Agricultural activity in the southern regions of Alicante (Spain). A case study of competition among agriculture and other sectors for water and land uses

Abstract

The southern area of the province of Alicante (Spain) embraces the regions Vega Baja del Segura (Baix Segura) and Bajo Vinalopó (Baix Vinalopó), in the Valencian Community. Although both regions have growing residential, touristy and industrial potential, agriculture is still an important activity here. In this study is carried out a characterization of agricultural land distribution in the southern regions of Alicante regarding the main crops where the most important current problems are irrigation water shortage and harvest low prices. Incomes received by farmers according to the level of harvest prices and the evolution of these prices in the last two years are studied. Besides, prices have been noticed to keep stable at best. The evolution of land for different uses, mainly industrial, residential and recreational, is also estimated. Moreover, data about the increasing relations of competition in water and land uses between the agricultural sector and other production sectors are considered. The competition for land and water use with other sectors, have significantly increased the amount of land for these uses and what’s more, it is still on the increase. Urban plans should be subject to limits de-pending on water availability in order to be able to face future consumption. A series of actions are needed to optimize available water offer and rationalize the demand management, in order to increase water use efficiency.