For the development of sustainable and realistic water security, generating
information on the behaviours, characteristics, and drivers of users, as well
as on the resource itself, is essential. In this paper we present a
methodology for collecting qualitative and quantitative data on water use
practices through semi-structured interviews. This approach facilitates the
collection of detailed information on actors' decisions in a convenient and
cost-effective manner. Semi-structured interviews are organised around a
topic guide, which helps lead the conversation in a standardised way while
allowing sufficient opportunity for relevant issues to emerge. In addition,
they can be used to obtain certain types of quantitative data. While not as
accurate as direct measurements, they can provide useful information on local
practices and users' insights. We present an application of the methodology
on farmer water use in two districts in the state of Uttar Pradesh in
northern India. By means of 100 farmer interviews, information was collected on
various aspects of irrigation practices, including irrigation water volumes,
irrigation cost, water source, and their spatial variability. Statistical
analyses of the information, along with data visualisation, are also
presented, indicating a significant variation in irrigation practices both within and
between districts. Our application shows that semi-structured interviews are
an effective and efficient method of collecting both qualitative and
quantitative information for the assessment of drivers, behaviours, and their
outcomes in a data-scarce region. The collection of this type of data could
significantly improve insights on water resources, leading to more realistic
management options and increased water security in the future