Strategies for Enhancing Water Security in Iran's Agricultural Sector under Climate Change

Document Type : Original Research

Authors
Majid Gholami 1
Bahareh Heidary 1
Maryam Afkhami 1
Mohammad Ali Kiani 2
1 Faculty of Governance, University of Tehran, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
2 Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
Abstract
The issue of climate change and its associated water security challenges has become a growing concern for Iran, particularly in its agricultural sector. Increasing population, rising demand for agricultural products, and the need for food security exacerbate these challenges. This study highlights the risks posed by reduced precipitation, rising temperatures, and inefficient water management practices, including heavy reliance on groundwater and outdated irrigation systems. It emphasizes the urgent need for modern irrigation technologies, such as water recycling (NEWater), and robust governance reforms to improve water use efficiency, analyzed through the HES framework. The study concludes that adopting a comprehensive, long-term strategy, incorporating technological innovations, localized water management practices, and enhanced governance can mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure the sustainable use of water resources in Iran's agricultural sector.

Keywords

Subjects

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Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
Volume 27, Issue 6
November and December 2025
Pages 1351-1369