An uncertain structure for minimizing the conflict of exploitation policies in common pool groundwater resources

Abstract

Creating a structure for allocating water from common pool resources is a serious problem in agricultural water management. In this research, an attempt has been made based on bi-objective optimization and the non-dominated theory to create the water allocation models for the cultivation pattern. The water allocated in each irrigation event was defined as the decision variable in this structure. Two objective functions include the following: (1) maximizing and minimizing the water allocation and (2) minimizing conflicts between beneficiaries in the Hebei Plain. Conflicts between beneficiaries were formulated based on the ratio between the crop area and water allocation and were defined by an inertia weight to increase its effect on the final iterations of the process. The Whale Optimization Algorithm was included as a bi-objective algorithm in the decision-making process. The number of decision variables and feasible domains in each decision model is different and creates a crowding distance for competition between operators. The results showed that the water allocation planning structure based on the evaluation index had the best solution front. HIGHLIGHTS An optimization model based on conflict resolution has been developed for agricultural water allocation.; The whale optimization algorithm has been used to minimize the conflict and extract underground water.; Planning based on water variables is the most important factor in saving groundwater resources.;

Keywords

• common pool resources
• conflict minimization
• groundwater exploitation
• water allocation