Research Areas and Contemporary Issues in Agricultural Water Use: From the Perspective of Inclusive Watershed Management and Ecosystem Services

Abstract

Social science research on agricultural water use in Japan should focus on the need for inclusive watershed management to respond to climate change and the provision of ecosystem services for all the people. This study organizes seven contemporary issues related to agricultural water use into three phases: coordinated action and demand-driven water management at the farm ditch stage; land improvement districts as a management actor, maintenance and renewal problem and objectives of agricultural public enterprise at the agricultural irrigation stage; and a review of water rights and studies of the balance between water use and flood control at the basin-wide stage. The methodology and research accumulation of agricultural economics, such as the elucidation of institutional efficiency and utilisation, and economic evaluation, can provide insight into the determination of technical and conservation levels in watershed management.