Factors Affecting the Non-acceptance of Multiple-use Projects from the Viewpoints of Rangeland Utilizers

In Iran, the economic and social dependency of pastoralists on pasture fodder has intensified due to population growth among pastoral communities. Rangeland managers are concerned about the imbalance between livestock and available pastures. In response, decision-makers have sought to alleviate pressure on rangelands by promoting alternative livelihoods and implementing multiple-use projects. However, the successful implementation of multiple-use projects in Golestan and Azadshahr provinces has faced challenges, even after five years of project review service announcements. This study aims to investigate the reasons for the non-acceptance of multiple-use projects in the rangelands of Azadshahr and Gonbad.

The study was conducted in three stages: discovery, evaluation and analysis, and the development of the final structure. Various ecological, economic, and social indicators were used to assess the acceptance of multiple-use projects among rangeland users. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews, and the reasons for non-acceptance were compared using pairwise comparisons on the Likert scale. The selection of representatives was based on the reputation approach and targeted sampling, considering criteria such as work history, experience, and literacy level. Hierarchical analysis was performed using Expert Choice 11, and judgments on the acceptance or rejection of given ranks were made based on pairwise comparisons and compatibility rates.

The results indicated that economic, political-institutional, and environmental criteria were the primary factors contributing to the non-acceptance of multiple-use projects. Insufficient economic stability, lack of job security, inappropriate timing and location of project implementation, and inadequate government support were cited as some of the key indicators. Respondents also highlighted top-down management approaches and a lack of attention to user participation in decision-making and planning as significant issues.

Overall, the findings suggest that pastoralists have a low acceptance of multi-purpose plans, indicating the failure of planners and decision-makers to effectively engage stakeholders in these projects. It is recommended to enhance participation at various levels of decision-making, planning, and implementation. This can be achieved through increased training programs and the establishment of non-governmental organizations, fostering greater user involvement in future projects.