Work

Economic efficiency of drip and flood irrigation. Comparative analysis at farm scale using DEA

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In recent decades, there has been a massive replacement of flood irrigation with drip irrigation throughout the world. Numerous studies have been published on the efficiency of these techniques in terms of water savings, but few works have paid attention to their economic efficiency at farm scale. In this research, a two-stage methodology has been used for this purpose, developed in three irrigated areas of the region of Valencia (Eastern Spain). In the first stage, interviews were conducted with experts from irrigation communities and cooperatives, and in the second stage, an efficiency analysis was carried out using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). It is concluded that, although the cultivation costs of drip irrigation are lower and the technology gap (TGRK) is smaller than flood irrigation, there is much room for improvement. Policies to promote the installation of localised irrigation should include complementary measures to ensure the viability of modernised farms.

Source: Agricultural Water Management

DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2025.109314

Authors: Marta García-Mollá, Rosa Puertas Medina, Virgina Vega-Carrero, Carles Sanchis-Ibor

Language: English

Topic: Efficiency Analysis Using DEA

Subfield: Management Science and Operations Research

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,070

Funders: Universitat Politècnica de València, Agencia Estatal de Investigación