Optimization of the Water Resources Management of the Irrigation Networks from the Water User's Viewpoint (Case Study: The Qazvin Network)

The purpose of this study was to identify the most important effective solutions in improving of management of the Qazvin Network water resourcesfrom the water users’ viewpoint. The sample size was determined using the Cochran formula. The samples were selected using the multi-stage sampling method (n=127). Questionnaires were used to collect the data. Validity of the questionnaire was assessed by panel of faculty members and experts. In order to measure the reliability of the questionnaire، the Cronbach Alpha coefficients were calculated for their main scales (0. 92). The results showed that the most important barrows in improving the management of water resources were: the lack of a strong law in water resources management and the needed power in the enforcement of the drilling regulations؛ i. e.، prevention of drilling wells without obtaining the legal permits. By using the exploratory factor analysis، effective solutions in improvement of management were summarized through 4 factors: reforms in pricing and training، development of a comprehensive partnership in agriculture، reduction of bureaucracy، and improvement in technology، extension، supervision. These factors explained 60% of the variations. The most important effective factor was the reform in the pricing system and training.