Management of irrigation water by application of game theory: the case of AL Haouz region

Abstract

In Morocco, water resources are limited and in most cases exposed to over-exploitation and degradation by actors with their non-rational behavior seeking to maximize their own profits until the resource is depleted. This competition to access a limited resource will provoke a conflict of interest between the different actors using this resource. This work was carried out in the El Haouz area with the objective of proposing the most relevant strategy for a good management of irrigation water resource. The game theory has been applied to the case study based on the prisoner's dilemma, as this methodology is typical of conflicts of interest around the use of natural resources. This methodology has contributed to identify the problems and suggest solutions adapted to the case study. Despite the difficulties encountered in bringing together the behaviors of the various actors, contracting policy appears to be a good alternative to achieve the objective of an integrated management of irrigation water while associating social welfare, economic and environmental well-being.

Keywords

• ressource en eau
• surexploitation
• conflit
• dilemme du prisonnier
• el haouz