Analysis of Actors’ Positions on the Water Governance Network of Zayandeh Rud River Basin: A Focus on Isfahan Province’s Geographic Area

Over the past two decades, the Zayandeh Rud River basin has faced numerous challenges in water resource management, resulting in widespread stakeholder dissatisfaction. In light of governance principles, effective policy-making in this area necessitates an understanding of each actor’s impact on the problem’s various dimensions and their interrelationships. This research aims to determine which actors influence the Zayandeh Rud River basin’s water governance network within Isfahan province’s geographic area and to what extent. Using a governance framework, this paper identifies 21 groups of water actors within the specified geography. Data collection and theoretical saturation were achieved through the analysis of data from 72 research participants using network analysis methods. The research data was analyzed using UCINET software, utilizing structural analysis and value component implementation capabilities, and visualized using NETDRAW software. The results reveal the formation of a unique influence network on water resource management, which is not conducive to optimal water governance. This network comprises a variety of actors with distinct capabilities and behaviors, resulting in specific impacts on water issues.