Determinants of rural household’s willingness to pay for karez rehabilitation in Balochistan province of Pakistan

ABSTRACT

Karez are an important traditional irrigation system used by farmers in Balochistan province of Pakistan. Increased use of tube well technology has led to abandonment of majority of the Karez systems in Balochistan. In this study, we have attempted to find out determinants of household’s willingness to pay for rehabilitation of Karez systems. We collected primary data in our study area, Pishin sub-basin during August to November 2018 from 200 sample households using structured questionnaire and interviews. Respondents for the survey were selected from households living nearby abandoned Karez systems. We used a chi-square test and regression for data analysis. Results of the study show that bulk of the household (68%) showed willingness for payment to rehabilitate karez systems in Balochistan. Logistic regression model showed that membership in karez committee, land-holding size and security of land tenure significantly affect willingness to pay for karez rehabilitation. Lack of empirical research on restoration efforts for abandoned karez systems drew our attention to find out households’ willingness to pay for the rehabilitation of karezes. Social organizations in the area needs to be strengthened that would motivate household for payment of karez rehabilitation. This will lead to sustainable management of this cultural heritage in the area.

KEYWORDS:

• Karez
• traditional irrigation system
• willingness to pay
• rehabilitation
• Balochistan

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.