Objective: The main objective of this study was to identify, prioritize, and analyze the challenges and problems affecting agriculture and natural resources in the Lower Atrak River Basin, with a particular focus on the Chat area of Gonbad-e Kavus County. Drawing on the perspectives of experts, specialists, and local stakeholders, the study sought to explain the causal relationships among human and natural factors contributing to these challenges and to provide a basis for informed decision-making for sustainable resource management.
Methods: This quantitative study was applied in terms of purpose. Data were collected through a review of upstream policy and planning documents and a specialized questionnaire based on the DPSIR framework using a five-point Likert scale. The reliability of the research instrument was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The non-parametric Friedman test was employed to prioritize the identified issues and problems. The DPSIR conceptual framework was also used to analyze the relationships among Driving Forces, Pressures, State, Impacts, and Responses.
Results: Among environmental hazards, “increasing regional temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns caused by climate change” was identified as the most important challenge, with a mean rank of 13.98. Among environmental problems, “lack of effective monitoring of industrial and agricultural activities and the occurrence of irreversible environmental pollution” received the highest priority, with a mean rank of 14.53. In the field of agriculture and natural resources, “increasing prices of agricultural inputs such as seeds and fertilizers” and “lack of effective waste management systems” were identified as the most important problems, each with a mean rank of 14.19. The Friedman test indicated statistically significant differences among the priorities assigned to issues and problems across all three domains (Sig. = 0.000). The DPSIR analysis showed that social, economic, and governance-related driving forces play a dominant role in shaping these problems.
Conclusions: The challenges affecting agriculture and natural resources in the Lower Atrak River Basin are multidimensional, complex, and highly interconnected. The continuation of current resource-use trends poses a serious threat to the ecological and economic sustainability of the region. Therefore, an integrated approach to water and soil resource management, strengthened institutional coordination, development of modern irrigation systems, improved environmental monitoring, and active participation of local communities are essential for improving agricultural conditions, conserving natural resources, and enhancing livelihood and environmental resilience in the Lower Atrak Basin.