THE ATTITUDE OF FARMERS VIS-A-VIS THE INCREASE IN WATER TARIFFS: THE CASE OF PUBLIC IRRIGATION AREA IN ALGERIA

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to analyze through a survey - the opinions of farmers in Hamiz irrigation area (Mitidja East) about the current pricing of water for agricultural use. This is to determine their attitude vis-à-vis its possible increase to cover the costs of operation and maintenance of the irrigation area. The analysis of the survey data shows that nearly half of the irrigators accept an increase in the price of water main under the condition that the area manager of irrigation improves the supply of this resource. The wider social acceptance depends, cons of implementing a "fair process" to set the price of water, that is to say, concerted and transparent.