An analysis of correlation between range condition and participation of ranchers in range management plans (A case study in Baledeh Summer Rangeland, Mazandaran Province)

Nowadays, ecological condition and capacity of rangeland is considered to be one of the effective parameters in ranchers motivating to participate in range management plans for proper utilization of rangelands. The over all objective of this study was to analyze the correlation between range condition and participation of ranchers in accomplishing range management plans in Baladeh summer ranches in the northern Iran. The research tool was 4-factorial method for determining ranges condition, and questionnaire for assessing participation of the ranchers. Sampling was done using randomised stratified method. Statistical population included 102 ranches, where in 72 of them restoration projects were performed at least for three years. The findings show a positive significant relationship between range conditions with the participation of the executors at each ranch. Also ¬ANOVA showed a significant difference between degrees of range condition with the participation rate of the executors. Comparison of the mean values using Duncan's test showed that those ranch with good and excellent range condition had the highest participation of the executors. The results also indicated that there was no significant relationship between permissive numbers predicted livestock in unit area- determined by the expert- and the range condition at each ranch.