Assessment of the impact of socio-economic policies on groundwater consumption using a multi-agent-based modeling approach

This study examines sustainable water management in the Eshtehard plain, Iran, addressing the impact of inappropriate groundwater use and the resulting decrease in groundwater levels. Using agent-based modeling, it evaluates stakeholder interactions to enhance groundwater management. This framework simulates farmers' responses to changing water resources, considering agricultural demand and socio-economic factors. The study assesses the influence of governmental policies on farmers' decisions across five scenarios, finding that implementing specific policies can reduce groundwater extraction and improve the hydrological-social situation, provided the government has necessary funding. The findings offer valuable insights for future planning, policy-making, and assessing the impact of management scenarios on water resources and farmers' economic status. The proposed framework serves as a tool to support stakeholders in making informed decisions for sustainable groundwater management.