The central planner's solution for seawater intrusion in the batinah region of Oman

More than 50% of Oman's cultivated area is located in the Batinah region. This coastal region is currently suffering from seawater intrusion due to aggressive groundwater withdrawal. The resulting groundwater salinity has led to agricultural productivity decline and economic losses. This study developed a Central Planner Model (CPM) to identify the feasibility of salinity control and agricultural productivity improvements in the region. Comparison of the results of the CPM with the simulated outcomes under business-as-usual practices suggest that central planning and intervention can help reducing salinity, preserving profits, and conserving the agricultural area in the long run. The CPM results are expected to be used as the basis for developing intervention mechanism that promote changes in the current practices and help with sustainability of farming in the Batinah regions of Oman.