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Water reuse as an incentive to promote sustainable agriculture in Lebanon: Stakeholders’ perspectives
Author(s) -
Massoud May A,
Terkawi Malakeh,
Nakkash Rima
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
integrated environmental assessment and management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.665
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1551-3793
pISSN - 1551-3777
DOI - 10.1002/ieam.4131
Subject(s) - reuse , incentive , business , agriculture , process (computing) , syndicate , perception , wastewater reuse , environmental planning , public relations , political science , engineering , finance , waste management , economics , psychology , operating system , neuroscience , computer science , microeconomics , ecology , environmental science , biology
ABSTRACT While technical and economic feasibility of water reuse projects is requisite for implementation, issues in relation to cultural values, public acceptability, and perceptions should not be marginalized. This research focuses on examining the Lebanese stakeholders’ knowledge, perception, and attitude toward the reuse of treated wastewater and on exploring potential enabling factors. Accordingly, in‐depth interviews were conducted with stakeholders from concerned ministries, Lebanese Farmers Syndicate, farmers, and religious figures. The reported perceived barriers are categorized into ethical, religious, social, and economical. Various enabling factors that can ameliorate the management of potential perceived barriers are recommended, including enforcing laws, setting new regulations and quality standards, involving the public all through the project process, ensuring regular monitoring and evaluation, and developing financial policies and mechanisms. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;00:000–000. © 2019 SETAC