Semantic reconstruction of the way of facing drought and water crisis in the Musa Abad area of Torbat Jam among rural herders

The situation of decrease in rainfall, drought and climate changes in general in recent decades have become increasing problems for our country. These issues are much deeper and more tangible for the dry areas of the country, especially if the way of living is directly affected by the state of rainfall. The present study, seeks to understand the meaning of the water crisis and drought among the livestock farmers of Musa Abad district of Torbat Jam.

Based on the G.T method of Straus and Corbin, data collected from 22 participants using in-depth interview. The criterion for the number of samples was to reach theoretical saturation.

Using open coding stage, 59 primary concepts were extracted, and through converting them into abstract concepts, 22 main categories were obtained. Applying the selective coding stage, a core category - traditional cattle breeding in the dilemma of dual paradoxes - was extracted.

This research showed that from the point of view of cattle breeders, drought and water crisis have a direct relationship with dualities that have manifested themselves in the form of uncertainty leading to the gradual destruction of traditional animal husbandry. It seems that the government, is the culprit and the main actor of the consequences of drought and water crisis for traditional herders due to the dual policies it has taken in relation to rural areas and their way of life.

Innovation: 

Using the qualitative method of grounded theory, this research has for the first time addressed the lived experience and problems caused by drought for livestock farmers in Musa Abad region. Inspired by Elinor Ostrom's theory, it was suggested that the government, should explain its assignment by rethinking the dual policy approach. Whithout considering the noted comments we will observe the acceleration of rural migration during next years.