To enhance the resilience of agricultural systems to climate change, barriers to efficient water management must be addressed. However, empirical research that comprehensively identifies the major obstacles to efficient water management in arid and semi-arid areas is scarce. Moreover, an adaptive and context-specific water management approach can counterbalance the negative impacts of climatic and anthropogenic stressors. Nevertheless, adaptive policies and strategies are poorly investigated in developing countries like Iran. This research aims to address major obstacles to efficient water management and identify adaptive policies and strategies to enhance the resilience of agricultural systems to water scarcity. The study was conducted in one of the leading agricultural and water-scarce regions of Iran (Hamadan Province). Using qualitative research, 40 interlinked and context-dependent obstacles and 12 adaptive strategies were identified. The results indicated that climatic, managerial, structural, institutional, legal, strategic, informational-technologic, economic and cultural-cognitive factors hindered efficient water management. However, DEMATEL analysis revealed the need to resolve managerial, economic, structural, legal, and strategic obstacles to improve water efficiency. Establishing water markets, reforming water legislation, building capacity, benchmarking, blocking unauthorized wells, and reinforcing water user associations are key to enhancing resilience to water scarcity. Additionally, integrating livelihood management strategies with farm-level water management practices is essential for promoting the efficient use of water resources.