Water use analysis among the village people in the Can-Agtiw watershed for local area conservation in Malimono, Surigao del Norte, Philippines

Abstract The study examined the water consumption of the local people in the Can-Agtiw watershed, determining their consumption rates and the drivers of their consumption for local area conservation implications. Household survey data were utilized in the analysis, employing multi-stage econometric approaches, specifically descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The study’s results described the local people as living below the poverty threshold, migrants from the middle group of islands in the Philippines, and characterized by high water consumption. The essentiality of water (for drinking and domestic purposes) in the lives of these people had been highlighted, along with the variables associated with population and agriculture. Population and agriculture, particularly crop production, are the primary drivers of water consumption in the area. Increases in these drivers can potentially lead to higher water consumption and, subsequently, increased water extraction rates and stress levels in the area. Local stakeholders should consider measures that address population growth and agricultural expansion when formulating local area conservation strategies. Promoting sustainable agricultural practices can potentially help achieve the objectives of providing livelihoods and food, as well as conserving natural resources in the area, which can be reinforced through education programs for local people.