Analysis of behavior with drought and its influencing factors in nomad of Derila region, Gachsaran County

This study aims at analyzing drought management behavior and its influencing factors in nomads of Darila in Gachsaran area under drought condition. The methodology of this research is mixed method and content analysis and the population includes number of 200 nomad households in Darila region. Accordingly, based on Bartlett et al. sample size table, 132 heads of nomad households were selected as sample of the study. A structured questionnaire was administered face-to-face. A panel of experts confirmed the questionnaire. The instruments were pilot- and field-tested using 30 heads of nomad households who were not targeted in the study. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.46- 0.82) indicated the optimality of the questionnaire. The findings revealed that although nomads of Darila applied both technical and non-technical adaptive strategies, the non-technical adaptations were the most commonly used strategies. Furthermore, the results of path analysis suggested that the “quality of life” (β= 0.46) and “attitude toward drought” (β= 0.08) had significant direct and indirect effects on the nomads’ behavior to drought, respectively. Also, “access to information”, “intention to manage drought”, “perceived control of drought”, and “social norms” had significant direct effects on nomads’ managerial behavior in drought condition. Finally, recommendations with regard to drought management policies were provided to reduce nomad's vulnerability and encourage them to continue their activities and production.