Analysis of water resources management strategies by TOPSIS method based on water footprint of agricultural products in Dez basin

Lack of water, energy and food (WEF) resources due to rapid population growth, climate change, ecosystem imbalances and economic diversity are the biggest challenges for the world today. In this paper the optimal management of WEF resources is investigate with the nexus approach and using the concept of water footprint in the Dez basin located in Khuzestan province. In order, the water footprint of major horticultural crops cultivated calculated in this basin. Also, in order to provide strategic solutions in the optimal management of water resources with regard to the three components of WEF, the TOPSIS analytical method has been used. The results show that the highest index of water footprint of crops was related to mung bean, rice, sugarcane and rapeseed, respectively, which were equal to 4945, 2671, 1462 and 1227 cubic meters per ton, respectively. Finally, according to the analysis and priority of effective strategies on WEF resources management by TOPSIS method, five criteria such as optimal collection and extraction of WEF resources, changing irrigation pattern and implementation of low-demand methods, agricultural water resources quotas, development of risk management and crisis to prevent the loss of quantity and quality of WEF resources in order to improve agricultural products, recycling and reuse of water by emphasizing the replacement of effluents for agricultural use and green space by using new methods for water extraction; They are ranked first to fifth as important and effective strategies.