Abstract
Introduction
Water scarcity has emerged as one of the most critical global challenges, threatening food security, rural livelihoods, and ecosystem balance. In this context, empowering farmers presents itself as a comprehensive and sustainable solution that can enable optimal water resource management by strengthening five key dimensions: economic, social, political, educational-extension, and agricultural factors.
Materials and Methods
This research was conducted during the 2023-2024 agricultural year in Khorramabad County. Khorramabad, the capital of Lorestan Province, is geographically located at 48.33°N latitude and 35.48°E longitude. Despite being ranked as Iran's fourth rainiest province after the three northern provinces, with an average annual precipitation of 580 mm compared to the national average of 252 mm, Lorestan paradoxically faces seasonal water shortages while accounting for 12% of the country's total surface water resources.Methodologically, this applied research adopts a non-experimental, descriptive-correlational design. Data collection was performed using a researcher-developed questionnaire, whose validity was confirmed by agricultural experts. Reliability analysis using Cronbach's alpha yielded satisfactory coefficients of 0.80 for water management dimensions and 0.75 for empowerment scales, indicating robust measurement tool consistency.
The study employed a multi-stage sampling approach: First, cluster random sampling divided the 12,500 farmers population into geographically homogeneous clusters (based on village divisions), with 10 clusters randomly selected. From each cluster, 32 farmers were chosen through simple random sampling (total n=320). Subsequently, systematic random sampling with interval k=2 refined the sample to 175 participants. This sample size was determined using Cochran's formula (95% confidence level, 5% margin of error) as statistically adequate for the target population.
Results and Discussion
Statistical analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between empowerment indicators and sustainable water management, demonstrating that enhancing farmers' empowerment contributes to improved water stewardship. Regression analysis confirmed each empowerment dimension significantly influences water management outcomes. Technical training enables farmers to better understand crop water needs and adopt advanced irrigation methods like drip and smart irrigation systems, while tailored educational programs at various levels enhance water management knowledge-particularly crucial in water-scarce regions. Extension services combining theory and practice effectively promote water conservation. Economic factors critically influence water use decisions, as financial constraints often drive unsustainable practices like groundwater over-extraction and traditional irrigation methods. Despite recognizing water-saving benefits, 65% of farmers cannot afford modern irrigation systems. The political dimension equally shapes water management through policies, regulations, and institutional stability, requiring adaptive governance structures. The study identified trust in institutions (β=0.42) and perceived impact (β=0.39) as the most influential empowerment indicators, increasing participation by 55% and conservation by 28% respectively when strengthened.
Conclusions
Given the challenges in water resource management and climate crises, empowering farmers to utilize water resources efficiently is of paramount importance. The proposed recommendations, based on scientific research and global experiences, can offer solutions to improve agricultural water resources and assist farmers in sustainable water use. Achieving this goal requires continuous collaboration among farmers, the government, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations. Furthermore, for favorable outcomes in sustainable water resource management, these recommendations must be implemented simultaneously and on a large scale across all sectors of the country. Considering the geographical, climatic, and social characteristics of each region, management and support strategies should be designed to address the needs of local farmers. Ultimately, achieving sustainable water resource management necessitates enhancing collective participation among farmers, promoting modern technologies, and monitoring resource consumption. In this regard, special attention to technical training and advisory services, supported by economic and political measures for farmers, can lay the foundation for sustainable agricultural development and the protection of the country's water resources. This approach will not only help preserve natural resources and combat water crises but also enhance agricultural productivity, reduce operational costs, and improve the economic conditions of farmers. Additionally, considering the country's climatic and geographical conditions, indigenous and local models for water resource management and optimal utilization can also be employed.