Investigating Factors Affecting Water Consumption Management Using the Delphi Method in the Central Catchment Area of Zanjan Province
Subject Areas : Educationalhadi yasser 1 , MOZAFFARADIN SHAHBAZI 2 , Meisham Moussai 3
1 - Doctoral student of sociology with economic and development orientation, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Research Unit, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 - Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Faculty Member, Faculty of Humanities and Arts, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran
3 - Professor of Sociology Department, Faculty Member of Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Keywords: Water Consumption Management, Delphi Method, Social Factors, Central Catchment Area, Zanjan.,
Abstract :
Introduction: The water crisis has become one of Iran's fundamental challenges, and the central catchment area of Zanjan province is no exception. Improper water consumption management, particularly in the agricultural sector, has exacerbated this crisis. Understanding the social, cultural, managerial, and legal factors affecting this management is an essential step towards finding sustainable solutions. Objective: This study aimed to identify and prioritize the key factors affecting water consumption management in the central catchment area of Zanjan from the experts' perspective and to present a sociological model based on the qualitative findings. Methods: This qualitative research was conducted using the classical Delphi technique in three rounds. The statistical population consisted of 30 managers, senior experts from the Agricultural Jihad Organization, the Regional Water Company, and expert farmers in Zanjan province, who were selected purposively. Data collection tools were open and semi-open questionnaires, completed in three stages, and the results were analyzed using qualitative content analysis techniques and frequency percentage. Results: Based on the findings from the three Delphi rounds, effective factors were categorized into 10 main categories: 1. Incomplete and contradictory approved laws (93% confirmation frequency), 2. Weakness in governance and institutional coordination (87%), 3. Lack of social and economic motivation among beneficiaries (83%), 4. Low cultural capital and awareness (80%), 5. Existence of incorrect local rules and habits (77%), 6. Technical and infrastructural weaknesses (73%), 7. Insufficient expertise and commitment in human resources (70%), 8. Lack of effective local leadership (67%), 9. Lack of social participation (63%), and 10. Weakness in dealing with violators (60%). These categories represent various dimensions affecting water consumption management in the region. Conclusion: The results indicate that resolving the water crisis in the region is not feasible through technical measures alone and requires simultaneous attention to social, cultural, managerial, and legal factors. A fundamental revision of laws, strengthening integrated water governance, investing in education and enhancing cultural capital, and utilizing local leaders can lead to improved water consumption management in the central catchment area of Zanjan.
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