A Schematic Representation of the Water Conflict from Activists’ Perspective in the Villages of the Gavshan Dam Basin

Much research has been conducted in the field of conflict in rural projects, however, less can be found to analyze these conflicts in a collaborative framework. Meanwhile, the identification of these conflicts by water planners and policymakers can lead to sustainable management of water resources through conflict management. Therefore, the present study seeks to gain a deeper insight into the conflicts using a qualitative method. The samples were selected through critical case sampling. Data were collected using individual semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was done using a two-dimensional graphic table of constellations. The results showed that there were conflicts between the beneficiaries of the water supply project, and the biggest conflict was between the rural, the regional water company and the agricultural organization, and the conflicts between the local people. It is hoped that the results of this research will help the water trustees of the region to gain a more realistic understanding of the water conflict in the region, and in this way, help the effective management of water resources.