JWSS - Journal of Water and Soil Science

At the river catchments, different strategies at the whole or different parts of the basin can be applied for water resources management. One of these strategies is optimal water allocation and crop pattern. In this study, an optimization model for water allocation and cropping pattern is presented based on the cooperative game theory. To measure the performance of the developed model, the cultivated area of Ordibehesht Canal in the Doroodzan irrigation network has been studied. First, using a fuzzy model and considering the fuzzy coefficients values in the objective function and constraints, the optimal crop pattern and allocated water has been determined for each crop. Second, benefits of stakeholder’s coalitions have been determined by developing a cooperative game model and based on the structure and properties of the irrigation water distribution network and water rights of each part. Then, the total net benefit has been reallocated to the different stakeholder in a rational and equitable way using Least Core games. The results show that by allocating more water to the sectors with more potential production, more profits are generated and water productivity increases. For example when players cooperate together and form the grand coalition, the net benefit increases from 8.906 billion Tomans to 9.724 billion Tomans that show an increase in the economic productivity of water.