Financial efficiency of traditional livestock in dry and desert rangelands(A Case Study of the southern area of Khorasan Razavi province)

Dry and desert natural ecosystems play an important role in helping animals, humans and the environment. In this study, economic indicators of the profitability of traditional farmers in the southern area of Khorasan Razavi Province are examined. At first, types of rangelands, animal farming activities, and exploitation conditions were identified. Then using Stratified random sampling method 200 local farmers were selected for filling the questionnaires. The data includes Investment costs, current costs and revenues of product sales variables for the 1390-1395 period. With applying net present value (NPV) and the benefit-cost ratio (BC) methods, economic evaluation has been done. Finally, the results showed that the farmers are not in a financial profitability state, so, if the costs and incomes are included in this evaluation, the farms would not be profitable at all. Furthermore, their activities will lead to serious damages to the rangelands and grasslands as valuable natural resources.