Journal of Rangeland

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Rangelands are the source of the main income for their stakeholders. Vulnerable socio-economic conditions of pastoralists in Iran during the recent century had great impacts on rangeland condition and management. This study aimed to provide a clear status of rangeland utilization in Aq Qala via assessing internal and external environmental factors. SWOT approach was used to identify and assess the positive and negative internal and external environments factors affecting rangeland utilization. The data were collected through free and brainstorming interviews with an emphasis on the knowledge and experience of rangelands’ exploiters. After content analyzing the collected data, analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and spectral questionnaires were used for range management technicians and exploiters to quantify the collected qualitative information. Thirty-two factors including 24 internal and 8 external factors were identified as the factors affecting rangeland utilization condition using content analysis. In addition to identifying the most important factors in any of the criteria’s (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats), the competitive position was identified as a main strategic factor affecting Agh Ghala’s rangeland utilization. The results of this study can be used to identify the best management practices to enhance rangeland condition and utilization status.
 

Keywords: Aq Qhala, Rangelands explotation, SWOT, Pastoralists, Analytic hierarchy process

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