Analyzing Economic Effects of Oak Trees Dieback on Villagers in Malekshahi County

The purpose of this study was to analyze the economic effects of oak trees dieback on villagers in Malekshahi County. The statistical sample of the study was 216 villagers who were selected based on the Cochran formula and using the proportionate stratified random sampling method. The main tool for data collection was a researcher-made questionnaire which its content validity was confirmed using the opinions of the professors of the Department of Rural Development and Forest Sciences of Ilam University. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to determine the reliability of the questionnaire, and its value was equal to 0.87. The results of factor analysis showed that the factors of weakening agricultural and animal husbandry activities, the decline in employment, food supply problems, general poverty, declining by-products, declining tourism, declining incomes and declining beekeeping activities, were the most important economic effects of dieback of oak trees on the life of villagers. These factors explained 68.56% of the total variance. Due to the effect of oak tree decline on reducing non-wood products, the establishment of cooperatives to use these products, optimizing the utilization of non-wood products and creating sustainable employment to boost the region's economy are recommended.