Determining the best strategies to improve agricultural water productivity in arid and semi-arid regions: An ordinal priority approach

The exponential growth of the world's population has significantly increased the demand for food. Agriculture, as the main provider of food, faces severe constraints due to limited water resources. In this context, improving agricultural water productivity is one of the most effective solutions to address water crises, ultimately leading to increases in both the quantity and quality of agricultural products. This study aimed to identify and prioritize the most effective strategies for improving agricultural water productivity in arid and semi-arid regions, with a particular focus on Mashhad County in Iran. Through interviews with experts and the use of the Ordinal Priority Approach (OPA), four criteria (operational effectiveness, social acceptance, economic efficiency, and ecological sustainability) and 27 strategies were identified and prioritized. The results revealed that institutional and policy interventions received the highest priority, followed by capacity-building and awareness interventions, and irrigation technology interventions. Agronomic and genetic interventions, as well as water resource management interventions, received the lowest priority. The findings and recommendations of this study provide valuable insights for policymakers, water managers, and agricultural stakeholders to develop and implement effective strategies to improve water productivity, enhance food security, and promote sustainable agricultural practices in arid and semi-arid regions.