Investigation of Socio-economic Implications of Nomadic Settlement for Settled Households in Lorestan Province of Iran

During the past two decades, spontaneous settlement of nomads has more rapidly taken place in Lorestan province of Iran, compared to other parts of the country. Since the success and sustainability of settlement projects depend on the attention to socio-economic indexes for nomadic community and their enhancement, this study aimed at investigating the socio-economic effects of nomadic settlement on the status of settled families in the Lorestan province. It was an impact assessment conducted in a survey method. The statistical population included 2925 settled households (both directed and spontaneous) and 14,638 unsettled nomadic households in the province. The sample size for the settled households and the unsettled nomadic ones (control group) was determined 180 households through regular stratified random sampling method for each group, in 2012. The findings showed that the settlement of nomads had a positive impact on literacy rates, the amount of arable land, number of livestock, type of job, access level of socio-cultural facilities, access level of health care facilities, access level of the amenities insurance services for the settled households, but it had a negative impact on their employment and income.