Explaining the Effects of Water Resources Management on Agricultural Development: Case Study of Baft County

Abstract
Objective: Water, as the most fundamental and vital resource of any country, serves as the infrastructure for the development of other sectors. The agricultural sector is the largest consumer of water both globally and in Iran. Given the importance of this issue, this descriptive-analytical study was conducted to investigate the role of water resource management in agricultural development in Baft County.
Method: The statistical population consisted of 1,061 agricultural households in Baft County, from which 282 households were selected using Cochran's formula and a simple random sampling method. The main research instrument was a questionnaire whose validity was confirmed through content and construct validity, and its reliability was assessed using composite reliability and Cronbach’s alpha (a = 0.90). Data analysis was performed using SPSS and LISREL software. To assess the goodness-of-fit of the measurement model for the construct "socio-economic impacts on rural tourism," the collected data were examined using LISREL software and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). In this study, to explain the factors and variables affecting water resource management and agricultural development, a total of 14 indicators for agricultural development and 11 indicators for water resource management were selected at the county level and among agricultural beneficiaries.
Results: The results indicate that mechanization, infrastructure, agricultural performance, and irrigated farming explain approximately 64% of the variations related to agricultural development.
Conclusion: Surface water resources, deep wells, and semi-deep wells collectively account for approximately 59% of the variations in water resource management.
 
 
 
English Extended Abstract
Introduction
Given the critical role of water in the agricultural sector, it is evident that future water shortages will disproportionately impact agriculture, particularly in developing countries. Since agriculture forms the foundation and infrastructure of development in these countries, the efficient use of water—or, more precisely, agricultural water management—becomes not only important but essential.
A comprehensive understanding of the current state of water resources in the county, along with recognition of existing limitations and shortcomings, and effective planning in this area, can lead to a more promising future for both water resource management and agricultural development in the region. This leads to the central research question of the study: What effects has water resource management had on the agricultural development of Baft County?
Given the importance of this issue, numerous studies have been conducted in various regions. Some of these are briefly reviewed below:
One study explored the role of agricultural water resources in sustainable rural development in Guilan Province. The findings indicated a significant relationship between agricultural water resource management and sustainable development indicators. The study also found that optimal management of agricultural water resources is positively and significantly associated with improved efficiency and productivity in agricultural lands and orchards.
Another study, titled Water Management in Agricultural Development, concluded that the volume of freshwater available for human use is very limited. Iran's annual precipitation is significantly lower than the global average, and rainfall is not evenly distributed across the country. In some cases, precipitation occurs at times that are unsuitable for agricultural use. Thus, proper utilization of water resources requires a thorough understanding of those resources and careful planning.
In a separate study examining water management indicators in rural areas, seven key components were identified to assess the sustainability of agricultural water resources and management. These include: (1) balance between water supply and consumption, (2) capacity and productivity of water use in agriculture, (3) water resource availability, (4) agricultural water consumption, (5) environmental factors, (6) human and social capital, and (7) institutional support—supported by a total of 24 indicators. Based on the study’s findings, several recommendations were proposed to reduce the instability of agricultural water resources and enhance policymaking in the water and agriculture sectors.
 
Method
The present study was conducted using a descriptive-analytical approach and is applied in nature, given its objectives and subject matter. Data were collected through both library research and fieldwork, with the primary emphasis in the field component placed on the use of a questionnaire. To investigate water resource management in the study area—based on the definitions and concepts outlined in the theoretical framework—a questionnaire was designed and developed using a set of specific indicators. To evaluate the validity of the questionnaire, expert judgment was employed, and its reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, yielding a coefficient of 0.95, indicating excellent internal consistency. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS and LISREL software.
 
Results
To assess the goodness-of-fit of the socio-economic impact measurement model on rural tourism, the collected data were analyzed using LISREL software and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). In this study, to identify and explain the factors and variables influencing water resource management and agricultural development, a total of 14 indicators for agricultural development and 11 indicators for water resource management were selected at the county level in Baft and among agricultural operators.
The results indicated that four factors—mechanization, infrastructure, agricultural performance, and irrigated farming—explained approximately 64% of the total variance in agricultural development. Similarly, three factors—surface water, deep wells, and semi-deep wells—accounted for about 59% of the total variance in water resource management.
 
Conclusion
Identifying and analyzing the key indicators influencing agricultural development and water resource management is a crucial step toward enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of these sectors. This study aimed to identify such indicators in Baft County, one of the major agricultural regions in Kerman Province, which is currently facing significant water scarcity. In this regard, relevant theoretical frameworks and selected indicators related to water resource management and agricultural development were examined using factor analysis.
Based on the results, it can be concluded that in regions with fewer constraints—particularly in areas without severe water shortages—expansion of agricultural and horticultural land is recommended. However, this expansion should focus on crops with a comparative advantage to ensure economic viability. Conversely, in regions experiencing water scarcity or facing water crises, agricultural development plans should prioritize resource conservation and optimal utilization. In such areas, this approach may necessarily lead to a reduction in cultivated land area in favor of sustainability.
In terms of water resource conservation as a management strategy, the following measures are recommended:

Channeling surface water streams toward farmlands,
Implementing modern irrigation techniques,
Constructing earthen dams to control and store surface water,
Providing training to farmers on rainwater harvesting and cultivation strategies adapted to precipitation levels,
Conducting watershed management operations to prevent flooding and support the recharge of water resources,
Enforcing deterrent regulations to prevent unauthorized well drilling and over-extraction of groundwater, and
Most importantly, establishing a robust system of regulatory and supportive government policies to ensure long-term water sustainability and agricultural resilience.