Optimal Operational Management of Aflaj Watering System in the Sultanate of Oman: A Review

Yasir AL-Saadi

doi:https://doi.org/10.14445/23939125/IJEMS-V8I10P110

Research Article | Open Access

Volume 8 | Issue 10 | Year 2021 | Article Id. IJEMS-V8I10P110 | DOI : https://doi.org/10.14445/23939125/IJEMS-V8I10P110

Optimal Operational Management of Aflaj Watering System in the Sultanate of Oman: A Review

Yasir AL-Saadi, Abdul Hakim H M Mohamed, Akbar Khanan

Citation :

Yasir AL-Saadi, Abdul Hakim H M Mohamed, Akbar Khanan, "Optimal Operational Management of Aflaj Watering System in the Sultanate of Oman: A Review," International Journal of Economics and Management Studies, vol. 8, no. 10, pp. 68-81, 2021. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23939125/IJEMS-V8I10P110

Abstract

This paper discusses the traditional operational management of the aflaj water distribution system in the Sultanate of Oman in terms of real water value. It compares it with the quantity and value of crops in three main aflaj in the North A’Sharqiyah Governorate. The study also covered the method of improving the management of the Aflaj water distribution system, the actual water needs of palm trees, and the method used to irrigate the crops. The approach of this study is inductive, and to some extent, qualitative. This study examines the issue of the traditional management of the Aflaj water distribution system and its allocations preferences. The approach of this study is inductive, and to some extent, qualitative. It begins with the related current and historical available data within Oman repositories and archives, which were used to draw recommendations, and conclusions. The results indicate a large surplus in the irrigation process of crops and mismanagement of the Aflaj water distribution system. The paper included some recommendations for restructuring the management of the falaj water distribution system, improving the procedures used to reach balance and obtaining a more significant economic value than the current traditional water management, and the obstacles facing the improvement process, the most important of which are the prevailing social customs that control the process of managing the operation of the falaj water distribution.

Keywords

Oman, Aflaj, Traditional watering systems, Water market, Athar, Badda, Irrigation scheduling, Water requirements, Date production.

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