Analysis of socio-economic and environmental effectiveness of Atriplex canescens plantation

The positive economic and social effectiveness of rangeland restoration projects activates the process of sustainable development and leads local communities to sustainable prosperity. The purpose of this study is to assess the socio-economic and environmental effectiveness of restored rangelands with Atriplex canescens plantation in Mallard county, Tehran province, Iran. The descriptive-analytical research method based on questionnaire was applied within the statistical population including 65 experts, 132 pastoralists and 29 local communities. The selection of samples was random and sample size were determined using Cochran's formula for three groups of experts (55), pastoralists (99) and local communities (27). To determine the validity of the questionnaire, a group of experts were used and Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to estimate the reliability of the questionnaire. Also, Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare opinions of the studied statistical societies. The results of the comparison of economic, social and environmental indicators showed that A. canescens plantation had a significant effect on social index and had no effect on the other two indicators. Social- environmental effectiveness of planting A.canescens is related to increasing livestock products and improving the condition of ranching, According to pastoralists, the greatest economic, social and environmental effectiveness from planting A.canescens has been related to increasing livestock products and improving the condition of ranching, increasing the level of public awareness. In general, results of effectiveness planting from the point of view of all three groups are close to each other and they often agree on the effectiveness of planting Atriplex. This alignment in thinking of plantation will lead to success in the implementation of projects and the achievement of goals and perspective,.