020: (i) 72 farmers, (ii) 15 officials, and (iii) 14 academicians. We used descriptive statistical analysis, cross-tabulation and the Fisher test to explore the pattern of responses across the groups. The main problems in the canal water distribution system were expressed by the farmers as limited water allocation, while academicians were concerned mostly with inflexibility and officials indicated discussion among neighbors. According to the farmers' responses, the conventional depth/interval of irrigation is flooding the field with water and observing the plants, indicating over-irrigation behavior. Moreover, the most important barriers in the adaptation of the interventions that were highly rated by the three groups were low awareness, lack of training and financial resources. Additionally, farmers' education revealed a statistically significant influence on awareness of soil moisture sensors and water storage facilities, while large farm holders showed a positive relationship to conducting a joint experiment with scientists and farmers' associations on part of their land to improve water use efficiency.

Automated summary

This study assessed the problems and potential barriers related to irrigation water provisions in Punjab, Pakistan, focusing on rotational canal water distribution. Surveys were conducted with farmers, officials, and academicians, and the findings showed that limited water allocation was a major concern for farmers, while inflexibility and lack of discussion among neighbors were identified by academicians and officials, respectively. The study also revealed that low awareness, lack of training, and financial constraints were the main barriers to adopting interventions such as soil moisture sensors, on-farm water storage facilities, and the drip method. Farmers' education and collaboration with scientists and farmers' associations were identified as important factors for improving water use efficiency.