The impact of agricultural water pricing institution on the water rebound effect in western China – based on the policy of comprehensive agricultural water price reform

Bibliographic Data

ID22416347
AuthorsYing Chai (0009-0004-0616-5102, Guangdong University of Finance and Economics, corresponding author), Xinyi Huang (0000-0002-8107-1446, Guangdong University of Finance and Economics), Haoming Lin (Guangdong University of Finance and Economics), Yunmin Zeng (Guangdong Academy of Social Sciences)
Year2026
Pages1-26
Publication date2026-06-15
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Water Resources Development (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0790-0627 • E-ISSN: 1360-0648
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/07900627.2026.2676859
OpenAlexW7164851829
LanguageEN
References cited33

The water rebound effect (WRE) challenges sustainable irrigation by offsetting gains from improved irrigation efficiency. Using a DID approach and panel data from 1999 to 2022, this study finds that China’s Comprehensive Agricultural Water Price Reform (CAWPR) significantly reduces the WRE in Western China. The reform promotes water-saving irrigation while limiting the reuse of saved water, turning efficiency gains into actual regional water conservation. These findings show that CAWPR can address the irrigation efficiency paradox and support agricultural water sustainability.

Agriculture · China · Farm water · Institution · Irrigation · Limiting · Sustainability · Water conservation · Water pricing · Economics of Agriculture and Food Markets · Energy, Environment, and Transportation Policies · Water resources management and optimization

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