Hybrid Engineering–Managerial Approach to Virtual Water Trade and Crop Prioritization under Climate Constraints in Iran

Iran is facing a severe water crisis, exacerbated by climate change and ineffi cient agricultural practices. This study proposes a hybrid engineering–managerial approach to assess virtual water trade and crop prioritization under climate constraints. Using hydrological modeling (CROPWAT software by FAO), the Virtual Water Pressure Index (VWPI), and the Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) method, the water consumption of key crops (rice, wheat, barley, citrus) is analyzed across different regions. The results reveal the vulnerable dependency of rice cultivation on blue water sources and the comparatively high effi ciency of citrus and barley due to green water usage. Spatial analysis enables region-specifi c crop planning based on climatic variations. The research supports sustainable resource management and the development of modeling tools for ecological projects in Iran and Turkey.