The Irrigation Efficiency Paradox: A Critical Synthesis of the Rebound Effect from Hydrological Mechanisms to Transformative Governance

Promoting irrigation efficiency is a central pillar of global water sustainability strategies but empirical evidence shows a counterintuitive outcome named the irrigation efficiency paradox or rebound effect. This occurs when on-farm water savings do not translate into basin-scale conservation and may even intensify water scarcity. This paper critically re-examines the rebound effect, moving beyond conventional hydrological and economic explanations toward an integrated socio-hydrological perspective. We argue that the paradox is not merely a technical accounting issue or a form of the Jevons Paradox, but a systemic problem arising from interactions among behavior, institutions, and political economy. The review traces the concept’s evolution and synthesizes global evidence on its main drivers and controversies. It critically evaluates dominant research paradigms, emphasizing the need for greater methodological pluralism. Significant gaps remain, particularly regarding behavioral economics, political economy, and social and environmental externalities. We conclude that overcoming the efficiency paradox requires a policy shift from technological fixes to transformative governance.