Identification of internal - external factors and strategic analysis for sustainable rangeland management of Kalaleh city from the viewpoint of institutional stakeholders using SWOT model

Rangelands are considered as the most basic bed for sustainable development of the environment and ecological phenomena and in addition to a considerable role in production and sustainable rural development, play a key role in preventing soil degradation and erosion and groundwater storage. In recent years, rangelands of Iran have not proper condition due to destruction by climate change and drought, as well as grazing pressure. Therefore, providing effective strategies in rangeland management and sustainability seems necessary and will lead to stability and sustainability in rangeland areas, especially in the long time. In this study, using SWOT analysis, strategies and solutions for sustainable development of rangelands in Kalaleh city of Golestan province were investigated.

In this study, according to the practical objectives of the study, a survey and documentary method was used to collect data and information. The statistical population of this study was experts familiar with the rangeland management in Department of Natural Resources and Watershed Management of Golestan province and Kalaleh city. The sample size was determined by available and non-random sampling method and 26 experts participated in this study. After designing the questionnaire in the form of Likert scale and validation using the opinion of experts and specialists, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to determine the level of reliability that obtained 0.84 and showed the proper reliability of the questionnaire. In order to analyze the data and determine the most important strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities, the SWOT model was used. SWOT model is one of the most important and powerful tools for strategic management that is used in the process of external and internal analysis and the creation of proper strategies. In SWOT analysis, internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) and external factors (opportunities and threats) were examined and then strategies and solution for sustainable development of rangelands were designed.

According to the results of this research, the average age and work experience of experts participating in the study were 41.3 and 13.1 years, respectively and more than half of whom had a master's degree. According to the results, "large area of rangelands" with a weight coefficient of 0.0498 is the most important strength of rangelands from the viewpoint of the experts and then there are "indigenous knowledge to rehabilitate and protect rangelands" and "the willingness of stakeholders to participate in the implementation of projects and rangeland management", respectively. But the most important weakness of rangelands was "traditional livestock system depends on rangeland forage" with a coefficient weight of 0.0486. Also, "the presence of unauthorized stakeholders in the rangelands and reduction of ownership area for livestock grazing" and "reducing the percentage of class I plants and rangeland production" are the next priority weaknesses, respectively. According to the findings, "improving the perspective of multi-purpose use of rangelands" is the most important opportunity for sustainable development of rangelands from the viewpoint of the experts and the most important threat is "climate change and reduction of water resources in rangelands". The final score of internal and external factors was 2.569 and 2.102, respectively that shows the superiority of strengths over weaknesses and threats over opportunities. Thus, the strategy of sustainable development of rangelands was determined as competitive strategy (ST).

According the results of this study, legal and incentives planning to attract private sector investment according to rangeland potentials (Ecotourism, medicinal plants, various livestock products), implementation multi-purpose use of rangelands, reforming rules and regulations, increasing the budget of Natural Resource Departments, and improving infrastructure, educational and medical facilities in rural areas were considered as competitive strategies. Based on the research results, it is suggested that in order to improve the participation of local communities in sustainable rangeland management, the necessary measures should be taken by holding workshops and training and extension classes. Also, by providing the necessary facilities, the conditions for the development of the region, private sector investment and diversification of the livelihood of the rural residents should be provided.