Measuring Agricultural Water Poverty Index Among Irrigated wheat Growers in Dezful County

Water management particularly in agricultural sector has been shown as an extensive debate which primarily depends on the holistic assessment of water resources combined with due attention to other involved aspects. Therefore, to address this issue a holistic way was regarded which crystalized in development of the Agricultural Water Poverty Index. . In line with this, a survey study was conducted to measure the agricultural water poverty in Dezful County. The study population consisted of all the irrigated wheat growers located throughout the County (N=5000). Using a systematic random sampling method a sample of 205 farmers based on Krejcie & Morgan table was selected. The main data was collected using a questionnaire and some other data including farms’ geographic information and water EC were gathered using GPS and Ecmeter devices, respectively. The validity of the study questionnaire was confirmed by a panel of experts.. Data Analysis was carried on by using a combination of software including SPSSv20, Super Decisions, and ArcGIS. Hence, the indicators of the index were weighted based on an analytical network process. After that, the agricultural water poverty was calculated for individual respondent farmers using a special formula. Results revealed that the causes of water poverty included the low farmers’ capacity to optimum water usage, low value of the environment component as well as the low rate of access to available water among farmers. Moreover, surface water resources (35.25), farmer’s access (51.85), human capital (40.67), and chemical herb-pesticides (90.74) ranked at first place among the other sub-components of resources, access, capacity, and environment, respectively. To recognize the hotspots dealt with water poverty, an agricultural water poverty map was provided. This map was regarded as a useful tool to reveal the water poverty causes in the study area. The study followed on the conclusion part in which the AWPI was regarded as an efficient and helpful tool to diagnose the water problems and to develop the appropriate policies and plans by decision and policy makers.