Modeling of Sustainable Management of Community Irrigation Systems (Phase 2)

This doctoral project focuses on developing a management model for community irrigation systems in the Pisque River basin, Ecuador, aiming to enhance water use efficiency and sustainability. The methodology integrates system dynamics with active stakeholder participation. The process involves five stages: literature review, socio-economic and environmental characterization of the area, model conceptualization (including characterizing irrigator organizations, administrative processes, and measuring water efficiencies), model development using causal and flow diagrams with specialized software, and finally, model validation and simulation to project future scenarios (2015-2050). Water flows will be measured using methods like the float and current meter to calculate efficiencies at the plot, distribution, and system levels. Community participation is crucial for defining management indicators (social, economic, environmental, and technological) through Likert scales and focus groups. The expected outcome is a robust model capable of evaluating the impact of different financial and operational management scenarios.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To structure a management model for the community irrigation system using the system dynamics methodology, defining indicators participatively, which will allow for improved water use efficiency and sustainability.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Sustainable water and soil management