Water management knowledge: among wheat producers in Marvdasht County, Fars Province

Agriculture is the main source of livelihood of large numbers of people living in Marvdasht area. However، water shortage due to long-term drought، growing demand and lack of proper water management practices has endangered the sustainability of agricultural development. In recent years، drought and extracting huge amount of ground and surface water resources by farmers have driven the situation beyond the capacity of water supply sources in many parts of Iran. To reduce this imbalance، a wide range of solutions has been offered. Conservation of water resources with emphasis on management knowledge and behavior at the individual level (farmers) is considered to be an important driver to combat the problem. It is believed that knowledge leads individuals to shape a favorable opinion and consequently، to act toward change and improvement. Accordingly، a survey study was carried out in Marvdasht County، Fars Province، in order to investigate and measure the water management knowledge of farmers living in different climates zone of the county. Using the stratified random sampling method، a sample of wheat producers in Marvdasht County was selected. The needed data was gathered by using a questionnaire among farmers. Results showed that there was a significant relationship between farmers'' knowledge of water management and their water management practice at farm level. Furthermore، farmers in different climates zones have significantly different water management knowledge and water management practice scores. Finally، some recommendations were proposed based on the research results to improve the farmers’ knowledge and management practices regarding conserving the limited available water resources.