Volume 16, Issue 3 (11-2022)                   مرتع 2022, 16(3): 555-571 | Back to browse issues page

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Yari R, Farajollahi A, Heshmati G. Analysis of the most important problems of rangelands and presentation of management solutions from the viewpoint of stakeholders and experts (Case study: Chaharbagh rangelands of Golestan province). مرتع 2022; 16 (3) :555-571
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1123-en.html
Forests and Rangelands Research Department, Khorasan Razavi Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Khorasan Razavi
Abstract:   (1482 Views)
Background and objectives: Protecting rangelands and preventing the deterioration of these precious resources necessitates significant efforts and proper measures to ensure their sustainable use and comprehensive and integrated management. These policies and planning should allow optimal and sustainable use of rangelands, while also addressing the needs of stakeholders and enhancing their livelihood. In rangelands, problem recognition provides management solutions. It provides the foundation for the utilization of many available options in rangeland ecosystems and will assist the sustainable development of rangelands. This study aimed to identify and rank the most significant challenges and concerns on the rangelands in the Chaharbagh region of Golestan province. It also tries to propose management solutions from the perspective of stakeholders and specialists.
Methodology: This study employs survey and documentary methodologies. The statistical population of this study consisted of Golestan province stakeholders and subject matter specialists. This study's sample size was selected by a non-random sampling technique, and 31 experts and 38 stakeholders participated. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to measure the level of reliability after the questionnaire was designed and the validity was confirmed with the help of professionals and specialists. Cronbach's alpha coefficients of 0.81 and 0.83 were obtained for the surveys of stakeholders and experts, respectively, indicating adequate questionnaire reliability. The results were ranked and prioritized using the significance index (Iindex) coefficient and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in order to identify existing problems and concerns and provide solutions (AHP). Using Expert choice software, the weight and significance of each criterion were determined for the hierarchical analysis procedure, which is one of the most decision-making systems with many criteria.
Results: According to the importance coefficient (Iindex), drought with the importance index value of 98.3 and weight of 0.088 was the most important issue, followed by the lack of government subsidies for the damages in the event of a crisis (lack of livestock and pasture insurance) by 83.3 and 0.072, non-participatory decision-making by 80 and 0.066. According to specialists, indiscriminate grazing and an excessive quantity of animals are the most significant concerns, with the highest importance index value (81,7) and weight (0.077). Following that are early and untimely grazing with an important index of (80) and weight of (0.076) and untimely exit of animals (~75.8 and 0.072). In the proposed solutions based on the opinions of stakeholders and experts, livestock grazing management and providing facilities for buying fodder, particularly during drought, received the highest importance index (88.7) and weight (0.114), followed by training the stakeholders to utilize medicinal, industrial, and edible plants in the region, as well as receiving credits and loans to purchase hives and beekeeping, with the ultimate goal of empowering them.
Conclusion: According to the opinions of stakeholders and experts, the problems and causes of the degradation of this rangeland fall into four broad categories: A) Drought and subsequent shortage of water resources B) Weak grazing management C) Weak organization and lack of preventative legislation and regulations D) Economic concerns and low stakeholder income. In addition, the management strategies presented in this study are classified as combating, generating employment opportunities and multi-purpose use of rangelands in the form of cooperatives, implementing the principles of livestock grazing management, and reinforce the rules and regulations. According to the frequently shared perspectives of stakeholders and specialists, the outcomes of the difficulties and problems as well as the proposed solutions can be accepted with greater assurance.
 
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Type of Study: Research | Subject: Special
Received: 2022/02/11 | Accepted: 2022/05/30 | Published: 2022/11/1

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