Several models attempt to address the problem of common-pool resources, especially in the case of irrigation management. In fact, the latter task represents a great challenge for researchers and decision makers, as it has to cope with various water-related activities and conflicting user perspectives within a specified geographic area. Simulation models, and particularly Agent-Based Modelling and Simulation (ABMS), can facilitate overcoming these limitations: their inherent ability of integrating ecological and socio-economic dimensions, allows their effective use as tools for evaluating the possible effects of different management plans, as well as for communicating with stakeholders. Our current study of agent-based models for irrigation management draws some interesting conclusions, regarding the geographic and representation scale of reviewed models, as well as the degree of stakeholder involvement in the various development phases. Such tools, when effectively capturing social interactions and coupling them with environmental and economical models, can promote active involvement of interested parties and produce sustainable and approvable solutions to irrigation management problems.

La Modélisation par Simulation Multi-Agents (MSMA) peut faciliter la prise en compte des différents aspects liés à la gestion de l'eau ainsi que les objectifs souvent conflictuels des usagers se trouvant sur un secteur géographique commun. Ces modèles de simulation, qui ont un grand potentiel de représentation des processus dynamiques, peuvent aider à la résolution des problèmes par leur capacité à intégrer les dimensions écologiques et socio-économiques. Il est alors possible d'évaluer les impacts des plans de gestion de l'eau et de communiquer avec les parties prenantes. De tels outils, en captant efficacement les interactions sociales et en les couplant avec les modèles environnementaux et économiques, favorisent la participation active des parties concernées et produisent des solutions durables, appropriées aux problèmes de gestion de l'irrigation.