Abstract:

Purpose: It is expected that the already existing water scarcity and water allocation problems will increase with respect to scope and size via climate change in the Gediz Basin, where agricultural products with high water demand are produced. The aim of this study is to determine the producers’ decision for agricultural irrigation method within the preference weights of alternative irrigation methods under climate change. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was carried out in the Gediz Basin, where nearly %80 of the water demand is for the purpose of agricultural irrigation and expected to significant temperature rises and lack of precipitation in climate change projections. The survey was conducted with 166 producers in city of Manisa, districts of Center, Turgutlu, Ahmetli, Salihli and Alaşehir, which generates the study area. Grid Analysis method was used for the analysis of the data obtained from the surveys. Findings: Low-cost irrigation takes the first place among the criteria affecting the preference of irrigation method in the research area. This is followed by the protection of the environment and soil, and then the protection of water resources. The drip irrigation method takes the first place in the irrigation method preferences of the producers. Originality/Value: Studies that specifically address climate change and irrigation from the perspective of producers are limited at an international level. It is considered that this study is unique due to the climate, irrigation and differences of the producers’ condition of the countries and regions where the research was conducted and to the matter in hand of the subject.

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