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Ancient irrigation systems in Asia and Africa: Typologies, degradation and ecosystem services

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  • Weerahewa, Jeevika
  • Timsina, Jagadish
  • Wickramasinghe, Chamali
  • Mimasha, Sithuni
  • Dayananda, Dasuni
  • Puspakumara, Gamini

Abstract

Ancient irrigation systems (AISs) have been providing a multitude of ecosystem services to rural farming and urban communities in Asia and Africa, especially in arid and semi-arid climatic areas with low rainfall. Many AISs, however have now been degraded. A systematic analysis of AISs on their typologies, causes of degradation, and their ecosystem services is lacking.

Suggested Citation

  • Weerahewa, Jeevika & Timsina, Jagadish & Wickramasinghe, Chamali & Mimasha, Sithuni & Dayananda, Dasuni & Puspakumara, Gamini, 2023. "Ancient irrigation systems in Asia and Africa: Typologies, degradation and ecosystem services," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 205(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:agisys:v:205:y:2023:i:c:s0308521x22002165
    DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2022.103580
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    2. Timsina, Jagadish & Weerahewa, Jeevika, 2023. "Restoring ancient irrigation systems for sustainable agro-ecosystems development: Reflections on the special issue," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 209(C).

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