Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Department of Nature Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran.
2 Department of Nature Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
Abstract
The achievement of sustainable rangeland management depends on addressing the socio-economic issues of rangeland users, particularly securing their livelihoods. This study aimed to determine the minimum economic level of rangeland by examining four regions with two rangeland conditions—good and poor—located in steppe and semi-steppe vegetation zones. Annual forage production was estimated using a double sampling method. The socio-economic information of the statistical population was collected through interviews and the Statistical Center of Iran and Statistical Yearbooks. Rangeland related expenses and incomes of rangeland users were calculated. By examining the costs and incomes, the economic level of the rangeland was determined in such a way that it can provide the household expenses according to the level of livelihood. Based on the results minimum economic level of rangeland for each household, respectively, in poor rangeland situations; In steppe and semi-steppe rangelands with the area of 932 and 830 hectares, it had the highest amount and in semi-steppe rangelands with a good condition, the area of 81 hectares had the lowest amount in a 100-day grazing season. In general, the condition of the rangeland and climate affect the economic level of the rangeland for each household. These findings could help rangeland policy makers in recognizing and solving the socio-economic issues of rangeland users. It is suggested that while conducting comprehensive studies, the minimum economic level of the country's rangelands should be determined to be used in the management and planning of the country's rangelands.
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