Designing a Model for Agricultural Water Sustainable Management (AWSM) by Using DPSIR Approach (Hamadan, Iran)

This study had an aim to designing a model for agricultural water sustainable management (AWSM) by using DPSIR approach, Hamadan, Iran. The study has used a mixed methodology in terms of data gathering. The study's population were all agricultural water experts, faculty members, as well as researchers enrolled in Agricultural Research Center from Hamedan province. Samples for qualitative data gathering were 35 people which were selected through a purposeful sampling. In quantitative phase 97 samples were selected randomly according to Morgan's table. A structural equation modeling (SEM) methodology by PLS software was used to determine the relationships between the independent variables (Driver, Pressure, Status, Impact, Response) and dependent variable (AWSM). Results showed that the level of agricultural water resource management was in an unsustainable status in Hamedan province. The results showed that 36 percent of the dependent variable (AWSM) variance could be determined by the variables (Driver, Pressure, Status, Impact, Responses). Among these independent variables, the response factor was shown as the highest and the most important with a 0.299 coefficient. According the result, the following strategies and measures can be presented: modifying the cropping pattern, balancing the aquifers, reducing agricultural waste, reducing the time for plant's remaining on the farms, developing greenhouse crops, conservation agriculture and applying continuous training.