How to reduce irrigation withdrawals in a cost-effective way? Results from a foresight and economic analyses in two river basins in the south of France

Abstract

This article illustrates the economic analysis applying promoted by the European Water Framework Directive. It presents the methodology and the results based on the applying to agricultural use of water in two river basins in the south of France where water shortages occurs regularly. The future withdrawals for irrigation in 2020 are assessed by a foresight approach and a cost-effective analysis is then performed. Results at several scales allow to identify the most effective measures to save water. The unit cost of these measures could be compared to the unit cost of others measures like new water resource mobilization to help water stakeholders in their planning.