Hossein Saemipoor, Mehdi Ghorbani, Arash Malekian, Mehdi Ramazanzadeh Lasboei,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (5-2018)
Abstract
Iranian ecosystems are highly prone to prolonged drought condition. A drought has various economic, environmental, and social impacts. Assessing the resilience of involved human groups and population can assist managers to prevent permanent hazards. This study aimed to evaluate the resilience of local beneficiaries encountered with drought using various criteria and indices for social-cultural, human, economic, institutional, physical, and natural aspects in Nardin village, Semnan province. A questionnaire was used for data collection and the collected data was analyzed using SPSS software. A descriptive-analytic research type was used to collect data from 28 local beneficiaries based on Morgan table. This study revealed that average resilience of local beneficiaries of Nardin village was 2.95 that reflects their lower than optimum resilience. One-sample T-test showed that, although the locals have acceptable resilience in terms of social, cultural, economic, and natural aspects, regarding institutional aspects their resilience is rather low. We suggest focusing more on criteria and indices that enhance the resilience of rural beneficiaries to deal with prolonged drought conditions.
Ms. Nafiseh Fakhar Izadi, Mehdi Ghorbani, Hossein Azarnivand, Mohammad Jafari, Hamid Amirnejad, Hossein Azadi,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (7-2024)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Resilience is crucial for the protection and development of natural resources in social-ecological systems, emphasizing their capacity to cope with continuous changes and unexpected shocks. This approach highlights the importance of initiative, innovation, and governance. The focus of this research is to measure the resilience of the social-ecological system in Taleghan in response to changes in rangeland use.
Methodology: In this study, the resilience of the social-ecological system of Taleghan in the face of pasture land use change was measured. In this regard, the standard questionnaire was used. In this research, four main dimensions including how to live with change and uncertainty, cultivating diversity for reorganization and reconstruction, types of knowledge for remembering and organizing, and trans-scale links were analyzed and investigated. The dimensions should be written here in order. The questionnaire was prepared and completed by the local community of farmers and ranchers in 11 villages of Taleghan. Thus, first by conducting the pre-test and after checking the reliability and calculating the Cronbach's alpha coefficient, some questions were removed and the final questionnaire was compiled for the main test. The number of samples was calculated based on Cochran's formula, according to the total number of beneficiaries in the region and based on Cochran's formula, 336 samples were obtained, then 336 questionnaires were prepared and according to the random sampling method, the questionnaire was completed by local stakeholders and then entered into Excel software. And finally, the results were analyzed in spss software. The questionnaire method, by collecting homogeneous and dynamic data, allows detailed analysis and interpretation of results based on social and ecological relationships.
Results: Key findings include:
Living with Change: Significant indicators of resilience were the participation of both men and women in agricultural and animal husbandry decisions, and literacy and training of local farmers and ranchers. Diversity: High plant species diversity and diversified income sources (e.g., beekeeping, agriculture, aquaculture) were crucial. Knowledge: Ancestral occupations and preserving local traditions were important. Trans-Scale Links: Cooperation, help, and a sense of responsibility among villagers were highly prioritized. The participation of men and women in agricultural activities has beneficial effects on local food supply, economy, and socio-economic development. Among the resilience dimensions, diversity was the most significant. Education and awareness of farmers and ranchers also play a vital role in sustainable development. Additionally, experienced agricultural workers, optimal water resource use, advanced tools, and access to pasture resources contribute to regional resilience.
Conclusion: Resilience in socio-ecological systems is essential for adapting to ecosystem changes. Economic, social, and environmental strategies are necessary to enhance these indicators. In Taleghan, land use changes significantly impact rural community resilience. Participation, species diversity, indigenous knowledge, and rural activities are key resilience factors. Collaborative decision-making and experience sharing help reduce uncertainty and increase self-confidence among individuals.
