PERCEPTION OF FARMERS ON IRRIGATION WATER MANAGEMENT IN SEMI-ARID REGION IMPACTED BY CLIMATE CHANGE-A CASE STUDY OF SOUTHERN DEAD SEA AREA, JORDAN
Changing in climatic pattern is one of the core universal environmental challenges facing all sectors. The challenge of irrigation water scarcity has been intensified with agricultural expansion, increasing population, and climate change. A decline in water supply and availability due to climate change and decrease in precipitation rate accompany with increase in temperature presents significant and unique challenges to agricultural sector in Jordan. Water resources in southern part of the Dead Sea (DS) area are limited and are almost confined to side stream wadi base and flood flows. This study is significant, particularly in irrigation water management, in several ways. It is investigating the water users’ perceptions regarding irrigation water management, in DS region. Moreover, it is investigating the current water status and the water management options under climate change in semi-arid region. The study aims to explore the farmer’s perception, in irrigation water management. To investigate the current irrigation water status in the study area. Also, the possible mean from farmers perspective to adapt to climate change and variability in semi-arid region-southern part of DS area-Jordan. Hence, there is yet study to investigate the irrigation water management practice and strategies under climate variability and change in southern part of DS area, from farmer’s perspectives. A quantitative research design method was used. Moreover, the questionnaire was developed mainly based on the literature review. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences for Windows (SPSS). The results show that the educational level of the respondents has a significant effect on the irrigation water management under climate change. Moreover, there is a water shortage, quality, quantity problems. Additionally, there is distrusting relationship between the water users and the organizations controlling the water sectors. This study recommended that an effort should be launched to maintain and enhance the education system in the study area. This study will help the decision makers to develop and modify the legislation regarding irrigation water in the study area.
Water Management, Irrigation Water, Climate Change, Dead Sea Region, Jordan.