Part 6/9:
The environmental degradation and mismanagement have engendered social unrest across the country. Farmers and communities dependent on stable water supplies have taken to the streets, protesting government mismanagement and corruption. Protests in regions like Isfahan signify deep-seated frustrations with a state mismanaging one of its most vital resources.
Iran has implemented subsidy policies meant to support rural farmers, but these have often compounded the problem, encouraging overconsumption and further depletion of dwindling water resources. As the agricultural sector collapses—resulting in significant job losses—public discontent continues to simmer.