Toward Sustainable Food Security in Tehran Province: Identifying Water Management Priorities

Abstract

Water scarcity poses a significant threat to food security in Tehran Province, a region challenged by rapid urbanization, population growth, and unsustainable water use. This study investigates the multidimensional requirements for developing food security through sustainable water resource management. Adopting a descriptive-analytical approach, the research incorporates both a literature review and expert survey. A structured questionnaire was administered to 120 experts from the Ministry of Agriculture-Jihad, and data were analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via Smart PLS. The analysis identifies five key dimensions—technological, policy-related, educational-extension, social, and economic—as critical to enhancing food security. Among these, technological requirements exhibited the strongest influence (β = 0.890), followed by policy (β = 0.651) and educational-extension requirements (β = 0.561). Access to improved seeds and innovation in water management emerged as the most influential factors. The findings underscore the need for integrated, cross-sectoral policies and targeted investments in technology, public awareness, and stakeholder engagement to ensure sustainable agricultural development in water-constrained regions. This research provides actionable insights for policymakers seeking to align food and water strategies with long-term sustainability goals.