Among the multiple adaptations that exist to face climate change, irrigation is one straightforward option for wine growing. Yet, widespread development of irrigation may strengthen water scarcity and further increase farmers? vulnerability to water stress. In this context, understanding the conditions of the adoption of irrigation is of outmost importance to characterize the process, the risks and the policy implications of climate change adaptation. This paper presents an empirical approach for understanding the factors driving current and envisioned irrigation at farm level, by combining Internet-survey data and terroir data (precipitation, temperature, and soil water holding capacity) characterizing wine growers and farms in southeastern France (LanguedocRoussillon). Survey data include current and future practices, the perceptions of past changes, and wine growers? main objectives. The sample gathers 28% of growers that are already irrigating their vines, 39% that are considering this option for the future. Results of different econometric models show that both terroir and socioeconomic factors such as perceptions and objectives play significant roles in the adoption of irrigation. Specifically, perceptions of water scarcity seem to drive future irrigation projects much more than real water scarcity. These results carry important policy implications for water-demand forecasting and water-supply planning.
Graveline, N; Grémont, M
The role of perceptions, goals and characteristics of wine growers on irrigation adoption in the context of climate change
Agricultural Water Management