Participatory fuzzy cognitive mapping analysis to evaluate the future of water in the Seyhan Basin

Abstract

Stress on the water resources of Turkey is expected to increase in the near future. This paper presents the results of a case study in one of the most important water basins in Turkey, the Seyhan Basin, where the future of the basin is estimated using a fuzzy cognitive mapping technique applied at a participatory meeting with the stakeholders. Participants envisioned that water supply, water demand and water use would decline in the future in response to the increasing impact of climate change. Improvements in sustainable water management, irrigation efficiency and the use of water-saving technologies will diminish the severity of scarcity that is expected to occur due to climate change.