ADAPTATION OF AGRICULTURAL SECTOR TO THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN ARID REGIONS: REALLOCATION OF IRRIGATION WATER AMONG THE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE CROPS

摘要

Reallocation of agricultural water resources among competitive advantage crops in Saudi Arabia was investigated at the aim to develop practical adaption programs to combat the potential consequences of climate change. Special attention was given to optimize the reallocation of water resources among the key production areas of date-palm trees. Mathematical sector modeling approach was applied to produce an optimal allocation plan of water resources among the key production areas of date-palm trees in Saudi Arabia that rationalize the water use and maximize the net returns. Results showed that there is a need to consider growing date-palm trees in the regions of competitive water use advantages in the national adaption programs (NAP) in Saudi Arabia.