| چکیده انگلیسی مقاله |
Background and objectives: Natural and human factors exert a profound impact on the rangelands degradation, human effects being the most significant factor in increasing the severity of degradation. This research aims to evaluate the factors that contribute to the rangelands degradation in Nemin-Ardebil region, so that, by identifying the effective factors, and conducting further studies on them, appropriate solutions and plans can be provided for its reduction. Methodology: The research focused on the rural areas of Nemin region in Ardabil province, with a particular emphasis on ranchers. The statistical population consisted of rural ranchers who had previous experience in utilizing rangelands. For this purpose, a total of 21 villages were chosen as the sample. Data was collected during the spring of 2021 through field visits and interviews, using a questionnaire developed by the researchers. The questionnaire encompassed various general characteristics of the community under study, along with 33 ecological, social, and economic indicators. In the next step, after selecting the villages with a history of using rangelands, according to the number of households in each village, about 5% of households (preferably those belonging to ranchers) were determined as the sample size in each village. In the subsequent phase, the questionnaires were completed through face-to-face visits, observations and interviews in the target villages, employing stratified random sampling. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the data and identify general characteristics of the statistical communities. Given that the collected data did not follow a normal distribution, non-parametric tests were utilized for analysis. The Friedman test was employed to rank the indicators. Additionally, exploratory factor analysis was conducted to examine the factors influencing rangeland degradation. The data analysis was performed using SPSSVer.22 software. Results: The results of the Friedman test revealed that the indicators "the role of rangeland survey in reducing rangeland degradation" had an average ranking of 23.57. In addition, "the effect of using stubble pasture to reduce rangeland degradation" had an average ranking of 23.17, and "the impact of the government's actions against violators in reducing rangeland degradation" 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: In general, based on the findings of this research, it can be concluded that a range of ecological, economic, and social factors within rangeland ecosystems can contribute decrease or an increase in degradation. Consequently, it is crucial to address this issue by thoroughly investigating and managing the factors that lead to degradation in rangelands. Additionally, particular emphasis should be placed on identifying indicators that mitigate degradation from the perspective of renchers (e.g., through rangeland surveys), and subsequently reinforcing these factors through more comprehensive and detailed studies. |
| نویسندگان مقاله |
مهدی معمری | Mehdi Moameri
Department of Plant Sciences and Medicinal Plants and Member of Water Management Research Center, Meshgin Shahr Faculty of Agricultre, University of Mohaghegh Ardabibli, Ardabil
گروه علوم گیاهی و گیاهان دارویی و عضو پژوهشکده مدیریت آب، دانشکده کشاورزی مشگینشهر، دانشگاه محقق اردبیلی
لیلا قبادی | Leila Ghobadi
Department of Range and Watershed Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil
گروه مرتع و آبخیزداری، دانشکده کشاورزی و منابع طبیعی، دانشگاه محقق اردبیلی
اردوان قربانی | Ardavan Ghorbani
Department of Range and Watershed Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil
گروه مرتع و آبخیزداری، دانشکده کشاورزی و منابع طبیعی، دانشگاه محقق اردبیلی
معصومه عباسی خالکی | Masoomeh Abbsi Khalaki
Department of Range and Watershed Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil
گروه مرتع و آبخیزداری، دانشکده کشاورزی و منابع طبیعی، دانشگاه محقق اردبیلی
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