Enhancing Treated Wastewater Reuse in Saudi Agriculture: Farmers’ Perspectives

Rady Tawfik, Khalid G. Biro Turk (), Mohammad Alomair, Salah Sidahmed, Randah M. Alqurashi, Ammar Ebrahim, Mohamed El-Kafrawy, Sidiq Hamad and Emad Al-Karablieh
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Rady Tawfik: Department of Agribusiness and Consumer Sciences, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
Khalid G. Biro Turk: Water and Environmental Studies Centre, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
Mohammad Alomair: Saudi Irrigation Organization (SIO), P.O. Box 279, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
Salah Sidahmed: Saudi Irrigation Organization (SIO), P.O. Box 279, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
Randah M. Alqurashi: Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
Ammar Ebrahim: Institute of Studies and Consultations, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
Mohamed El-Kafrawy: Saudi Irrigation Organization (SIO), P.O. Box 279, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
Sidiq Hamad: Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
Emad Al-Karablieh: Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan

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

Abstract: The reuse of treated wastewater (TWW) offers a sustainable solution for water management in agriculture, particularly in arid regions like Saudi Arabia. However, its success depends on farmers’ acceptance, influenced by perceptions of economic benefits, social acceptability, environmental impacts, and health risks. This study surveys 391 farmers across five regions in Saudi Arabia to assess their attitudes toward TWW reuse in irrigation, exploring how advanced wastewater treatment technologies can improve acceptance. Results show that 65% of farmers use TWW, with usage peaking at 72% in Al-Ahsa and Qatif, driven by water scarcity and lack of alternatives. While 78% are satisfied with TWW, concerns persist regarding pests, consumer acceptance, health risks, and soil quality. Advanced technologies can mitigate these issues by enhancing water quality and safety. The highest positive impact of the use of TWW in irrigation from was the impact on productivity, reduction in the cost of fertilizers and savings in the cost of water abstraction. With only 57% of farmers receiving extension services, integrating education on these technologies could further boost confidence. This study highlights key acceptance factors, underscoring the need for technological and educational interventions to promote sustainable TWW reuse in agriculture.

Keywords: agricultural irrigation; farmers’ attitudes; sustainability; treated wastewater; water scarcity (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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