Strategic Analysis of Challenges of Education And Extension in Rangeland Management of Mazandaran Province

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the barriers to education and extension in management of rangelands of Mazandaran province. The research is of applied type and field research in Mazandaran Province. Population consisted of all Extension and rangeland management experts in 12 counties of Mazandaran province that in relation to the expert’s population in each of the counties related to livestock and rangeland activities through random and available sampling method, the statistical sample of the study was selected that the sample size of 110 people was obtained using Morgan formula. The main research tool included a questionnaire. Its validity (form and content) was confirmed based on the collective opinion of experts from Jihad Agriculture, Natural Resources Management, Environment Organization, Rangelands and Forests Organization in Mazandaran Province, faculty members of Department of Agricultural Extension and Education and Rangeland of Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire. Cronbach’s alpha was used to estimate the reliability (0.798). The reliability was found to be acceptable. The results of factor analysis showed that: 1) Economic-supportive barriers; (2) infrastructural-technical barriers; (3) rangeland management system barriers; (4) socio-cultural barriers; (5) Political-institutional barriers were the five barriers to application education and extension in management of rangelands. These factors explained 74.66 percent of the total variance. Finally, the proposed research model in rangeland ranchers and rangeland brokers (policy makers) has provided solutions to reduce barriers and problems in extension rangeland management. Keep up with the research results development of the use of appropriate extension methods such as training and visit approach and participatory approach and prioritization of training and extension needs in the rangeland management department of the province to disseminate information and practical skills among rangeland users, integrating knowledge and indigenous skills with new technologies in conservation Recommended from pastures and livestock production.