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Farm-level hydro-economic analysis of alternative water tariff charges using a hybrid solution method

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  • Grové, Bennie
  • Bezuidenhout, Johannes Jacobus
  • Matthews, Nicolette

Abstract

The paper’s main objective is to develop a farm-level water programming model that realistically models extensive margin and intensive margin responses resulting from deficit irrigation to the implementation of volumetric water charges. The results showed that when area-based charging applies, and irrigation application efficiency is low, more water per hectare is applied to sustain high crop yields without being held accountable for exceeding their water quota. On the other hand, irrigators with relatively higher application efficiencies could use less water than the area-based estimated water use. The results also showed that changing to volumetric water charges causes both intensive margin and extensive margin responses. Irrigators would adopt deficit irrigation and use the saved water to profitably irrigate larger areas without exceeding their water quota. Implementing volumetric charging will create an economic incentive for irrigators with low efficiencies to adopt more efficient technology which might cause rebound effects. The conclusion of whether a volumetric-based water charging system will be better than area-based water charges is not straightforward because of differentiated impacts on profitability and hydrology. While irrigators will use irrigation water relatively more efficiently and adopt more efficient irrigation technologies, their changed behaviour could impact the hydrology of the water system through reduced return flows.

Suggested Citation

  • Grové, Bennie & Bezuidenhout, Johannes Jacobus & Matthews, Nicolette, 2023. "Farm-level hydro-economic analysis of alternative water tariff charges using a hybrid solution method," 2023 Seventh AAAE/60th AEASA Conference, September 18-21, 2023, Durban, South Africa 365973, African Association of Agricultural Economists (AAAE).
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:aaae23:365973
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.365973
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Iago de Carvalho Mello & Marina Batalini de Macedo & Daniel Thá, 2026. "Economic Instruments in Water Resource Management: A Critical Review of Water Pricing and Hydro-Economic Models," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 40(4), pages 1-19, March.

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