Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran.
2 Ph,D, Candidate of Water Resources, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran.
Abstract
The water scarcity crisis and declining groundwater levels, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, pose significant challenges to water security and the livelihoods of local communities. Groundwater Balancing Plans are critically important as a strategy for the sustainable management of these vital resources. This research aims to investigate and analyze the perspectives of key stakeholders, including farmers, government agency experts, and university professors, regarding the effectiveness of Groundwater Balancing Plans in the Bashruyeh Plain. Using a survey method and questionnaires, data were collected through cluster and purposive sampling and analyzed using statistical tests such as Cronbach's alpha for reliability assessment and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for comparing mean perspectives in SPSS software. The findings reveal significant differences in the understanding and evaluation of the water crisis and proposed solutions among the studied groups (P<0.001, F=10.108). University professors placed greater emphasis on comprehensive management and infrastructure improvements, while farmers prioritized structural solutions. Furthermore, in evaluating the effectiveness of the Balancing Plans, experts and professors held more positive views (>90%) compared to farmers. By highlighting these differing perspectives and emphasizing the need for a participatory and multi-faceted approach, this research provides a framework for more effective policymaking in groundwater resource management in the Bashruyeh Plain and underscores the importance of integrating local knowledge and scientific findings to achieve water resource sustainability.
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