Sustainability, Vol. 17, Pages 7633: Enhancing Treated Wastewater Reuse in Saudi Agriculture: Farmers’ Perspectives

Sustainability doi: 10.3390/su17177633

Authors:
Rady Tawfik
Khalid G. Biro Turk
Mohammad Alomair
Salah Sidahmed
Randah M. Alqurashi
Ammar Ebrahim
Mohamed El-Kafrawy
Sidiq Hamad
Emad Al-Karablieh

The reuse of treated wastewater (TWW) offers a sustainable solution for water management in agriculture, particularly in arid regions like Saudi Arabia. However, its success depends on farmers’ acceptance, influenced by perceptions of economic benefits, social acceptability, environmental impacts, and health risks. This study surveys 391 farmers across five regions in Saudi Arabia to assess their attitudes toward TWW reuse in irrigation, exploring how advanced wastewater treatment technologies can improve acceptance. Results show that 65% of farmers use TWW, with usage peaking at 72% in Al-Ahsa and Qatif, driven by water scarcity and lack of alternatives. While 78% are satisfied with TWW, concerns persist regarding pests, consumer acceptance, health risks, and soil quality. Advanced technologies can mitigate these issues by enhancing water quality and safety. The highest positive impact of the use of TWW in irrigation from was the impact on productivity, reduction in the cost of fertilizers and savings in the cost of water abstraction. With only 57% of farmers receiving extension services, integrating education on these technologies could further boost confidence. This study highlights key acceptance factors, underscoring the need for technological and educational interventions to promote sustainable TWW reuse in agriculture.

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