A New Method for Evaluating the Technical Efficiency of Irrigation and Drainage Networks Using LRDEA and Three-Step Monte Carlo Simulation

Investigating the efficiency of irrigation networks is one of the most crucial factors in providing the information needed to improve the efficiency of these systems. Due to the recent water crisis in Iran, it should be considered by managers and planners in this area. Therefore, in this study, the linear robust data envelopment analysis (LRDEA) method, which has the potential to apply uncertain conditions for the model data, is used to evaluate the efficiency of four irrigation networks in the Karun catchment located in Khuzestan province, Iran. The use of this model depends on determining the appropriate input and output data that were examined. On the other hand, to study the effect of water and soil resources’ quality on the efficiency of these networks, two scenarios with and without considering the quality of these resources in the input data are considered. The results show that the addition of water and soil quality input data causes some networks to experience a significant increase in efficiency score, resulting in a significant difference between the rankings in the two scenarios; so that the average efficiency of networks in the first scenario was 0.8 and in the second scenario is 0.97. It is also found that there is a significant difference between actual and desirable use for both input data of maintenance costs and personnel, which has led to inefficiencies in networks. This difference is less in the second scenario and is calculated as 41% and 34% for maintenance costs and personnel, respectively. Examining the Monte Carlo simulation results shows that LRDEA is reliable in terms of applying uncertain conditions and using its results to improve the efficiency of networks.