Drivers for National Forest Lands Seizure by Rural Communities in Central Zagros Regions: A Factor Analysis

This research was designed to assess the economic, social, cultural and legal factors as main underlying drivers of land seizure in rural communities of Zagros regions in I.R. Iran. The study utilized a mixed research methodology based on an exploratory case study and a descriptive-explanatory survey. This methodology was conducted using the techniques of documents analysis, direct observation of land seizure in Zagros region, semi-structured and structured interviews using a questionnaire. The statistical population consisted of 80 households with a history of seizing and occupation of national lands in the villages of study area which all of them were questioned. The results of factor and regression analysis showed that economic components (with beta coefficient of 0.881) such as poverty, unemployment, low income and lack of permanent jobs have the most impacts on the destruction and seizure of national lands and socio-cultural components (with beta coefficient of 0.797) are at the next levels. In addition, the results of this survey revealed that legal issues such as the weakness of existing laws and the weakness of custodians to conserve and protect national resources had the least effect in comparison with other factors. Considering the increasing destruction and degradation of the national lands in Iran, in order to preserve the existing land and prevent the increase in the degradation and seizure of forests and rangelands, the conservation plans of the government and the authorities of natural resources protection should be aimed at improving the livelihoods of rural communities and creating sustainable jobs.