Agricultural Water Management: Water,-Society and Technology Interactions from edX

Increasingly scarce natural resourcesWorldwide, a variety of processes puts more pressure on water resources every day. Global climate change causes temperatures to rise and precipitation patterns to change. A growing degree of urbanization causes people to move from the countryside to the cities. This results in increased competition over water resources, like rivers and groundwater, between cities and their surrounding areas. Furthermore, population growth and rising global welfare create an increased demand for food.

The growing demand for food must be obtained using existing agricultural land, since we are already dealing with scarcity of new farmland. Yet, the potential of increased production in the existing rain-fed agricultural areas is low.

Sustainable water management; various perspectives to considerThe combination of the processes described above create an urgent need for improved agricultural water management, agriculture being the dominant water user worldwide. In our search for sustainable solutions the management and governance regarding irrigation and drainage should take a number of water related aspects into account, among which:

• the different perspectives of involved uses and users• including various spatial levels, from farm, to scheme, to river basin• minding the effects on both upstream and downstream water users• each of which must be combined with the right quantity and quality of water

Wageningen University & Research is actively involved in debates on water and food. Predominantly focussing on the combination of both water technologies and social factors, this creates a unique socio-technical approach.

Putting theory into practiceIn this MOOC, we will focus on the role agricultural water management plays in this global context of sustainable water and food supplies. The online course consists of several learning modules, combined with a case study.We start by taking a deep dive into practical and technical aspects, from crop characteristics and irrigation water requirements to actual field practices.Subsequently, we explore the institutional perspective, from models of rural development to water management demands.The case study videos and interviews from Morocco create the opportunity for you to directly apply your newly acquired knowledge in a real-life situation.

For whom?This MOOC is for anyone with basic knowledge of social and biophysical sciences, ready to contribute to improving agricultural water management from where they are. Are you ready? Join us, enrol now!

AcknowledgmentsWe developed the MOOC: Agricultural Water Management: Water, Society and Technology Interactions in close cooperation with IAV (Institute Agronomique et Veterinaire Hassan II) in Rabat, Morocco. Specifically, professor Hammani (director of the institute) and researcher Ms. Kettani supported us greatly during the development of this MOOC. The case is situated in the Tadla irrigation scheme, where we were supported by the ORMVA-T. Special thanks go to Mohamed Saaf, chef of ORMVA-Tadla, for the support we received in the field.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Explain the allocation, distribution, governance and use of water
Apply the basic principles of estimating irrigation water requirements
Explain relations between water management practices and local agricultural conditions.

Understand the relation between water technologies, management & governance
Analyze the interrelations between institutional and infrastructural designs for sustainable water management in agriculture.

Explain the allocation, distribution, governance and use of water
Apply the basic principles of estimating irrigation water requirements
Explain relations between water management practices and local agricultural conditions.
Understand the relation between water technologies, management & governance
Analyze the interrelations between institutional and infrastructural designs for sustainable water management in agriculture.

Syllabus

Module 1: Addressing Global Water Issues

This week introduces the concept of agricultural water management in the global context of water and food.

Module 2: Water Demand for Crop Production

In this week, the basics of calculating crop & irrigation water requirements and the relationship with actual field practices of farmers will be explained. Special attention is given to the relationship between climate, crop water requirements and crop types.

**Module 3: Agricultural Water Distribution & Technology **

In this week, the basics of the technology in agricultural water management will be explained. Special attention is given to the water management needs of different crops, and local conditions.

**Module 4: Agricultural Water Management & Governance **

In this week, the management and governance dimensions of various irrigation technologies will be explored at various institutional levels.

Module 5: Agricultural Water Management in Morocco –Putting knowledge into action

In this week, technical and social factors will be integrated and used in a final assignment applied to a real-life case study.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for professionals with backgrounds in social and biophysical sciences

Provides a foundation for understanding agricultural water management in a global context

Covers technical and social aspects of agricultural water management

Integrates theory and practice through a real-life case study

Appropriate for individuals seeking to contribute to sustainable agricultural water management

Developed with experts from IAV and ORMVA-T in Morocco

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Agricultural Water Management: Water,-Society and Technology Interactions with these activities:

Review water cycle concepts

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Refresh your understanding of the water cycle to prepare for advanced concepts covered in this course.

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Draw a diagram of the water cycle.
Explain the processes of evaporation, transpiration, condensation, and precipitation.
Discuss the factors that affect the rate of evaporation.

Calculate crop water requirements

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Practice calculating crop water requirements to prepare for field applications.

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Use the FAO Penman-Monteith equation to calculate ETc.
Apply crop coefficients to adjust ETc for different crop types.
Consider the effects of environmental factors on crop water requirements.

Explore water distribution technologies

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Supplement your learning on water distribution technologies by exploring online tutorials.

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Watch videos on different irrigation methods.
Read articles on the advantages and disadvantages of each technology.
Discuss your findings with classmates or instructors.

Four other activities

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Participate in a water management discussion group

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Connect with peers to discuss water management challenges and share ideas.

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Join an online or in-person discussion group.
Engage in discussions on water management practices.
Share your experiences and insights with others.

Design a water management plan

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Apply your knowledge to design a water management plan for a specific scenario.

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Identify water sources and users in the target area.
Analyze water demand and availability.
Develop strategies for water conservation and efficient use.
Create an implementation plan and monitor its effectiveness.

Develop a presentation on water management technologies

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Demonstrate your understanding by creating a presentation on water management technologies.

Browse courses on Irrigation Systems

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Research different water management technologies.
Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of each technology.
Design a presentation that effectively communicates your findings.
Deliver your presentation to your classmates or instructors.

Attend a workshop on water management

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Expand your knowledge by attending a workshop on a specific aspect of water management.

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Research and identify relevant workshops.
Register for and attend the workshop.
Take notes and ask questions during the workshop.
Apply what you learned to your own work or studies.

Career center

Learners who complete Agricultural Water Management: Water,-Society and Technology Interactions will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Water Resources Manager

Water Resources Managers plan and manage water resources to meet the needs of various stakeholders. This course provides a foundation in water allocation, distribution, and governance, which are key aspects of water resources management. Learners will gain insights into the challenges of water scarcity and the need for sustainable water management practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Manager

Water Resource Specialist

Water Resource Specialists develop and manage water resources to meet the needs of various stakeholders. This course provides a foundation in water allocation, distribution, and governance, which are key aspects of water resource management. Learners will gain insights into the challenges of water scarcity and the need for sustainable water management practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resource Specialist

Water Policy Analyst

Water Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies related to water resources. This course provides a foundation in water allocation, distribution, and governance, which are key aspects of water policy analysis. Learners will gain insights into the challenges of water scarcity and the need for sustainable water management practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Policy Analyst

Irrigation Engineer

Irrigation Engineers design, construct, and maintain irrigation systems to provide water for crops. This course covers the principles of irrigation water requirements and distribution technologies, which are essential for Irrigation Engineers. Learners will gain knowledge in crop water use, irrigation scheduling, and the selection of appropriate irrigation methods, which are crucial for efficient water management in agriculture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Irrigation Engineer

Water Conservation Specialist

Water Conservation Specialists develop and implement water conservation programs. This course provides a foundation in water management principles, which can be applied to water conservation work. Learners will gain insights into the allocation, distribution, governance, and use of water, which are crucial for understanding and addressing water scarcity issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Conservation Specialist

Agricultural Engineer

Agricultural Engineers design and develop agricultural machinery and systems that help farmers produce crops efficiently and sustainably. This course provides a comprehensive overview of agricultural water management practices, which is essential for designing effective irrigation systems. Learners will gain knowledge in crop water requirements, water distribution technologies, and governance aspects, which are critical for optimizing agricultural water use.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agricultural Engineer

Hydrologist

Hydrologists study the movement and distribution of water on, above, and below the Earth's surface. This course provides a foundation in water allocation, distribution, and governance, which are key aspects of hydrology. Learners will gain insights into the interactions between water, society, and technology, which are crucial for understanding and managing water resources.

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Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement sustainability strategies for organizations. This course provides a foundation in water management principles, which can be applied to sustainability work. Learners will gain insights into the allocation, distribution, governance, and use of water, which are crucial for understanding and addressing sustainability challenges.

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Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants provide advice and guidance to businesses and organizations on environmental issues. This course provides a foundation in water management principles, which can be applied to environmental consulting work. Learners will gain insights into the allocation, distribution, governance, and use of water, which are crucial for understanding and addressing environmental challenges.

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Water Treatment Plant Operator

Water Treatment Plant Operators operate and maintain water treatment plants to ensure the safety and quality of drinking water. This course provides a foundation in water management principles, which can be applied to water treatment work. Learners will gain insights into the allocation, distribution, governance, and use of water, which are crucial for understanding and managing water treatment processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Treatment Plant Operator

Water Quality Specialist

Water Quality Specialists monitor and assess the quality of water resources. This course provides a foundation in water management principles, which can be applied to water quality work. Learners will gain insights into the allocation, distribution, governance, and use of water, which are crucial for understanding and addressing water quality issues.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its various aspects, including water resources. This course helps build a foundation in water management principles, which can be applied to environmental science work. Learners will gain insights into the allocation, distribution, governance, and use of water, which are crucial for understanding environmental issues.

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Agricultural Economist

Agricultural Economists analyze the economic aspects of agricultural production and marketing. This course provides a foundation in water management principles, which can be applied to agricultural economics work. Learners will gain insights into the allocation, distribution, governance, and use of water, which are crucial for understanding the economic impacts of agricultural water use.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agricultural Economist

Geologist

Geologists study the Earth's structure, composition, and history. This course provides a foundation in water management principles, which can be applied to geology work. Learners will gain insights into the allocation, distribution, governance, and use of water, which are crucial for understanding the role of water in geological processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geologist

Biologist

Biologists study living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environment. This course provides a foundation in water management principles, which can be applied to biology work. Learners will gain insights into the allocation, distribution, governance, and use of water, which are crucial for understanding the role of water in biological processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biologist