The Role Of Agriculture Sector In Groundwater Governance (Case Study: Rafsanjan Plain) A Qualitative Research With Using Focus Group Method
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AUTHOR(S)
Zahra Goudarzi, Mohammad Chizari, Hassan Sadighi, Ali Bagheri
KEYWORDS
groundwater governance, Rafsanjan, agriculture sector, water resources
ABSTRACT
the main issue in water management is how to meet the needs of a growing population without sacrificing the sustainability of freshwater resources, which are both limited and vulnerable. The development of new technologies for groundwater exploitation consequent to increased demand has led to the overdraft of groundwater resources and thus, many environmental problems. Similarly, Rafsanjan Plain has faced extensive groundwater extraction, most of which is used for pistachio as the only crop produced in the area. Therefore, the agricultural sector has a crucial role in a water crisis. The purpose this study was to investigate the role of agriculture in Rafsanjan’s groundwater governance. Necessary information for this purpose was collected through interview and observation techniques as well as studying statistics and relevant documents. The method used in this research was a focus group to answer questions. A total of a number of 15 agricultural experts from public and private sectors were selected by purposive sampling method and categorized into four groups to respond the survey questions. Study results show that currently, Rafsanjan plain, the first step to achieving local governance is to form local organizations that are linked to the government, the members of which are selected by local leaders and from people who are dependable by the public. These organizations need education and support from the government in order to strengthen their activities.
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