Economic value of irrigation water the Red river basin: A case study in Cau Son irrigation system

Abstract

    Irrigation plays an important role in socio-economic development in the Red River Basin because of not only ensuring food security but also increasing food export value. However, it is the largest water consumer. In the context of increasing water shortage, it is essential to determine the economic value of water used in irrigation for enhancing water use efficiency. This study analyzed the irrigation water value based on household surveys in Cau Son irrigation system for 2010 and 2018. Using the Total Economic Value framework and residual value method, analyzed results show that the economic value of irrigation water increased between these years. The water value of rice irrigation is lower about 1.8 times than that of cash crops. In addition, though the household’s farming size remained, the water value of Spring crop with often water shortage occurred, was higher than that of Summer crop with a factor of 1.4. Several solutions are recommended: (i) changing the household's cropping structure toward increased crop area producing high value and using less water; (ii) applying advanced rice cultivation practices with saving-water irrigation, and improving water management including water reuse; (iii) applying water prices to increase water use efficiency in irrigation with adaptation to climate change.