The case study was conducted in Alentejo, a southern region in Portugal that is characterized by a semi-arid Mediterranean climate. Alentejo is particularly vulnerable to drought and desertification and the area has a low population density which constitutes an additional barrier to economic development. While some users have benefited from irrigation infrastructure and services, other regions depend on rain for their agriculture and agroforestry sectors. Both user-groups (irrigated and non-irrigated) face different challenges in relation to climate change adaptation.