Recreational Value of an Oasis in Oman |
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Authors: | Slim Zekri Msafiri Mbaga Ayoub Fouzai Saif Al-Shaqsi |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Natural Resource Economics, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, PO Box 34, PC 123 Al-Khod, Sultanate of Oman;(2) Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman |
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Abstract: | Increasing demand for water to develop non-agricultural activities is causing water to be diverted to high-value uses at the
expense of irrigation. However, agriculture provides a flow of amenities in the desert environment which are not either accounted
or paid. Oases are spread all over the globe and are threatened for various reasons among which is the high pressure of demand
for fresh water. This paper estimates the recreation use value of an oasis. The paper is based on the Misfat Al-Abryeen oasis
in Oman, a man-made area of streams and woodland. The travel cost method is used through an on-site questionnaire distributed
to 230 visitors. Around 75% of visitors to the oasis also visited other historical or ecological sites during the same day-trip.
The econometric model is estimated using negative binomial regression with endogenous stratification. The average consumer
surplus, or benefit, from visiting Misfat Al-Abryeen is estimated at US104.74 per individual per trip. The total social benefit from this oasis is estimated at 104.74 per individual per trip. The total social
benefit from this oasis is estimated at 366,590 per year. These results underscore the importance of the role played by irrigated
agriculture in the provision of amenity services for the tourism sector in a desert environment. The sustainability of the
irrigation activity depends on the recognition of the recreation role of oases and the transfer of part of these benefits
to the farmers who maintain the irrigation system. The implementation of an entrance fee to the oasis might increase farmers’
profit by 6–21%. |
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