Author(s): J. Ganoulis; E. Kolokytha; Y. Mylopoulos
Linked Author(s): Jacques Ganoulis
Keywords: Water pricing; Irrigation water; Multicriterion decision analysis; Compromise programming; Greece
Abstract: The paper presents a suitable methodology for evaluating the more sustainable use of water for irrigation purposes by considering economic, technical, environmental and social aspects of water resources management. Alternative policies based on different criteria are evaluated by using Multicriterion Decision Analysis (MCDA). A Greek case study of irrigation system development is presented. Different policies are formulated by combining data such as water pricing, the type of irrigation scheme used, crop distribution, and the use of fertilizers. The criteria used to evaluate the best possible solution include economic factors, namely the initial cost of the irrigation system, maintenance costs and crop profitability, environmental factors, which comprise water volume used, water pollution during and after irrigation and efficiency of water use, and social factors, including the employment of rural labour. The methodology of Compromise Programming (CP) is employed to rank alternative strategies. Results indicate that the most preferable strategy would be to adopt a drip irrigation system together with a moderate change in the water pricing policy, and to use green fertilizers.
Year: 2003