Group decision-making of agricultural stakeholders regarding reduction of groundwater resources consumption: A case study in North Khorasan-Iran

اقتصاد و توسعه کشاورزی

مقالات آماده انتشار، پذیرفته شده، انتشار آنلاین از تاریخ 29 دی 1403

نوع مقاله: مقالات پژوهشی به زبان انگلیسی

شناسه دیجیتال (DOI): 10.22067/jead.2025.91123.1320

نویسندگان

مهسا بهرامی نسب¹؛ علی فیروز زارع^{* 1}؛ آرش دوراندیش²؛ محمود صبوحی¹؛ محمد قربانی³

¹اقتصاد کشاورزی، دانشکده کشاورزی، دانشگاه فردوسی مشهد، ایران

²اقتصاد کشاورزی، دانشکده کشاورزی، دانشگاه تهران، ایران

³دانشکده علوم زمین، دانشگاه شهید بهشتی ،تهران ، ایران

چکیده

Groundwater is a vital resource for agriculture, especially in arid regions, yet its over-extraction has led to significant challenges, including declining water levels and increased scarcity. This study addresses the urgent need for sustainable groundwater management through an inclusive group decision-making approach involving diverse stakeholders, particularly farmers. The lack of farmer participation in decision-making processes often results in ineffective policies, highlighting a critical gap in current practices. Utilizing Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods, specifically the fuzzy Shannon entropy and Fuzzy TOPSIS techniques, this research prioritizes strategies for reducing groundwater consumption in the Safiabad region of North Khorasan, Iran.

Qualitative data from stakeholder interviews provided insights into the challenges and opportunities related to groundwater use. The analysis revealed two primary strategies: transitioning to low water-demand crops and adopting modern irrigation systems. These approaches not only promise significant reductions in water usage but also support sustainable agricultural practices. The findings underscore the importance of stakeholder collaboration in implementing effective water management policies, facilitating responsible resource use, and ensuring long-term viability. This study serves as a model for future research, advocating for mixed methods that integrate qualitative and quantitative analyses to inform policy recommendations and improve water resource management.

Groundwater is a vital resource for agriculture, especially in arid regions, yet its over-extraction has led to significant challenges, including declining water levels and increased scarcity. This study addresses the urgent need for sustainable groundwater management through an inclusive group decision-making approach involving diverse stakeholders, particularly farmers. The lack of farmer participation in decision-making processes often results in ineffective policies, highlighting a critical gap in current practices. Utilizing Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods, specifically the fuzzy Shannon entropy and Fuzzy TOPSIS techniques, this research prioritizes strategies for reducing groundwater consumption in the Safiabad region of North Khorasan, Iran.

Qualitative data from stakeholder interviews provided insights into the challenges and opportunities related to groundwater use. The analysis revealed two primary strategies: transitioning to low water-demand crops and adopting modern irrigation systems. These approaches not only promise significant reductions in water usage but also support sustainable agricultural practices. The findings underscore the importance of stakeholder collaboration in implementing effective water management policies, facilitating responsible resource use, and ensuring long-term viability. This study serves as a model for future research, advocating for mixed methods that integrate qualitative and quantitative analyses to inform policy recommendations and improve water resource management.

کلیدواژه‌ها

Agricultural Water Management, Stakeholder participation, Farmers'؛ Role, Decision-Making in Agriculture, Water Conservation Strategies