Integrated Watershed Management

Integrated Watershed Management

Designing a sustainable management model for nomadic rangelands in Kermanshah Province

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Ayoub Mahmoudi Mostali 1
Marjan Vahedi 2
Alireza Poursaeed 1
Hamed Chaharsoughi Amin 1
1 Department of Agricultural extension and education, Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University, Ilam branch, Ilam, Iran
2 Department of Agricultural extension and education, Agricultural Faculty, Islamic Azad University, Ilam branch, Ilam, Iran
10.22034/iwm.2025.2045340.1188
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: Rangelands are one of the most vital bases for the continuation of life and sustainable development and the most basic production factor in traditional livestock systems. The expansion of production activities and population growth on the one hand, and the collapse of the traditional comprehensive rangeland management system on the other, have created an unfavorable situation in the rangelands. Today, with population growth and need for food, the necessity of sustainable use of rangelands is of great importance in the process of sustainable development. Undoubtedly, this necessity demands that its use in development programs be continuously. Since management is one of the most important factors in the productivity of rangelands and most of the country's rangelands are exploited by nomads, these areas require proper management with the aim of preserving, revitalizing, developing, and optimal exploitation. Therefore, designing a model of sustainable management of nomadic rangelands in Kermanshah Province is essential. Therefore, this research seeks to answer the question, what are the components and dimensions of the sustainable management model of rangelands under grazing by nomads in Kermanshah Province?
 Materials and methods: The present qualitative study is applied research in terms of its purpose, which was conducted using the grounded theory method. The statistical population of the study was specialists and experts in the field of animal husbandry, environmental protection, rangelands, and nomads of Kermanshah province, of whom 13 were interviewed using purposive sampling, and theoretical saturation was achieved. Data analysis was performed in the form of conventional content analysis using MAXQDA software. The results were coded in three stages: open, axial, and selective coding. In the open coding stage, 29 key concepts were identified. At the end of the coding stages, a sustainable management model for nomadic rangelands was extracted using the paradigm model.
 Results and Discussion: Based on the research findings, in the paradigm model, the education and research system, scientific and technical management of rangelands and forests, the executive system and the development of nomadic capacities were identified as the components of the central category. Economic, governmental, individual and cultural factors were identified as causal conditions; factors related to the rangelands and factors related to the users as contextual conditions; and natural and human factors as intervening conditions. Also, based on the results, fundamental factors and innovation were identified as strategies, and employment creation, promotion of management performance and improvement of production were the outcomes of implementing the sustainable management model of nomadic rangelands.
 Conclusion: This study presents a paradigmatic model demonstrating how sustainable nomadic rangeland management is shaped by livelihood conditions, contextual factors, and policy interventions. If implemented with consideration for nomadic lifestyles and ecological conditions, the model can enhance pasture sustainability and productivity. The findings are valuable for the General Office of Nomad Affairs, Natural Resources Organization, Veterinary Organization, and Nomad Cooperative Union in policymaking and rangeland management.
Keywords
Model
Grounded Theory
Kermanshah
Sustainable Management
Nomadic Rangeland

Subjects

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Integrated Watershed Management
Volume 5, Issue 3 - Serial Number 17
Autumn 2025
Pages 118-138

  • Receive Date 17 November 2024
  • Revise Date 04 January 2025
  • Accept Date 20 April 2025