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Description

Water and agriculture are inextricably connected, and so are the impacts of climate change upon water supplies which will impact agriculture with greater intensity as the earth continues to warm. In the mid-Atlantic, climate change will intensify extremes such as flood and drought, resulting in greater water quantity variability (NIACS). Other consequences of climate change will include significant sea level rise and saltwater intrusion, as well as increased temperatures and decreased water quality (NIACS). In a region already experiencing significant but commonly overlooked impacts on water quality and quantity due to population and development increases, land use modifications, and agricultural runoff, understanding stakeholder perspectives on agricultural water management in the region is imperative. This study interviewed 17 mid-Atlantic stakeholders, largely based in Maryland, which included farmers, extension agents, engineers, academics, and state agency personnel. These semi-structured interviews examined stakeholders’ perceptions and experiences with 1) water use and management in agriculture, including both freshwater and reusable resources; 2) past, existing and future weather variability; and 3) related factors impacting water use and management. Semi-structured interviews were completed to examine stakeholder perceptions towards nontraditional water sources and water conservation practices, with the intent of informing a future survey that would assess farmers’ willingness to use treated recycled wastewater in agriculture in order to mitigate increasing water supply variability due to climate change.

Publication Date

Spring 2024

Agricultural Water Management in a Changing Mid-Atlantic: Stakeholder Experiences and Attitudes Towards Alternative Water Sources, Weather Variability, and Related Factors

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