Volume 17, Issue 3 (11-2023)
مرتع 2023, 17(3): 466-482 |
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Moameri M, Ghobadi L, Ghorbani A, Abbsi Khalaki M. Evaluation of Social-Ecological Factors Influencing Rangeland Degradation: A Case Study in the Namin region of Ardabil, Iran. مرتع 2023; 17 (3) :466-482
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1215-en.html
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1215-en.html
Department of Plant Sciences and Medicinal Plants and Member of Water Management Research Center, Meshgin Shahr Faculty of Agricultre, University of Mohaghegh Ardabibli, Ardabil
Abstract: (671 Views)
Background and objectives: This study investigates the ecological, economic, and social factors contributing to rangeland degradation in the Namin region of Ardabil, Iran. The research aims to identify key factors affecting rangeland degradation from the perspective of pastoralists, providing insights for targeted interventions and sustainable management practices.
Methodology: The study focused on the rural areas of the Namin region in Ardabil province, with a specific focus on ranchers. The research population included rural ranchers with prior experience in utilizing rangelands. A total of 21 villages were selected as the sample for data collection, which took place during the spring of 2021 through field visits and interviews. The researchers used a questionnaire to collect information, covering general characteristics of the community under study as well as 33 ecological, social, and economic indicators. After identifying villages with a history of using rangelands, the researchers determined a sample size of about 5% of households in each village, based on the number of households in each village. The questionnaires were then completed through face-to-face visits, observations, and interviews in the target villages, using stratified random sampling. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data and identify general characteristics of the statistical communities. The Friedman test was used to rank the indicators, and exploratory factor analysis was conducted to examine the factors influencing rangeland degradation. Data analysis was performed using SPSSVer.22 software.
Results: The results of the Friedman test revealed that the indicators "the role of rangeland survey" had an average ranking of 23.57. In addition, "the effect of using stubble pasture" had an average ranking of 23.17, and "the impact of the government's actions against violators" had an average ranking of 23.13. These indicators, as per user opinions, played a crucial role in mitigating rangeland degradation in the region. The results of the factor analysis revealed that 10 factors had an eigenvalue greater than 1, explaining 71.96% of the data variance. Additionally, the results of the principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that a combination of indicators, based on factor coefficients, contributed to the identification of ten factors influencing socio-economic security, livestock fodder availability, differences in rangeland utilization among ranchers, participation in rangeland improvement and management projects, communal exploitation practices, land use changes, interest in livestock farming within rangelands, awareness and utilization levels, education and advertising efforts, as well as promotion and facilities. These factors were found to significantly impact the degradation of rangelands in the region. The lack of investment opportunities, entrepreneurship, and employment creation, as well as low income and the absence of suitable jobs, administrative corruption, non-compliance with legal regulations, and inadequate control over the stocking rate (including animals included in the grazing permit), were identified as the primary factors contributing to the degradation of rangelands in the Namin region. These factors were deemed to be of utmost importance in exacerbating the issue. Additionally, other contributing components with a smaller percentage have also played a role in the degradation of rangelands in the region.
Conclusion: The study highlights the multifaceted nature of factors contributing to rangeland degradation, emphasizing the importance of addressing ecological, economic, and social dimensions. Pastoralist perspectives play a crucial role in identifying indicators for mitigating degradation, and targeted interventions should focus on comprehensive studies to reinforce these factors. Key recommendations include addressing investment opportunities, employment creation, income enhancement, regulatory compliance, and effective control over stocking rates to promote sustainable rangeland management in the Namin region.
Methodology: The study focused on the rural areas of the Namin region in Ardabil province, with a specific focus on ranchers. The research population included rural ranchers with prior experience in utilizing rangelands. A total of 21 villages were selected as the sample for data collection, which took place during the spring of 2021 through field visits and interviews. The researchers used a questionnaire to collect information, covering general characteristics of the community under study as well as 33 ecological, social, and economic indicators. After identifying villages with a history of using rangelands, the researchers determined a sample size of about 5% of households in each village, based on the number of households in each village. The questionnaires were then completed through face-to-face visits, observations, and interviews in the target villages, using stratified random sampling. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data and identify general characteristics of the statistical communities. The Friedman test was used to rank the indicators, and exploratory factor analysis was conducted to examine the factors influencing rangeland degradation. Data analysis was performed using SPSSVer.22 software.
Results: The results of the Friedman test revealed that the indicators "the role of rangeland survey" had an average ranking of 23.57. In addition, "the effect of using stubble pasture" had an average ranking of 23.17, and "the impact of the government's actions against violators" had an average ranking of 23.13. These indicators, as per user opinions, played a crucial role in mitigating rangeland degradation in the region. The results of the factor analysis revealed that 10 factors had an eigenvalue greater than 1, explaining 71.96% of the data variance. Additionally, the results of the principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that a combination of indicators, based on factor coefficients, contributed to the identification of ten factors influencing socio-economic security, livestock fodder availability, differences in rangeland utilization among ranchers, participation in rangeland improvement and management projects, communal exploitation practices, land use changes, interest in livestock farming within rangelands, awareness and utilization levels, education and advertising efforts, as well as promotion and facilities. These factors were found to significantly impact the degradation of rangelands in the region. The lack of investment opportunities, entrepreneurship, and employment creation, as well as low income and the absence of suitable jobs, administrative corruption, non-compliance with legal regulations, and inadequate control over the stocking rate (including animals included in the grazing permit), were identified as the primary factors contributing to the degradation of rangelands in the Namin region. These factors were deemed to be of utmost importance in exacerbating the issue. Additionally, other contributing components with a smaller percentage have also played a role in the degradation of rangelands in the region.
Conclusion: The study highlights the multifaceted nature of factors contributing to rangeland degradation, emphasizing the importance of addressing ecological, economic, and social dimensions. Pastoralist perspectives play a crucial role in identifying indicators for mitigating degradation, and targeted interventions should focus on comprehensive studies to reinforce these factors. Key recommendations include addressing investment opportunities, employment creation, income enhancement, regulatory compliance, and effective control over stocking rates to promote sustainable rangeland management in the Namin region.
Keywords: Rangeland degradation, ecological factors, economic factors, social factors, range survey, Namin.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2023/08/8 | Accepted: 2023/10/18 | Published: 2023/11/1
Received: 2023/08/8 | Accepted: 2023/10/18 | Published: 2023/11/1
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