Volume 19, Issue 2 (7-2025)
مرتع 2025, 19(2): 216-230 |
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Moameri M, Mohammadi Rad Z, Noori D, Ghorbani A, Abbasi Khalaki M. Assessment of Key Indicators Influencing Rangeland Management: Perspectives of Local Stakeholders in Nir County, Ardabil. مرتع 2025; 19 (2) :216-230
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1311-en.html
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1311-en.html
Department of Plant Sciences and Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Meshginshar Agriculture, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil
Abstract: (23 Views)
Introduction and Objective: Sustainable management and conservation of natural resources, particularly rangelands, are crucial for the social and economic development of local communities. Given the necessity of protecting natural resources, developing strategies based on local perspectives for rangeland management is considered a fundamental and important task. Engaging local people in rangeland management can significantly facilitate achieving management goals for experts and relevant organizations. Therefore, the objective of this study is to examine the perspectives of local communities on rangeland management in Nir County, Ardabil Province.
Materials and Methods: The study area includes inhabited rural areas and national lands in Nir County, located in Ardabil Province. The statistical population consisted of individuals over 15 years old. The questionnaire encompassed general characteristics of the studied community along with 19 ecological indicators, 14 social indicators, and 11 economic indicators, all relevant to rangeland management and utilization. In the next step, 5 to 10 percent of households (preferably household heads) were selected as the sample size. The questionnaires were then completed through face-to-face visits, observations, and interviews in the target villages using random sampling. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. To rank the indicators and identify the most important factors influencing rangeland management from the beneficiaries' perspective, the non-parametric Friedman test was used. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 22 in both descriptive and analytical sections.
Results: The analysis of the comprehensive ecological, social, and economic indicators influencing rangeland management, conducted using the Friedman test, reveale that the following indicators played a significant role in livestock and rangeland management from the perspective of beneficiaries: "The relationship between livestock weight gain and access to clean water" (mean rank: 34.11), "The importance of pasture site selection by the shepherd" (mean rank: 33.40), "Interest in using modern methods for milking and wool shearing with machinery" (mean rank: 33.13), "The impact of biological measures (seeding, planting, broadcasting, afforestation) and mechanical measures (sediment trap structures, dams, water breakers, etc.) on improving rangeland conditions, increasing vegetation cover, and ultimately boosting livestock production and beneficiaries' income" (mean rank: 32.60), "The impact of drought on livestock and rangeland management" (mean rank: 32.16), and "Agreement on integrating indigenous knowledge with formal knowledge in livestock and rangeland management" (mean rank: 31.59).
Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the significance of various ecological, social, and economic indicators in rangeland management, as perceived by local communities. Thus, considering influential factors in rangeland management-such as ensuring adequate water supply for livestock, acknowledging the pivotal role of shepherds in livestock and rangeland management, adapting management strategies to drought conditions, integrating advanced technologies into in rangeland management and utilization, fostering youth engagement in rangeland management professions, and leveraging indigenous knowledge from local beneficiaries-becomes increasingly critical.
Materials and Methods: The study area includes inhabited rural areas and national lands in Nir County, located in Ardabil Province. The statistical population consisted of individuals over 15 years old. The questionnaire encompassed general characteristics of the studied community along with 19 ecological indicators, 14 social indicators, and 11 economic indicators, all relevant to rangeland management and utilization. In the next step, 5 to 10 percent of households (preferably household heads) were selected as the sample size. The questionnaires were then completed through face-to-face visits, observations, and interviews in the target villages using random sampling. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. To rank the indicators and identify the most important factors influencing rangeland management from the beneficiaries' perspective, the non-parametric Friedman test was used. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 22 in both descriptive and analytical sections.
Results: The analysis of the comprehensive ecological, social, and economic indicators influencing rangeland management, conducted using the Friedman test, reveale that the following indicators played a significant role in livestock and rangeland management from the perspective of beneficiaries: "The relationship between livestock weight gain and access to clean water" (mean rank: 34.11), "The importance of pasture site selection by the shepherd" (mean rank: 33.40), "Interest in using modern methods for milking and wool shearing with machinery" (mean rank: 33.13), "The impact of biological measures (seeding, planting, broadcasting, afforestation) and mechanical measures (sediment trap structures, dams, water breakers, etc.) on improving rangeland conditions, increasing vegetation cover, and ultimately boosting livestock production and beneficiaries' income" (mean rank: 32.60), "The impact of drought on livestock and rangeland management" (mean rank: 32.16), and "Agreement on integrating indigenous knowledge with formal knowledge in livestock and rangeland management" (mean rank: 31.59).
Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the significance of various ecological, social, and economic indicators in rangeland management, as perceived by local communities. Thus, considering influential factors in rangeland management-such as ensuring adequate water supply for livestock, acknowledging the pivotal role of shepherds in livestock and rangeland management, adapting management strategies to drought conditions, integrating advanced technologies into in rangeland management and utilization, fostering youth engagement in rangeland management professions, and leveraging indigenous knowledge from local beneficiaries-becomes increasingly critical.
Keywords: Local community perspectives, Social factors, Economic factors, Rangeland management, Nir County
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/03/12 | Accepted: 2025/07/2 | Published: 2025/07/1
Received: 2025/03/12 | Accepted: 2025/07/2 | Published: 2025/07/1
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