Causal Analysis of Factors Affecting the Downturn of Traditional Livestock Husbandry in Local Communities (Case Study: Nodoushan Yazd Winter Pastures)

The economic and social values of animal husbandry and rangeland management in rural areas are important factors for the continuation and maintenance of traditional livestock husbandry. This study aimed to identify social, economic, managerial, and environmental factors affecting traditional livestock husbandry in Nodoushan rangeland in Yazd province. Results of the Friedman test and prioritizing each of the items in the social factor showed that the immigration of villagers to the city and the depletion of labor from the village was the first influential factor with an average of 7.87 and the tendency of young laborers to non-agricultural jobs was the second influential factor with an average of 6.39. Important economic factors were lower productivity of traditional livestock husbandry compared with other economic activities, especially in non-agricultural sectors as the first influential factor with an average of 9.48, and the high cost of shepherds' wages and rangeland rent was ranked as the second influential factor with an average of 9.35. Regarding the managerial factor, the lack of fodder due to overgrazing was considered as the first influential factor with an average of 9.02 and the neglect of villagers' insurance was the second influential factor with an average of 8.43. Regarding the environmental factor, drought and forage shortage were the first effective factors with an average of 5.19 and fodder deficiency due to climate change (frost, heat, pests and diseases) was the second effective factor with an average of 3.92.