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Effects of the Irrigation Modernization in Spain 2002–2015

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Abstract

Regions and basins suffering from water scarcity have promoted the modernization of irrigation systems, defined as irrigation efficiency enhancement as a measure for the adaptation to a growing demand and a limited supply of water resources. In the period 2002–2015, Spain carried out an intense irrigation modernization process with the aim of achieving significant water savings and higher flexibility and to guarantee supply, among other favourable outcomes (e.g. environmental and socio-economic). Nevertheless, certain unfavourable effects of irrigation modernization also need to be discussed. This study analyses these effects in Spain based upon a DPSIR (Driving forces, Pressures, States, Impacts, and Responses) framework and a wide-ranging review of the existing empirical literature. Our findings are highly relevant to inform decision-makers in the planning of future irrigation modernization programmes worldwide.

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Acknowledgements

The authors have received financial support from MINECO-Grant: AGL-2014-53417-R. Authors acknowledge the suggestions from anonymous reviewers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. WEARE Research Group, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus Rabanales, 14071, Córdoba, Spain

    Julio Berbel & Carlos Gutiérrez-Martín

  2. WEARE Research Group and Department of Economic Analysis, Universidad de Sevilla, 41018, Sevilla, Spain

    Alfonso Expósito

  3. Instituto de Agricultura Sostenible, CSIC, Alameda del Obispo, 14080, Córdoba, Spain

    Luciano Mateos

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  1. Julio Berbel
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Correspondence to Julio Berbel.

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Berbel, J., Expósito, A., Gutiérrez-Martín, C. et al. Effects of the Irrigation Modernization in Spain 2002–2015. Water Resour Manage 33, 1835–1849 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11269-019-02215-w

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