Volume 20, Issue 2 (3-2027)
مرتع 2027, 20(2): 182-199 |
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Rastgar S, Nematpour A A, Ataie Solout K. Asseissing Economic and Employment Potential of Ferula gummosa Boiss: A Case Study from Firoozkooh County's Range Management Plan. مرتع 2027; 20 (2) :182-199
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1319-en.html
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1319-en.html
Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natrual Reaouces University
Abstract: (727 Views)
Background and objective: The economic analysis of medicinal plant utilization in rural areas is crucial for understanding its contribution to local economies, employment, and livelihood improvement. Diversifying economic activities in rangeland management, particularly through the sustainable exploitation of medicinal plants, can significantly enhance economic diversity, create jobs, generate income, improve socio-economic conditions, and foster the sustainable development of local communities. This study focuses on the summer rangelands of Shahrabad in Firuzkuh, Iran, for the period 2020-2021. The primary objective is to analyze and compare the economic efficiency and annual income generated from traditional livestock-based versus non-livestock-based (medicinal plant) exploitation of these rangelands. Furthermore, this research aims to assess the level of job creation for local people resulting from these activities.
Methodology: The study was conducted in the Balade-Nour watershed, a mountainous region located in the Balade District of Nour City, Mazandaran Province, Iran. The watershed encompasses a total area of 1299.78 km². This research employed a survey-descriptive method, utilizing a questionnaire as the primary data collection tool. Data were gathered through a census of 30 stakeholders from the village of Shahrabad who utilize Ferula gummosa Boiss. Data collection was conducted using structured surveys administered via face-to-face interviews. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach's alpha statistic. Content validity was established by consulting with subject-matter experts and professors. In addition to the surveys, data were supplemented by direct observations and field questionnaires. The financial situation of the ranchers and the economic viability of Ferula gummosa were evaluated using two methods: an assessment of the integrated range management plan (RMP) implemented in the study area, and a benefit-cost (B/C) analysis. To estimate the income-generating potential of the integrated RMP, the employment generation index was applied. Inferential statistical analysis was performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test to assess the normality of the variable distribution. A one-sample T-test was employed to test the research hypotheses.
Results: The study revealed that a majority (70%) of stakeholders were engaged exclusively in ranching. The exploitation of Ferula gummosa for sap collection involved 20 specialized workers, comprising both local and non-local individuals. Critically, the cultivation of medicinal plants, specifically Ferula gummosa for its sap, across a potential area of 150 hectares has significantly enhanced local socioeconomic welfare. This is evidenced by a 10.2-fold increase in net income per hectare compared to traditional livestock farming. The total sap production from this activity was 3,105 kilograms, corresponding to an average yield of 21 kilograms per hectare. The total labor input for sap exploitation over the 90-day annual season yielded an employment coefficient of 7.08 person-days per kilogram of sap. When annualized, this labor input equates to 1.76 person-years per kilogram of sap, representing approximately 35% of a single worker's annual labor capacity. An economic evaluation of livestock farming showed total costs and revenues of 22,765,900 thousand rials and 39,690,000 thousand rials, respectively. This resulted in an average net profit of 3,335,361 rials/hectare/year. A comparison of the net profit ratios confirms that Ferula gummosa exploitation is 10.2 times more profitable than ranching. This finding is reinforced by the benefit-cost (B/C) ratio analysis. The B/C ratio for ranching was calculated to be 1.16, whereas the B/C ratio for Ferula gummosa exploitation was substantially higher at 2.1. These results clearly indicate the superior profitability of Ferula gummosa exploitation in the study area.
Conclusion: Given the importance of the medicinal plant Ferula gummosa Boiss. in the multifunctional use of rangelands within various integrated plans, and its role in creating employment for local communities, this study aimed to evaluate the economic aspects of its exploitation for ranchers using the collected data. The results indicate that the income and net profit/hectare from Ferula gummosa are 10.2 times higher than those from ranchimg. This significant ratio underscores the necessity of ensuring that the exploitation of this plant, grounded in ecological principles, plays a pivotal role in bolstering the local economy and creating employment opportunities.
Methodology: The study was conducted in the Balade-Nour watershed, a mountainous region located in the Balade District of Nour City, Mazandaran Province, Iran. The watershed encompasses a total area of 1299.78 km². This research employed a survey-descriptive method, utilizing a questionnaire as the primary data collection tool. Data were gathered through a census of 30 stakeholders from the village of Shahrabad who utilize Ferula gummosa Boiss. Data collection was conducted using structured surveys administered via face-to-face interviews. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach's alpha statistic. Content validity was established by consulting with subject-matter experts and professors. In addition to the surveys, data were supplemented by direct observations and field questionnaires. The financial situation of the ranchers and the economic viability of Ferula gummosa were evaluated using two methods: an assessment of the integrated range management plan (RMP) implemented in the study area, and a benefit-cost (B/C) analysis. To estimate the income-generating potential of the integrated RMP, the employment generation index was applied. Inferential statistical analysis was performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test to assess the normality of the variable distribution. A one-sample T-test was employed to test the research hypotheses.
Results: The study revealed that a majority (70%) of stakeholders were engaged exclusively in ranching. The exploitation of Ferula gummosa for sap collection involved 20 specialized workers, comprising both local and non-local individuals. Critically, the cultivation of medicinal plants, specifically Ferula gummosa for its sap, across a potential area of 150 hectares has significantly enhanced local socioeconomic welfare. This is evidenced by a 10.2-fold increase in net income per hectare compared to traditional livestock farming. The total sap production from this activity was 3,105 kilograms, corresponding to an average yield of 21 kilograms per hectare. The total labor input for sap exploitation over the 90-day annual season yielded an employment coefficient of 7.08 person-days per kilogram of sap. When annualized, this labor input equates to 1.76 person-years per kilogram of sap, representing approximately 35% of a single worker's annual labor capacity. An economic evaluation of livestock farming showed total costs and revenues of 22,765,900 thousand rials and 39,690,000 thousand rials, respectively. This resulted in an average net profit of 3,335,361 rials/hectare/year. A comparison of the net profit ratios confirms that Ferula gummosa exploitation is 10.2 times more profitable than ranching. This finding is reinforced by the benefit-cost (B/C) ratio analysis. The B/C ratio for ranching was calculated to be 1.16, whereas the B/C ratio for Ferula gummosa exploitation was substantially higher at 2.1. These results clearly indicate the superior profitability of Ferula gummosa exploitation in the study area.
Conclusion: Given the importance of the medicinal plant Ferula gummosa Boiss. in the multifunctional use of rangelands within various integrated plans, and its role in creating employment for local communities, this study aimed to evaluate the economic aspects of its exploitation for ranchers using the collected data. The results indicate that the income and net profit/hectare from Ferula gummosa are 10.2 times higher than those from ranchimg. This significant ratio underscores the necessity of ensuring that the exploitation of this plant, grounded in ecological principles, plays a pivotal role in bolstering the local economy and creating employment opportunities.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/04/23 | Accepted: 2026/02/22 | Published: 2027/03/1
Received: 2025/04/23 | Accepted: 2026/02/22 | Published: 2027/03/1
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