The Role of Farmers' Participation in Improving On-Farm Water Resource Management
Keywords:
Farmers’ participation, water resource management, water productivity, sustainable agricultureAbstract
Water resource management is one of the major challenges facing agriculture in Iran. Due to its arid and semi-arid climate, Iran is experiencing a severe water scarcity crisis. This crisis, compounded by climate change and increasing demand for food, has significantly impacted agricultural productivity. One of the effective solutions for better water management is the active participation of farmers in decision-making and implementation processes. This study examines the role of farmers' participation in water resource management at the farm level and investigates its effects on water efficiency, reduction of water loss, and improvement of water distribution. The results indicate that farmers’ involvement in local organizations and management processes enhances water productivity and reduces excessive water use. Moreover, farmers’ participation helps reduce social tensions among them and fosters mutual trust. The study also identified several obstacles to effective participation, including lack of training, legal issues, and inadequate infrastructure. To strengthen participation, the study proposes recommendations such as improving educational programs, establishing local organizations, and providing legal support.
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References
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