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Agricultural Water Use Efficiency—A Case Study of Inland-River Basins in Northwest China

Author

Listed:
  • Wei Qu

    (Institute of Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Zhuhai 519087, China)

  • Yanmei Tan

    (Center for Innovation and Development Studies, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Zhuhai 519087, China)

  • Zhentao Li

    (Northeast Asian Studies College, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China)

  • Eefje Aarnoudse

    (Center for International Development and Environmental Research, Giessen University, 35392 Giessen, Germany)

  • Qin Tu

    (Center for Innovation and Development Studies, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Zhuhai 519087, China)

Abstract

Water resources play a vital role in the process of economic development, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Improving the efficiency of water use is an effective way to solve the shortage of water resources. In this paper, influencing factors of water utilization efficiency in three inland river basins (Shiyang, Heihe, and Shule river) in Gansu Province, Northwest China, are investigated. Using survey data of 306 households, results of the multiple linear regression analysis show that management capacity and its strictness in a different basin, irrigation technology and facility conditions, and farmers’ self-government are key factors affecting farmers’ irrigation efficiency. Additionally, factors at the farmer and family level, as well as the differences in natural conditions and economic and social development in different regions, also have a significant impact on water use efficiency.

Suggested Citation

  • Wei Qu & Yanmei Tan & Zhentao Li & Eefje Aarnoudse & Qin Tu, 2020. "Agricultural Water Use Efficiency—A Case Study of Inland-River Basins in Northwest China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-18, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:23:p:10192-:d:457753
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Yaqi Wang & Ming Gao & Heting Chen & Yiwen Chen & Lei Wang & Rui Wang, 2023. "Fertigation and Carboxymethyl Cellulose Applications Enhance Water-Use Efficiency, Improving Soil Available Nutrients and Maize Yield in Salt-Affected Soil," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-18, June.
    4. Yin, Changjun & Hsiao, Bo & See, Kok Fong, 2024. "Efficiency analysis of China's urban water supply utilities using a dynamic multiactivity network DEA model," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 387-404.
    5. Qian Zeng & Shuya Cao & Jiayi H. E., 2023. "Regional differences and dynamic evolution of agricultural water resources utilization efficiency in China," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 18(9), pages 1-19, September.

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