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Lost in translation? Water efficiency in Spanish agriculture

Author

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  • Lopez-Gunn, E.
  • Zorrilla, P.
  • Prieto, F.
  • Llamas, M.R.

Abstract

This paper re-visits the concept of water efficiency applied to Spanish agriculture and assesses how this technical concept is sometimes lost in translation when applied at different spatial scales. The paper traces the historical dominance of irrigated agriculture in Spanish water policy. It analyses the water efficiency concept at the macro level, by evaluating recent national policy initiatives and public investment programmes over the last decade to modernise irrigation, which anticipated large water savings. “Water efficiency” is then framed in its socio-political context, by looking at debates and discussions over the past, current and future role of irrigation, key evaluation criteria and objectives for large scale irrigation modernisation plans, what are the links to water rights and allocation, benefits and beneficiaries from water savings and important unanticipated consequences and co-benefits in modernisation, and the reform of agricultural policies. Finally it identifies the central role played at national, European and global levels by agricultural (and energy) policies as key external drivers for the long term viability of modern irrigation on social, environmental and economic-productivity terms.

Suggested Citation

  • Lopez-Gunn, E. & Zorrilla, P. & Prieto, F. & Llamas, M.R., 2012. "Lost in translation? Water efficiency in Spanish agriculture," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 108(C), pages 83-95.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:agiwat:v:108:y:2012:i:c:p:83-95
    DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2012.01.005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alberto Garrido & M. Ramón Llamas & Consuelo Varela-Ortega & Paula Novo & Roberto Rodríguez-Casado & Maite M. Aldaya, 2010. "Water Footprint and Virtual Water Trade in Spain," Natural Resource Management and Policy, Springer, number 978-1-4419-5741-2, December.
    2. Seckler, D. & Molden, D. & Sakthivadivel, R., 2003. "The concept of efficiency in water resources management and policy," IWMI Books, Reports H032634, International Water Management Institute.
    3. Molle, Francois & Turral, Hugh, 2004. "Demand management in a basin perspective: is the potential for water saving overestimated?," Conference Papers h034365, International Water Management Institute.
    4. Kijne, J. W. & Barker, R. & Molden. D., 2003. "Water productivity in agriculture: limits and opportunities for improvement," IWMI Books, Reports H032631, International Water Management Institute.
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