Analysis of factors affecting the sustainable management of agricultural water resources in the rural areas of the central part of Ardabil County

Water resource management, during the development of its conditions and scope, is subject to various dimensions and constraints.Therefore, identifying the contributing factors for sustainable water resource management is essential for optimizing its use.This research focuses on the central rural areas of Ardabil County, examining farmers' perspectives on the factors influencing the management of sustainable water resources (including Sharif Baigloo, Hakim Gheshlaghi, Sham Asbi, Vakil Abad, Omidche, Pirghavam, Aghbalagh Rostamkhani, Gharelor, and Gilandeh).This study employs a descriptive-analytic approach with an applied focus and utilizes quantitative methods.The statistical population consists of heads of farming households in the central region of Ardabil County.Seven dimensions were considered, encompassing 72 components, with a calculated sample size of 349 participants.The sample distribution across the villages was conducted randomly and proportionally to the size of farming household heads in each village.Smart PLS software was utilized for analysis.The initial assessment of the measurement model demonstrated a good fit, with 68 components exhibiting impacts above the factor of 0.5.The results of the structural model indicated significant structural relationships between sustainable management and economic, social, productivity, technical, educational, and institutional factors.Furthermore, the coefficient of determination (R) exceeded the threshold of 0.26 for all dimensions, indicating strong relationships.Specifically, the lowest R for the economic dimension was 0.299, while the highest value for the productivity dimension was 0.511.These findings suggest that revising perspectives on agricultural water management, with a shift towards an integrative, participatory approach focused on optimal management while considering economic, social, technical, educational, and other relevant dimensions, is crucial for achieving sustainable water resource management.