Evaluation the socio-economic impacts of rangeland management plans in Kalaleh County from the viewpoint of stakeholders and experts

Rangeland plans are designed and implemented as a practical tool in the management and exploitation of rangelands. The purpose of implementing these plans is to achieve specific goals in the management and sustainable development of rangelands. Therefore, it seems necessary to evaluate the impacts of the implemented plans in order to identify and solve problems and challenges and strengthen the positive effects. This study conducted to evaluate the socio-economic impacts of rangeland plans in the Kalaleh county from the viewpoint of stakeholders and experts. Documentary research and survey method were used to evaluate the theoretical dimensions and complete the questionnaires, respectively. The statistical population are stakeholders and experts. Based on the Cochranchr('39')s sample siza formula and according to Krejcie and Morgan table, 109 stakeholders randomly participated in the research. Also, 25 experts complete the questionnaires. After confirming the validity of the questionnaires, Cronbachchr('39')s alpha coefficient was obtained 0.82 and 0.80 for stakeholders and experts, respectively. Average ranking is calculated for prioritization of the economic and social impacts. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the mean value of the economic and social impacts between stakeholders and experts. According to the viewpoint of the stakeholders, implementation of rangeland management plans has provided confidence and peace in the field of rangeland ownership for stakeholders. Also, by preserving rangelands, it has increased the trust of the stakeholders to the executive department of natural resources and experts, and has provided their more effective participation in the implementation of plans.Important and considerables impacts of the implementation of range management plans from the viewpoint of experts are including: increasing the awareness and culture of stackholders, increasing trust of the stakeholders to the executive sector and improve their participation in the implementation of the plans. The results showed that there is a significant difference in economic impacts between the viewpoint of experts and stakeholders (P<0.05). But, it was not observed a significant difference in social impacts (P<0.05). According to the results of this study, rangeland management plans in the study area have been successful in achieving social goals, but in the economic field, there are weaknesses, especially in improving income and livelihood conditions and creating job opportunities for stakeholders.