Farmers perceived risks distinguishing domestic wastewater users from non-users in the Sistan Plain of Iran

The water scarcity crisis is a fundamental challenge for agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions like Iran. Using domestic wastewater as an alternative water source can play an essential role in alleviating pressure on water resources. However, farmers’ perceptions of the risks associated with wastewater significantly influence their decision to adopt or reject this technology. This research explores how perceived risks differentiate farmers who use domestic wastewater from those who do not. The research is an analytical descriptive study conducted through survey techniques. The statistical population includes farmers in the Sistan Plain, Iran. A total of 361 farmers (163 wastewater users and 198 non-users) were surveyed, and discriminant analysis was used to identify which perceived risks best distinguish the two groups. Data were collected using a questionnaire whose validity was confirmed through face validity (expert assessment of question clarity and appropriateness) and content validity (systematic evaluation of item relevance to research objectives), and whose reliability was verified by calculating Cronbach’s alpha during a pilot study. Results reveal that ethical (standardized coefficient = 0.671), educational and awareness (0.512), and sociocultural (0.467) risks were the most influential in distinguishing user farmers from non-user farmers. Conversely, health and policy risks had minimal impact on farmers’ decisions—likely due to limited awareness of health hazards and perceived lack of control over policy changes—suggesting that policymakers should prioritize sociocultural interventions over health campaigns or regulatory adjustments. These findings indicate that social, cultural, and ethical concerns are more important than scientific and environmental considerations regarding wastewater use. Additionally, legal and monitoring risks, as well as supply-chain-related risks, also played a role in influencing farmers’ decisions. In conclusion, policymakers seeking to promote wastewater adoption in the Sistan Plain should prioritize sociocultural acceptance and awareness-building over health campaigns or regulatory adjustments, as farmers’ decisions are primarily shaped by social and ethical considerations. Not applicable.