The economic and social effects of seasonal business development in the process of desertification of rangelands in Agh-Qala County (Golestan Province)

Climate change, characterized by reduced rainfall and increased temperature fluctuations, has led to the transformation of rangelands into desert areas. In recent years, various desertification projects have been implemented in these rangelands, each with multiple effects on local businesses. In this regard, this study aims to investigate the economic and social effects of developing seasonal businesses in the process of desertification of rangelands in Agh-Qala County, Golestan Province. The study population consisted of 122 rangeland users, of which 92 were selected as the sample size based on the Morgan's table using a stratified random sampling method. The research instrument was a researcher-developed questionnaire, and the content validity of the questionnaire was examined through obtaining the opinions of experts and board members of the cooperative rangeland management. To assess the reliability of the measurement tool, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated, yielding an average of 0.851. The results of the study indicated that the economic and social effects of developing seasonal businesses in the process of desertification were high. The findings showed that "empowerment in participation and social cohesion" and "diversification of livelihoods" had the highest average rank, indicating the greatest social and economic impact of the seasonal businesses created through the implementation of desertification projects in the study area. Based on the results obtained, targeted employment generation through the introduction of alternative livelihoods to livestock farming and utilizing the existing human potential in the region, especially for women, can increase their motivation for participatory conservation and their level of life satisfaction.