Farmer‐Led Strategies for Water Conservation in the Urmia Lake Basin, Iran

ABSTRACT This study examines the urgent issues of water scarcity and limited farmer livelihoods in the Urmia Lake basin. To address these challenges, we apply the Governance, Autonomy, Integration, and Needs orientation (GAIN) methodology. Our participatory approach revealed that farmers prioritised actionable measures for water management, yield improvement, and agricultural efficiency. The resulting action plan focused on concrete covering of earth canals, pumping water with pipes, and establishing a reporting system with weather stations. Farmers also highlighted revenue‐focused priorities, such as using foggers and woodchip mulch with alternative fertilisers. The successful implementation of drip and ring basin irrigation systems, along with plastic mulch, demonstrated an average efficiency of 83% and motivated farmers to adopt modern management practices. Through this process, farmers' knowledge and accountability for sustaining the ecosystem were significantly enhanced. Scaling this project to other critical areas within the Urmia Lake basin will be key to ensuring the region's long‐term sustainability and restoration, providing a relevant case study for international research on irrigation and drainage that must adapt to the escalating pressures of climate change.