Zoning Plains of Karkheh Catchment in Kermanshah Province Based on the Enhanced Agricultural Water Poverty Index

Karkheh catchment in Kermanshah province is considered as one of the agricultural potential areas of Iran, thanks to its rich water and soil resources. However, the management of water resources at the farm level is not optimal. In order to improving the management of water resources in this area, achieving a comprehensive understanding of the status of water resources is essential. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to zoning the plains of Karkheh catchment in Kermanshah province based on the Enhanced Agricultural Water Poverty Index. In this study, from 12 plains of Karkheh catchment in Kermanshah province, 6 plains including: Islamabad Gharb, Kermanshah, Ravansar-Sanjabi, Mahidasht, Biston-Dinavar and Kangavar were selected based on different climates. In order To evaluate the Enhanced Agricultural Water Poverty Index, 41 positive and negative sub-indices were used. Using the Savara method based on opinions of 15 experts in water affairs and soil and water management of Jihad Keshavarzi and Kermanshah Environmental Protection Organization the Weighting of each of the criteria and related indicators was calculated and the Enhanced Agricultural Water Poverty Index was calculated using the formula of this index for each mentioned plains. The zoning results of the studied plains showed that Ravansar-Sanjabi and Mahidasht plains with a score of 0.383 and 0.394, respectively, had more unfavorable situation and Biston-Dinavar plains and Islamabad with a score of 0.517 and 0.485, respectively, had more suitable situation than other plains studied. Finally, in order to improving water poverty index in studied area some recommendations including: implementation of watershed management and aquifer feeding plans, limiting the uncontrolled use of groundwater resources, supporting the development of irrigation methods based on pressurized irrigation technologies and modifying and changing Cultivation pattern towards low water crops was recommended.