Investigation on social effects of Brant's oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) decline (Case study: Rural areas of Malekshahi county in Ilam province)

The aim of this study was investigating the social effects of Brant`s oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) decline from the forest dwellers point of view. The sample size included 216 persons of Malekshahi county in Ilam province using Cochran formula and stratified-random sampling method. Data were collected by distributing a questionnaire prepared based on the research background, literature review and interview with experts. Factor analysis with exploratory approach was used for identifying and categorizing social effects of oak decline. Based on results, the effecting factors could be categorized in eight groups. Reduction of life quality (12.60%), reduction of responsibility (10.64%), reduction of social participation (9.88%), reduction of social trust (9.70%), reduction of social network of relationships (8.56%), changing attitudes to agriculture and animal husbandry (6.94%), reducing satisfaction from the government (6.78%) and increase in migration (4.91%) were most important factors and social consequences of oak decline on villagers. The mentioned factors explained 70.02% of the total variance. Hence, one can conclude that maximum social impact of oak decline would affect the life quality of people in the study area.