<p>This study aims to establish integrated knowledge and formulate an analytical index for water resources governance in agriculture, utilizing the SES and OECD frameworks. The research adopts a dynamic perspective, shifting from a static viewpoint to focus on processes and trends, employing a mixed-methods approach that combines qualitative and quantitative research. Participants in this study were divided into two groups: the first group comprised decision-makers, policymakers, and water resource management stakeholders, while the second group included beneficiaries and farmers, selected through purposive and snowball sampling methods, respectively. The data were analyzed using MaxQDA, SPSS and Excel software. The resulting index, developed with input from scientific, administrative, and beneficiary stakeholders, is designed to measure the advancement of multi-level participatory water governance within the agricultural sector. Its adaptable and field-oriented data collection methodology allows for customization to the specific characteristics of various watersheds, making it applicable in both developing and developed countries. The results revealed that “Trade (between individuals and between generations)”, “Related ecosystem”, “External stimuli”, “Monitoring and evaluation”, “Social, economic and political environment” were the most important components of participatory water governance in the studied area. The findings of the study also indicated that the indicators related to “public free access to transparent information on water consumption in the studied area,” “irrigation system payment mechanisms,” and “monitoring mechanisms for the participatory water resources management process” received the highest average scores.</p>