Assessing the Impact of Smart Irrigation Technology Adoption on Water Productivity and Farmers’ Income from a Rural Development Perspective: A Case Study of Wheat Farmers in Lorestan Province

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Noshin Osoli
Department of Agriculture, Khor.C., Islamic Azad University, Khorramabad, Iran.
10.22034/he.2025.566175.1182
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of adopting smart irrigation technologies on water productivity and farmers’ income from a rural development perspective, focusing on wheat farmers in Lorestan Province. The research employed a mixed-method (quantitative–qualitative) approach with a causal–comparative design. The statistical population comprised all irrigated wheat farmers in rural areas of Lorestan Province during the 2022–2023 cropping year. Using multi-stage cluster sampling, 400 farmers (200 technology adopters and 200 non-adopters) were selected as the sample. Qualitative data were collected through 40 semi-structured interviews, and quantitative data were obtained using a researcher-designed questionnaire. Data were analyzed using independent samples t-tests, multiple linear regression, and qualitative content analysis.Quantitative findings indicated that technology adoption reduced water consumption by 29.7%, increased yield by 10.5%, and consequently improved water productivity by 58.2% in a statistically significant manner. However, due to high investment and depreciation costs, no statistically significant difference was observed in net income between adopters and non-adopters. Regression analysis confirmed that technology adoption was the strongest predictor of water productivity, while it had no statistically significant effect on net income.Qualitative findings identified high initial investment costs and concerns about technical support as the main barriers to technology adoption, while trusted extension agents and hands-on training were recognized as key facilitating factors. Overall, the results suggest that under current conditions, smart irrigation technologies represent an effective technical and environmental solution but remain economically unattractive for smallholder farmers in Lorestan Province. The success of these technologies depends on the creation of a supportive ecosystem, including innovative financing models, strengthened local support services, and integration with optimal crop management practices.

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Human Ecology
Volume 4, Issue 13
Winter 2026
Pages 1823-1833