Abstract
Background and objective: The degradation of rangelands in the country has been accelerating both in quantity and quality. This phenomenon not only leads to a reduction in the extent and diversity of plant species but also causes broader environmental impacts such as soil erosion, reduced water resources, and increased natural hazards like floods and desertification. This study aims to investigate and identify the most significant factors affecting rangeland degradation in Fereydan County and to compare the perspectives of experts and local ranchers regarding these factors.
Materials and methods: Initially, degradation factors were identified through a review of literature, field visits, and consultation with natural resource specialists, based on management, economic, social, and natural criteria. Opinions were then gathered from technical experts in natural resources and experienced, informed local ranchers through a five-point Likert scale questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed through expert judgment, and its reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, which was calculated to be 0.87 for the expert group and 0.81 for the local ranchers. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test.
Results: Among the main criteria, experts identified economic factors as the most significant, with a weighted average of 4.48, while local ranchers considered managerial factors more influential, with a weighted average of 4.17. Both groups agreed that natural factors had the least impact on rangeland degradation. Regarding sub-criteria, experts emphasized the economic conditions of livestock holders as the most critical factor (weighted average of 4.32), whereas local ranchers prioritized livestock and livestock management (weighted average of 3.97). Among the 30 identified degradation factors, experts ranked (1) the high number of beneficiaries and livestock holders (4.39), (2) overgrazing (4.26), and (3) prolonged and repeated grazing (4.19) as the most destructive. In contrast, local ranchers identified (1) overgrazing (4.63), (2) drought (4.53), and (3) high forage prices (4.50) as the most impactful factors in rangeland degradation in Fereydan. Based on both descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney test results, economic factors emerged as the primary drivers of rangeland degradation in the region, including issues such as overgrazing, high forage prices, the high number of beneficiaries, and a shortage of protective staff, which are directly and indirectly related to the economic conditions of the region and its livestock holders. Although social factors (such as individual profit-seeking behavior and lack of a sense of ownership) were found to be less directly influential than economic factors, they significantly contribute indirectly by intensifying unsustainable exploitation and weakening collective responsibility. The interaction of these three categories of factors creates a vicious cycle that puts increasing pressure on rangelands. For example, weak management and limited local participation lead to the continuation of unsustainable economic practices, while the lack of institutional support reduces the feasibility of implementing corrective measures.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that livestock-related factors, the high number of beneficiaries, and elevated forage prices play a central role in rangeland degradation from the perspective of both experts and local ranchers. While there is general alignment between the two groups regarding the overall causes, differences in prioritization stem from variations in experience, knowledge, and interests. Recognizing these differences, along with understanding the interplay between economic, managerial, and social factors, can serve as a foundation for designing participatory, targeted, and sustainable policies for rangeland conservation.