Irrigation for family farmers in the context of climate change in Portugal: perceptions, options and needs

Abstract

The problem of water use in family farming in mainland Portugal is outlined, focusing on: irrigation choices made by farmers; the relationship between these choices and perceptions of the influence of climate change; conditions and factors that explain greater or lesser propensity to maintain practices and to envisage changes. Based mainly on the results of the AFAVEL project (Family Farming and Sustainable Territorial Development in the context of Climate Change), some incompatibility is shown between family farmers’ perceptions of climate change and their actual use of water, as well as certain needs for socio-technical solutions and public policy measures.