The Role of Indigenous Knowledge in the Conservation, Restoration, and Optimization of the Use of Rangeland in the Khurtab Rudbar Basin, the Noor County

Indigenous knowledge plays an important role in the sustainable management of natural resources. This study was performed on the Khurtab Rudbar watershed, the Noor County, to investigate the role of indigenous knowledge in the conservation, restoration, and sustainable utilization of the rangeland. The stratified random sampling method was performed in the descriptive-survey type framework. The Questionnaires used in data collection was based on the Likert Spectrum. Validation of the research tools was confirmed by seeking expert opinion and their reliability by determining the Cronbach٫s alpha coefficient for the main variables. The sampling population consisted of 280 area stakeholders, out of which 40 were selected by using the of the Cochran٫s relationship. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software, determining the Spearman٫s correlation coefficient, and calculating the significance of correlation coefficient of the linear regression. The results indicated that there existed a significant relationship between the levels of indigenous knowledge of the graziers and their participation in the study with the correlation coefficient of 0. 686 and the confidence level at the 99%. This further indicated that the stakeholder٫s participation in the rangeland restoration was more effective than their influence in its protection and sustainable utilization. The take home message is: Application of the indigenous knowledge is essential for the sustainable management of the rangeland.