Problems Analysis of Water User Associations (WUAs) in the Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT) Process; the Case of: Tajan, Varamin and Moghan Water User Associations

The main purpose of this study was to analyze the problems of Water User Associations (WUAs) in the Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT) process. The study is based upon a descriptive-correlational research method. The statistical population of the study consisted of 2500 farmers in WUAs. A sample of 262 farmers was selected using “Random Sampling” method. Data were collected through questionnaire, the validity (face and content) of which was obtained by a panel of faculty members of the University of Tehran and some experts of the Ministry of Jihade Agriculture. The reliability of the questionnaire was ascertained through Cronbach's Alpha test (?=.721). SPSSWin11.5 Software was used for data analyzing, while factor analysis and correlation coefficient were the methods employed in the research. The results indicated that such problems of: farm area, uncultivated farm area, participation degree and perceptions concerning WUA's success are of significant relationships. The results of factor analysis indicated that the majority of problems arise from a dissatisfaction with the outcomes, inappropriateness of the project with the project area, lack of confidence in government and lack of support on the part of the government.