Evaluation of Non-Market Value of Karkheh Dam Water Transfer to Dasht-e Abbas Plain Aquifer of Ilam Province in Iran Using Choice xperiment (CE) Method

Dasht-e Abbas plain is one of the most important agricultural areas of Ilam province of Iran, which has suffered environmental problems in recent years. If the new water resource management policy causes an increase in the pollution of underground water resources or in general, damage to the environment, there is no price for this damage in the market. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the non-market value of water entering from the Karkheh dam to the Dasht-e Abbas plain aquifer using the Choice Experiment (CE) method; Also, by presenting environmental and socio-economic characteristics in a questionnaire and data collected from 108 operators, the value of non-use and indirect use of water transfer to this aquifer was estimated. The study results showed that in this aquifer, the highest amount paid was related to soil salinity and desertification with the amount of about 258 thousand IRI rials per hectare per month and the reduction of the reed area with the amount of 176 thousand IRI rials placed in the second rank; and the amount of employment with the lowest amount of willingness to pay was about 69 thousand IRI rials per hectare per month and the total willingness to pay of each reservoir operating household was about 630 thousand IRI rials per hectare per month. According to the study results, estimating the preferences expressed by farmers regarding the extracted characteristics can help planners in managing aquifers before applying any policy or program. Therefore, it is suggested that the authorities and planners of the agricultural sector pave the ground for participation of less experienced farmers in such projects by making them aware of the importance of the environment and its close relationship with their product yields,.