Measuring and Analyzing Adaptive Capacity of Socio-Ecological System in the Face of Declining Groundwater Aquifers (Studied Area: Kazerun Plain)

Human societies face natural hazards, such as groundwater drainage as well as its effects. Underground water losses in various ways, directly and indirectly, affect human societies, but local communities, especially the agricultural sector, are the most dependent part of underground water, which in this study is the main focus of measuring adaptive capacity. Adaptation capacity is an essential characteristic for coping with challenges in complex socio-ecological systems. In this research, by field observation and questionnaire compatibility capacity in target areas in the Kazerun Plain was measured and analyzed in 150 farmers. The results of the research show that the compatibility capacity of local communities in the face of subsidence of groundwater in the Mehrjian villages is 3.80, Mashtan, 3.74 and Jambozorgi, 2.81. In general, the adaptive capacity of the villages surveyed is moderate (3.44). The results also indicate that the most consistent index of governance and the trust index to the government have the least impact on the level of capacity of the target community in meeting groundwater scarcity. The findings showed that most people in the area are looking for adaptive management in underground waterlogging situations, which are essential for the understanding of groundwater policy planners and service providers for rural development.