Groundwater markets under the water scarcity and declining watertable conditions: the upland Balochistan region of Pakistan

摘要: The study documents comprehensive analysis on informal groundwater marketing in upland Balochistan, Pakistan. Informal markets are emerging as a feasible option to manage increasing water scarcity and declining tables resulting from poor policies. Firstly, we evaluated the trading mechanism; then examined factors affecting using empirical data logit econometric models. We did not observe any permanent transactions; only temporary exchange takes place. Two common transactions methods were noted – for given crop share cash payment at flat rate per hour. In all, 60% of respondents reported selling share. This form transaction intensifies move high altitude areas low where land relatively abundant. In general, sharing rates 33% output. Water was practiced by 40% respondents. charge hour also varied with altitude, average prices Rs. 100,1 112, 205 low, medium altitudes, respectively. increase this is mainly response scarce areas. The results models indicates that among others, cropping intensity, area under value fruits, decline watertable, tubewell reliability, alternate source irrigation, soil quality important variables influencing buying decisions. Importantly, personal attributes such kinships, age, education found be important appears provide cushion against averting risk horticultural crops enhancing use efficiency, it helps overcome problem over irrigation or misuse facilitating sale surplus extra water more sparing efficient purchased water. It envisaged will continue plays key role sustaining make significant contribution Balochistan.