Assessing the impacts of Combating Desertification Projects from the Peoples’ point of view (Case study: Meybod–Ashkezar Project)

The implementation of combating desertification projects can not be considered apart from their socio-economic impacts. In recent years, many combating desertification projects such as mulching, planting resistant species and etc., have been implemented in the country. Many combating desertification projects have been implemented in Yazd province, including Meybod-Ashkezar. The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of the implementation of combating desertification projects from the peoples’ point of view. To conduct the present research, the sample size was calculated using Cochran’s method, 286 samples. The questionnaire was designed based on the five-choice Likert scale and several items including 6 economic items, 5 social items and 7 management items were considered in the questionnaire and were randomly completed by people. Then, the priority of each item was checked using Friedman’s non-parametric test. The research results showed that the economic criteria, the effect of the implementation of afforestation and Meybod wind canal projects, reducing damage to agricultural lands and products with an average rating of 4.82, was placed as the first priority of people’s evaluation. In the next ranks, the reduction of damage to residential and industrial lands and the increase of agricultural and horticultural production per unit area were evaluated with an average 4.06 and 3.77, respectively. Regarding the people’s attitude towards the plan, the results showed that the people’s willingness to participate in the maintenance of the plan with an average rating of 3.30 is the first priority. Regarding the Peoples’ point of view to projects, the results showed that the people’s willingness to participate in the maintenance of the plan with an average rating of 3.30 is the first priority. Regarding the management criteria, reducing the influx of sands, reducing the production of dust and local storms, and Reduction of agricultural crop pests with average 5.52, 5.37, and 4.43 were placed in the next priority of public evaluation. Therefore, the positive effect of desertification projects has been well felt by the residents of the region, and it is appropriate to take measures to bring closer the officials of this sector and the local community for the purpose of better protection of natural resources.