Voices from Iranian Farmers: Balancing livelihood and sustainability in the climate change Era

• Farmers’ perceptions shape the adoption of sustainable groundwater management. • The conflict between livelihood and climate adaptation has a key role in farmers’ behavior. • Education and extension services are key to bridging knowledge gaps in water sustainability. Climate change, recognized as one of the most pressing global threats, has profound implications for the agricultural sector, which is most vulnerable due to its heavy reliance on water resources. Agriculture consumes over 70% of the world’s water, making the sustainable management of these resources critical, especially in the context of increasing drought conditions. This management is heavily influenced by farmers’ perceptions and understanding of climate change. Despite the clear benefits of conservation programs, negative attitudes and misconceptions can significantly impede the adoption of effective water conservation measures. Therefore, understanding farmers’ attitudes and perceptions toward sustainable water management is essential for developing and implementing effective strategies that align with their needs and realities. This study employs the Q methodology to explore farmers’ perceptions of sustainable groundwater resource management in South Khorasan Province. The study involved 21 farmers whose viewpoints were categorized into four distinct groups: consumerist (22.77%), egalitarian (16.10%), science-oriented (14.35%), and fatalist (13%). These classifications collectively explain 66.23% of the variance in sustainable agricultural water management. The findings show that farmers are primarily concerned about balancing their livelihoods with sustainable water management. While they recognize the importance of sustainability, immediate worries about economic survival and family well-being often take priority. Climate change’s direct effects on agricultural productivity and water availability intensify these challenges. The study also highlights that farmers’ approaches to water management are heavily influenced by their personal experiences and knowledge of the impacts of climate change. Farmers with better access to resources and information are more likely to adopt sustainable practices, whereas those with limited access tend to prioritize economic necessity over sustainability. This highlights the value of educational programs and extension services in bridging the knowledge gap and equipping farmers with tools for sustainable water management. Policymakers should take these insights into account to develop strategies that promote environmental sustainability while ensuring the economic stability of farming communities.