A Study of Nature-Based Solutions via a Thematic Analysis of the Stakeholders’ Perceptions to Address Water Scarcity in a Hot and Semiarid Climate: A Case Study of Iran

Water scarcity is an old and long-term problem in the Middle East, especially in Iran, where water shortage has been a challenge for over a decade. Insecurity to access water resources has been amplified due to climate change and unbalanced and unsustainable economic development, influencing the environment and society. In this study, we conducted multiple semi-structured interviews with stakeholders, including academics investigating water shortage, NGOs, states, water consultant companies, farmers, people who face direct and indirect water scarcity, and locals dealing with water scarcity in Iran. These semi-structured 16 interviews were transcribed into text and excerpts, and a hybrid thematic analysis comprising inductive and deductive approaches was employed for the transcription assessment. The thematic analysis of Iranian’s stakeholders was conducted to identify barriers and enablers of potential solutions. The frequency of common comments (Fr) was counted to realize the importance of each reply. The thematic analysis revealed 45 drivers of water scarcity, including precipitation reduction (Fr = 14), water transmission (12), illegal underground water utilization (12), dam overconstruction (12), drought (12), high water consumption in agriculture (11), and climate change (10). The main goal of this study is to map the water scarcity problem in Iran based on stakeholders’ viewpoints, which can be helpful for researchers and policymakers to understand the situation and define applicable solutions. This research also discussed the application of nature-based solutions (NbS), NbS benefits, supportive laws, NbS barriers, and enablers. The stakeholders’ perception showed that multiple intracommunity actions should be considered to address the current water crisis.