Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/27383

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Title
Water scarcity, pricing mechanism and institutional reform in northern China irrigated agriculture
Author/Creator
Yang, Hong;  Zhang, Xiaohe James;  Zehnder, Alexander J. B.
Description
With water scarcity becoming an increasing constraint to food production in northern China, pricing mechanism has been given a high priority in dealing with the problem. Using selected irrigation districts in northern China as a case study, this paper probes the effectiveness of pricing-based water policies in addressing challenges facing irrigated agriculture under China’s current water management institutions. The examination shows that the rapid increase in irrigation cost during the past decade has failed to generate a force for water conservation. Over-exploitation of groundwater resources has even intensified with the shift to higher value-added but often more water intensive crops. Based on a normative analysis of water demand curves, the logic behind the reluctance for water authorities and farmers to conserve water is elaborated. The result suggests that pricing irrigation alone is not a valid means of encouraging water conservation under the current irrigation management institutions. Clearly defined and legally enforceable water rights and responsibilities for water operators and users in the irrigation system are the foundation underlying the incentives for conserving water and improving the irrigation efficiency.
Relation
Agricultural Water Management Vol. 61, Issue 2, p. 143-161
Publisher Link
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0378-3774(02)00164-6
Date
2003
Publisher
Elsevier Science
Keyword(s)
water scarcity;  irrigation charge;  water demand elasticity;  institutional reform
Resource Type
journal article
Identifier
http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/27383
Identifier
ISSN:0378-3774
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Subject
"Agricultural Water Management"
 
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