Factors Affecting the Inefficiency of Iran's Water Resources Policy

The significant reduction in the amount and quality of the water resources over a short period of time indicates the inefficiency of the water policies in Iran. Despite of rainfall, the water problem in Iran traces back to water policies and policymaking in this area. The problem of water governance is so hidden in unrealistic views that it is difficult to understand its true depth. This paper aims to investigate the factors of inefficiency of water resources policy in Iran and seeks to find appropriate answers to two questions: "On what basis has the country's water resources policy been formed over the past four decades?" and “what are the main reasons for the ineffectiveness of this policy? This paper is qualitative and utilizes inferential methodology. Its theoretical foundations consist of policy research ideas and their impact on the policymaking arena. Findings of the article show that Iran's water resources policy over the past four decades has been based on responding to short-term and cross-cutting needs with the aim of developing the agricultural sector and the main reason for the inefficiency of this policy should be sought in the lack of scientific approach in the process of water resources policymaking.