Evaluation and Analysis of Water Security Based on SWOT and QSPM Matrix (case study: Iran)

Evaluation and Analysis of water security based on SWOT and QSPM matrix (case study: Iran)
Abstract
Background and Objectives
Water is a vital resource for every human and biological environment. Rapid urbanization and population growth have increased the need for water resources. Today, water management and protection are vital not only in developing countries but also in developed countries. In recent decades, the concept of water scarcity has been replaced by the water security concept, which investigates more comprehensively water-based challenges. Water security explains the concept of water management and the balance between resource protection and its use, and to facilitate quantification, due to the multidimensional concept water security should be shown by different indicators. This research was conducted with the aim of determining appropriate management strategies to ensure water security in the provinces of Iran from 2011 to 2018 with the SWOT approach and using the QSPM quantitative matrix to prioritize strategies.
Methodology
Iran country is located in West Asia in the Middle East and in the arid and semi-arid region of the world, and it is one of the countries that is most vulnerable to water scarcity and water stress, according to the Falcon Mark index, water harvesting is very high compared to water sources and it is always facing water shortage. In addition, climate change and the greenhouse gas effect have changed the pattern of precipitation and it will be a more serious issue in the future. The SWOT model was used to identify appropriate strategies for water security assessment in this research. To analyze this model, the required information includes data related to various dimensions and indicators of water security, including surface and underground water sources, consumption sources, economic, social, environmental and vegetation dimensions through statistical yearbooks and referring to the organizations were prepared, In order to prioritize the dimensions and indicators and determine the opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses, and finally scoring the factors was done using the Delphi method. In the next step, the evaluation matrices of external factors (EFE) and internal factors (IFE) were used for data analysis. Then these factors are analyzed simultaneously in the square diagram of strategy determination, the output of which is considered the main development strategy, which can be any of the offensive, competitive, conservative or defensive strategies. Finally, to prioritize strategies and quantitatively evaluate water security strategies, the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix or QSPM was used. The impact of external and internal factors on the proposed strategies is surveyed and determines which of the strategic options to choose is possible.
Findings
The results obtained from the evaluation matrix of internal and external factors for the years 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 indicate that the weak points prevail over the strong points, and as a result, conservative strategies are prioritized as the chosen strategy, and in 2012 and 2018, by surpassing the strengths of the offensive strategies, it has been prioritized. Based on the QSPM matrix, there are two training strategies and the creation of a joint mechanism between the agricultural jihad and the water organization and the environmental organization to provide exemplary plans and optimal water consumption and the strategy of land protection, preservation and revitalization of vegetation to reduce risks and control floods in In line with the integrated management of the environment sector, to take action in line with the development and increase of water security in the country, they are the priority.
Conclusion
Based on the results of the evaluation of water security in the provinces of Iran, the overall water security situation in the provinces of the country between 2011 and 2018 was between poor and moderate quality, and finally, the water security situation of the country in 2018 was more suitable. Therefore, the alignment and missions of the interests of different institutions with each other and a clear and solid connection between development plans in the water sector, creating structural reforms to improve the financial stability of the water management sector, increasing facilities in order to promote modern irrigation and save consumption Water by limiting high-expecting crops, using equipment and facilities to control the amount of consumption of limited water resources and applying policies to support water resources supply and transfer projects are among the priority strategies, Therefore, water security is not a one-dimensional issue and its continuity in various dimensions.