Assessing Sustainable Water Management Practices in Agricultural Cooperatives in Coastal Regions

Thesis Abstract

The sustainable management of water resources remains a critical challenge for agricultural cooperatives in coastal regions, where rising salinity, climate variability, and increasing demand threaten the long-term viability of farming practices. Despite the vital role of cooperative organizations in local agricultural economies, limited empirical data exist on the efficiency and sustainability of their water management strategies, which necessitates a comprehensive assessment to inform policy and operational improvements. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the sustainability of water management practices within agricultural cooperatives along the coastal belt, with specific objectives to identify prevailing water use methods, assess their environmental and socio-economic impacts, and recommend context-specific strategies for sustainable water use. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates both quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a holistic understanding of water management practices. The target population comprises all registered agricultural cooperatives within a coastal region spanning approximately 500 square kilometers, totaling 45 cooperatives. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 15 cooperatives, proportionally representing small, medium, and large organizations, from which a sample size of 150 cooperative members (10 members per cooperative) was determined through Cochran’s formula, ensuring statistical representativeness. Primary data collection instruments included structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and participatory observation. The questionnaires focused on operational practices, water consumption patterns, and perceptions of sustainability, while interviews provided in-depth insights into decision-making processes, challenges, and innovative practices adopted. To enhance validity and reliability, the questionnaire was pilot-tested with 15 cooperative members outside the sample, and Cronbach’s alpha was calculated at 0.87, indicating high internal consistency. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics to profile water management practices, while inferential statistics such as multiple regression analysis identified key determinants influencing sustainable water use. Additionally, thematic analysis was conducted on qualitative interview transcripts to explore contextual nuances, using NVivo software for coding and theme development. The study also applied the Water Scarcity Sustainability Model (WSSM) as a theoretical framework, linking resource availability, technological capacity, and socio-economic factors to sustainability outcomes. Expected findings suggest that cooperative adherence to traditional water use methods, coupled with limited access to advanced irrigation technologies and weak enforcement of water policies, results in suboptimal sustainability levels. The analysis is anticipated to reveal significant relationships between technological innovation adoption and water use efficiency, as well as between cooperative governance structures and environmental outcomes. These insights are expected to contribute to the understanding of how institutional factors and technological integration influence sustainable water management in coastal agricultural contexts. The study’s contribution to knowledge lies in providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of current water management practices within cooperatives, emphasizing the importance of integrating socio-economic considerations into sustainable water policies. It also extends the application of the WSSM within developing coastal regions, offering a framework for assessing local sustainability initiatives. Conclusively, the research will underscore the urgency for capacity-building, technology transfer, and policy reform to enhance water use efficiency. It is recommended that cooperative organizations prioritize the adoption of water-saving irrigation technologies, establish cooperative-specific water management protocols, and engage in multi-stakeholder collaborations to foster sustainable water practices. The findings will inform policymakers, practitioners, and cooperative leaders aiming to optimize water resource utilization amid mounting environmental and economic pressures, and suggest avenues for future research exploring the impacts of climate change and technological advancements on sustainable water governance in coastal agricultural regions.