Sequence of agricultural water use for society

Intensification, equity, conservation, disinvestment and back to intensification

Bibliographic Data

ID22416351
AuthorsChris Seijger (0009-0003-9703-4214, Wageningen University & Research, corresponding author)
Year2026
Volume42
Issue2
Pages241-262
Publication date2026-03-04
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Water Resources Development (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0790-0627 • E-ISSN: 1360-0648
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/07900627.2026.2622438
OpenAlexW7133725749
LanguageEN
References cited64

This study centres on sequences of agricultural water use for society. Drawing on 36 international reorientation cases, defined as reforms in agricultural water management undertaken to accommodate shifts in societal priorities, it identifies one overarching sequence. Economic growth emerges as the primary driver of agricultural expansion and intensification. Yet societal priorities do shift, prompting changes in agricultural water management. This occurs when environmental, social or exogeneous limits are exceeded. Depending on the effectiveness of interventions, these shifts may temporarily or permanently reduce agricultural land, water resources and pollution. Directions for further research concern disinvestment, water caps and unexamined growth paths.

Agriculture · Disinvestment · Farm water · Water resources · Water use · Wastewater Treatment and Reuse · Water Governance and Infrastructure · Water resources management and optimization

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access