Shifts in the global agricultural landscape have intensified the need for irrigation water management approaches that are more equitable, efficient, and community-driven. This study explores global research trends concerning agricultural irrigation within the context of community Willingness to Pay (WTP), employing a bibliometric analysis combined with a systematic literature review. Drawing on data from the Scopus database spanning 1977 to mid-2025, this research analyzes 738 scientific articles, examining the evolution of scientific publications, dominant themes, leading journals, influential authors, and institutional collaboration patterns in the field. The findings reveal a notable rise in scholarly attention over the past two decades, signaling increased interest in participatory financing models, sustainable irrigation practices, and the socio-economic dimensions of water governance. Key determinants influencing WTP include service quality, household income, environmental consciousness, and levels of community engagement. Major contributions stem from disciplines such as agricultural sciences, environmental economics, and water resource engineering, with research distributed across both the Global North and South. Despite these advancements, challenges remain in policy integration, institutional coordination, and translating WTP insights into practical irrigation strategies. This study highlights the critical need for interdisciplinary collaboration and policy innovation to enhance sustainable water governance and promote inclusive agricultural development. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025.