Using factor analysis in compilation, evaluation and identification of the most effective criteria of indigenous knowledge in the management and planning of water resources in arid and semi-arid regions of Iran ( Yazd Province)

Due to mismanagement in the field of use, rehabilitation and allocation of water resources, the return and use of local indigenous technologies and knowledge and also their updating, plus localization of modern technologies make it inevitable. Since one of the important elements of planning and management in the field of water resources is to identify the most appropriate criteria or effective factors in it, so in this research with extensive study of internal and external sources in the field of indigenous knowledge and also using the opinion of specialists and experts of Yazd Province, the variables were first identified through Delphi method and then a questionnaire was prepared. Thereafter, the effective variables were examined and evaluated using appropriate methods such as exploratory factor analysis and principal component analysis. The research findings indicate that the six factors of protection and stability, management, holistic, cost-effectiveness, compatibility, and dynamism have been the primary factors and criteria of indigenous knowledge in the management and planning of water resources in Yazd Province. Variables such as biodiversity conservation, proper management, cost-effectiveness, and wildlife conservation have been also more important compared to other variables.