Integrated agricultural water governance for food security in complex water resource systems

ABSTRACT

This research tackles the pressing issue of achieving food security amid climate change, population growth, and intensifying competition for water by introducing a sustainable, integrated framework for agricultural water management. The framework merges strategic planning with spatial multi-criteria decision-making to balance water supply and demand within large-scale resource systems. Applying a case study in Iran, internal and external factors were assessed using SWOT analysis enhanced by spatial data integration. Thirty purposively selected questionnaires from managers, experts, and beneficiaries informed hierarchical and SWOT modeling. Factor scores of 2.90 (internal) and 2.73 (external) pointed to aggressive (SO) strategies, with a blend of structural and non-structural measures (SO, ST, WO) prioritized. Key recommendations include infrastructure upgrades, enhanced operations and maintenance, stronger environmental governance, and optimized local water use. Annual agricultural water consumption totaled 1.8 billion m3, 95% of which originated from surface water. Spatial prioritization pinpointed high-impact irrigation zones where targeted interventions could improve water-use efficiency, crop yields, and resilience to scarcity. Integrating socio-economic, environmental, and technical elements, the adaptable framework advances sustainable water governance and supports food security objectives at regional and potentially national scales.