Successfully Mutual Cooperative Collective Action: Principle of Institutional Arrangement of the Aflaj Irrigation System in Sultanate of Oman

Al-Marshoudi, Ahmed S.; Sibly, Suzyrman; Khelghat‐Doost, Hamoon

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-67028-3_14

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…Despite the presence of modern irrigation techniques, farmers in Oman have persisted in utilising the AFS due to its cost-effectiveness and sustainability [ 4 ]. However, this traditional irrigation system sometimes encounters challenges that could potentially compromise its long-term viability and reliability [ 5 ]. One significant concern is the declining groundwater levels.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the environmental factors affecting the sustainability of Aini Falaj system

Al-Kindi

2024

PLoS ONE

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This study investigates the spatial distribution patterns and environmental factors influencing the Aini Falaj system in a specific study area. The research findings are presented through the lens of the following four categories: collinearity diagnostics, spatial autocorrelation analysis, kernel density (KD) findings, and multivariate geographically weighted regression (MGWR) analysis. The collinearity diagnostics were applied to examine the interrelationships among 18 independent environmental variables. The results indicate the absence of significant multicollinearity concerns, with most variables showing values below the critical threshold of five for variance inflation factors (VIFs). The selected variables indicate minimal intercorrelation, suggesting that researchers should be confident utilizing them in subsequent modelling or regression analyses. A spatial autocorrelation analysis using Moran’s Index revealed positive spatial autocorrelation and significant clustering patterns in the distribution of live and non-functional Aini Falajs. High concentrations of live or dead Falajs tended to be surrounded by neighbouring areas with similar characteristics. These findings provide insights into the ecological preferences and habitat associations of Aini Falajs, thereby aiding conservation strategies and targeted studies. The kernel density (KD) analysis depicted distribution patterns of live and dry Aini Falajs through hotspots and cold spots. Specific regions exhibited high-density areas of live Falajs, indicating favourable environmental conditions or historical factors contributing to their concentrated distribution. Identifying these high-density zones can enhance our understanding of the spatial patterns and potential factors influencing the prevalence and sustainability of Aini Falajs. The multivariate geographically weighted regression (MGWR) models revealed strong associations between the live or dead status of Aini Falajs and environmental factors. The precipitation, topographic wetness index (TWI), aspect and slope exerted positive impacts on the live status, while evaporation, solar radiation, distance to drains and drain density exerted negative influences. Similar associations were observed for the dead status, emphasising the importance of controlling evaporation, shading mechanisms, proper drainage planning and sustainable land-use practices. This study provides valuable insights into the spatial distributions and factors influencing the live and dead status of Aini Falajs, thereby contributing to our understanding of their ecological dynamics and guiding conservation efforts and management strategies.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the environmental factors affecting the sustainability of Aini Falaj system

Al-Kindi

2024

PLoS ONE

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“…They had to ask why water quality differs from one falaj to another, why groundwater level fluctuates from time to time, why some types of soil are more prone to collapse, how a worker can find his way underground while digging a tunnel from one well to another, why a well dug in a land covered with a given plant species hits groundwater, how a falaj should be managed to prevent any conflict over its water shares and so on. Although in the first place such questions originate from falaj affairs, they reside in different disciplines of sciences ranging from geology to management and institutional arrangements (Al-Marshoudi, 2018; Al-Marshoudi et al, 2021). This article shows how falaj could have contributed to the knowledge of Indigenous people about their natural and social surroundings, and how this knowledge could have paved the way for them to expand their socio-economic sphere (Dennis & Al-Ghafri, 2018).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Falaj Indigenous knowledge in Oman and Iran

Al-Ghafri

Khaneiki

Saqri

et al. 2023

AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples

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Both Oman and Iran possess a harsh environment where people’s survival and development entail a deep knowledge about their surroundings. A considerable part of this knowledge has crystallized around the falaj, a hydraulic technique that transfers water from a groundwater source or seasonal runoffs to cultivated lands, in Omani and Iranian oases, that has historically served as the only water source in an otherwise barren arid land. This article argues that the spatial extent of the falaj confronts local communities with a variety of questions to be solved. This article also tries to answer how the falaj system contributed to the development of modern sciences in a broader context. The article concludes that a transition from Indigenous knowledge to modern sciences has changed the position of local communities from coexistence to over-exploitation in terms of their water resources, and this transition can explain their current water problems.

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Successfully Mutual Cooperative Collective Action: Principle of Institutional Arrangement of the Aflaj Irrigation System in Sultanate of Oman

Cited by 2 publications

References 23 publications

Assessing the environmental factors affecting the sustainability of Aini Falaj system

Assessing the environmental factors affecting the sustainability of Aini Falaj system

Falaj Indigenous knowledge in Oman and Iran

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