Supporting Sustainable Rural Groundwater Demand Management with Fuzzy Decision Analysis: A Case Study in Iran

Abstract

Insufficient clean freshwater has become a growing concern for sustainable development in countries with arid and semi-arid regions. Co-production of knowledge through active communication of experts, government, and local stakeholders can serve as a strategy to cope with water scarcity. Water consumption behavior is a key component of water resource management. This study aims to understand water consumption factors and behavior in a rural area with arid conditions. The study is a mixed-method one conducted through fuzzy decision analysis (i.e., selecting criteria with Fuzzy Delphi and rating them with Fuzzy Analytic Network Process). An empirical case study was conducted on the Akramieh rural area located in Yazd Province, Iran. The results indicate that a change in consumers' culture can have a significant effect in reducing water consumption. Recommendations have been made to encourage the adaptation of farming families to water scarcity. Through public schools and mosques, people can become aware of the conditions and consequences of drought as a crisis, and alternative methods of irrigation can be taught to farmers.