Factors Influencing Willingness to Collaborate on Water Management: Insights from Grape Farming in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Sodikjon Avazalievich Mamasoliev, Motoi Kusadokoro, Takeshi Maru, Shavkat Hasanov and Yoshiko Kawabata ()
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Sodikjon Avazalievich Mamasoliev: Department of Symbiotic Science of Environment and Natural Resources, United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
Motoi Kusadokoro: Division of Studies in Sustainable and Symbiotic Society, Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
Takeshi Maru: Division of International Environmental and Agricultural Science, Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
Shavkat Hasanov: Department of Economics and Business, Faculty of Economics and Management, Samarkand Agroinnovations and Research University, 7 Amir Temur, Dahbet Town, Okdarya District, Samarkand 141001, Uzbekistan
Yoshiko Kawabata: Division of International Environmental and Agricultural Science, Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 15, 1-18

Abstract: Water is essential for ecological balance, environmental sustainability, and food security, particularly in arid regions where effective water management increasingly depends on farmer cooperation. The Samarkand region of Uzbekistan, known for its favorable climate and leading role in grape production, is facing rising drought conditions. This study explores the factors influencing grape farmers’ willingness to collaborate on water management in the districts of Ishtikhan, Payarik, and Kushrabot, which together produce 75–80% of the region’s grapes. A quantitative survey of 384 grape-producing households was conducted across 19 county citizens’ gatherings (38.7% of such gatherings), and structural equation modeling was employed to analyze a framework consisting of four dimensions: norms, environmental concerns, economic barriers, and the intention to adopt sustainable practices. The results indicate that norms and environmental concerns positively influence collaboration, suggesting a collective orientation toward sustainability. In contrast, economic barriers such as high costs and limited financial capacity significantly hinder cooperative behavior. Furthermore, a strong individual intention to adopt sustainable practices was associated with a greater likelihood of collaboration. These findings highlight the critical drivers and constraints shaping collective water use in agriculture and suggest that targeted policy measures and community-led efforts are vital for promoting sustainable water governance in drought-prone regions.

Keywords: collective water management; sustainable agriculture; grape production; environmental attitudes; economic constraints; structural equation modeling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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