However, little importance is given to land scaling and water consumption effects in respect to agricultural development and rural livelihoods. Further, the valuation of agricultural water is another issue that has not been sufficiently elaborated. Another major aspect which is still poorly investigated pertains to farmers' perceptions towards the significance of institutional and environmental related parameters of agricultural water. Last but not least, little attention has been given to crucial socio-demographic indicators which could act as potential drivers to farmers' perceptions towards environmental related parameters of agricultural water.
The aforementioned subjects are investigated in the research in selected regions of IGB area and the outcome is presented in four separate research papers -
The overall analysis signifies that the enhancement of rural livelihoods demands the possession of a minimum landholding scale, the introduction of institutional settings for the empowerment of groundwater irrigation and the incorporation of environmental water related services in irrigation policy. More detailed policy recommendations are described in each paper accordingly.
The report can be viewed at the website of the International Water Management Institute here