A comprehensive review of traditional irrigation systems: Sustainability and future prospects

Carla da-Silva-Branco, António Guerreiro de Brito and Paulo Castro Seixas

Agricultural Systems, 2026, vol. 231, issue C

Abstract: Traditional Irrigation Systems (TIS) are ancient, complex hydro-social systems that entangle a network of socio-technical-ecological relationships, having endured for centuries. TIS faces threats from rural desertification, climate change, and poor maintenance, among others. These systems rely on knowledge transmitted across generations and practices tailored to local environmental, social, and economic conditions.

Keywords: Systematic literature review; Farmer-managed irrigation systems; Small-scale irrigation systems; Community irrigation systems; Commons; Agroecosystems (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:agisys:v:231:y:2026:i:c:s0308521x25002215

DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2025.104481

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