Including Farmer Irrigation Behavior in a Sociohydrological Modeling Framework With Application in North India

Abstract

Understanding water user behavior and its potential outcomes is important for the development of suitable water resource management options. Computational models are commonly used to assist water resource management decision making; however, while natural processes are increasingly well modeled, the inclusion of human behavior has lagged behind. Improved representation of irrigation water user behavior within models can provide more accurate and relevant information for irrigation management in the agricultural sector. This paper outlines a model that conceptualizes and proceduralizes observed farmer irrigation practices, highlighting impacts and interactions between the environment and behavior. It is developed using a bottom‐up approach, informed through field experience and farmer interaction in the state of Uttar Pradesh, northern India. Observed processes and dynamics were translated into parsimonious algorithms, which represent field conditions and provide a tool for policy analysis and water management. The modeling framework is applied to four districts in Uttar Pradesh and used to evaluate the potential impact of changes in climate and irrigation behavior on water resources and farmer livelihood. Results suggest changes in water user behavior could have a greater impact on water resources, crop yields, and farmer income than changes in future climate. In addition, increased abstraction may be sustainable but its viability varies across the study region. By simulating the feedbacks and interactions between the behavior of water users, irrigation officials and agricultural practices, this work highlights the importance of directly including water user behavior in policy making and operational tools to achieve water and livelihood security.

Isolating the impacts of anthropogenic water use within the hydrological regime of north India

“…This information was crucial for developing whole water system understanding, leading to increased model realism. From this information, the CHANSE (Coupled Human And Natural Systems Environment) socio‐hydrological model, adapted from the model developed by O'Keeffe et al (), was informed and improved to better represent local conditions. Quantitative data on climate, groundwater levels and relevant socio‐economic variables were also used to drive the modelling framework.…”

“…Schematic overview of the conceptual model highlighting both behavioural and physically based elements and how they are connected within the modelling framework. Adapted from O'Keeffe et al () to represent the most important aspects of model operation for the Gandak study area. [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]…”

“…We use a socio‐hydrological modelling framework developed by O'Keeffe et al () – CHANSE. The model represents observed farmer irrigation practices with the overall aim of simulating feedback and interaction between the environment and the behaviour of water users, highlighting alternative management options and trade‐offs.…”

“…However, canal leakage also increases the vulnerability to groundwater flooding, a problem reported by some farmers in the study region (Chowdary et al, ). This information was used to inform and improve an existing socio‐hydrological model developed for eastern Uttar Pradesh (O'Keeffe et al, ) in order to better represent local conditions.…”

“…Scenarios that represent different irrigation and non‐irrigation practices are explored. For the purpose of this analysis, our socio‐hydrological modelling framework comprising groundwater and crop models, which explicitly accounts for water use behaviour in India (O'Keeffe et al, ), was expanded to include lateral groundwater flow leaving the model domain. By analysing the impacts of variations within the hydrological regime on the underlying aquifers, we quantify the impact of human water use on the region's hydrological cycle.…”