Survey of the effectiveness of desert management plans on the inhabitants of the desert ecosystem (Case study: Kashan)

Document Type : Research/Original/Regular Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student/ Department of Desert Management and Control, Faculty of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran

2 Associate Professor/Department of Desert Management and Control, Faculty of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran

Abstract

 
Introduction
Desertification and land degradation have caused major problems worldwide, especially in semi-arid to semi-humid vulnerable areas (Afsharinia, 2020). Natural regeneration is based on management practices that improve the vigor of plants and accelerate the growth of the remaining quality plants. However, the response of vegetation to the breeding program varies from habitat to habitat. Analysis of processes related to the environment is provided only by understanding the ecosystems. Desert management and control schemes with widespread effects on desert ecosystems are the source of major changes in socio-economic and environmental.
Materials and Methods
This research has investigated the performance of implemented natural resources projects in the field of desert work using socio-economic and environmental criteria in Kashan City. The extent of knowledge of the projects and their effectiveness in the form of survey research method has been evaluated from the perspective of desert ecosystem residents. The effectiveness of the plans in controlling desert conditions, including controlling windfall sediments, agricultural production, and increasing settlement and controlling migration has been investigated. The data collection method was based on random sampling with a sample size of 150 from the statistical population of households that were active in the field of agriculture and livestock. Also, in order to collect information, a questionnaire was used, the validity of which was confirmed by experts and professors.
Results and Discussion
The reliability of the questionnaire was calculated by Cronbach's alpha coefficient greater than 0.75, which indicates the acceptable reliability of the questionnaire. The results of the sample demographic composition indicate that there is no significant relationship between people's participation rate and their age, people's participation rate, and their literacy level, people's participation rate and their type of job. The results of the Spearman correlation analysis indicate a significant positive relationship between residents' opinions and the effectiveness of desert management plans. There is a significant correlation between the effectiveness of wind sediment control, agricultural production, and settlement. Therefore, due to the obvious effects of desert rehabilitation projects by residents, increasing life expectancy in desert settlements and life expectancy in these ecosystems has increased.
Conclusion
The area of desert lands is large and this limits the implementation of desert management plans. Lands should not be pushed to the point of complete destruction so that they can no longer be returned. Adequate information on the implementation of desert management plans should be accompanied by sufficient information measured by temperature stations as well as the study of climatic parameters and should be given priority. It is desirable to take the necessary measures to connect the government and the indigenous people with the aim of better protection of natural resources as well as the preservation of the implemented projects.

Keywords

References

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Water and Soil Management and Modelling
Volume 1, Issue 1
2021
Pages 41-52

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History

  • Receive Date: 21 April 2021
  • Revise Date: 09 May 2021
  • Accept Date: 09 May 2021

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