From risk to resource: understanding farmers’ perceptions of wastewater reuse

Abstract The use of treated wastewater in agriculture represents an innovative and sustainable strategy to addressing the growing issue of water scarcity. This study examines farmers’ perceptions of risk associated with the reuse of this resource in a context of limited water availability and climate change. The work was based on a field survey of a sample of farmers in Southern Italy. Collected data on socioeconomic characteristics and information on farmers’ experiences and attitudes toward the use of wastewater in irrigation were analysed using multivariate techniques. Through principal component analysis (PCA), three main dimensions of perceived risk have been highlighted, related to environmental, market and health concerns. Based on these dimensions, cluster analysis has identified five distinct farmer profiles, differentiated by the level and nature of risk perception, degree of regulatory knowledge, and farmers’ openness to innovation. The findings indicate that risk perception is associated with demographic factors, including age and level of education, as well as with knowledge and training. The study emphasises the importance of targeted and differentiated information and training strategies in overcoming reluctance and promoting broader and more informed adoption of wastewater reuse in agriculture, thereby contributing to more resilient and sustainable agricultural production.