Analysing structural and non‐structural options to improve utility of irrigation areas using a system dynamics approach

• Published in: Irrigation and drainage 2012, Vol.61 (5), p.604-621
• Main Authors: Tehrani, Mahsa Vaez, Ali Bagheri, Mohammad Javad Monem, Shahbaz Khan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: cropping systems; cultivation area; investment planning; irrigation systems; issues and policy; philosophy; taxonomic keys; utilities; water management
• ISSN: 1531-0353; 1531-0361

Using the philosophy of system thinking, this paper conceptualizes the dynamics governing major structural and non‐structural measures for rehabilitation of irrigation networks aimed at improving the irrigation utilities. The dynamics of improvement of irrigation networks is studied, on the basis of indicators such as adequacy, efficiency, equity, flexibility and dependability. In the present paper, the application of system dynamics analysis is demonstrated by applying it to six irrigation areas in Iran to present irrigation causal loop diagrams. The results, specifically for the Qazvin irrigation network, have been documented based on the facts. For the Qazvin irrigation network, system utility not only improves through increase in investment planning, but through conjunctive water management, reducing social constraints, and control of crop patterns and the cultivated area. Reduction of social and legal constraints with change of structural and non‐structural measures to longer‐term sustainable measures is more effective than the other policies. As a conclusion it could be stated that the system dynamics approach can be successfully applied to integrated analysis of irrigation network policy options, as well as to identification of key factors leading to degradation of irrigation networks and how to make effective decisions to sustain system utility over time.