Sustainable rangeland management: Pastoralists' attitudes toward integrated programs in Iran

The goal of this survey study was to understand pastoralist attitudes toward sustainable integrated rangeland management (SIRM) in Tehran province, Iran. Using multi-stage stratified random sampling, 1280 pastoralists participated in the study. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire. A panel of experts approved the content validity and Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to test the reliability of the questionnaire. Results revealed that most of the pastoralists held a positive attitude toward teamwork and collaborative behavior. Moreover, regression analysis indicated that education level, attitudes toward other pastoralists, teamwork and collaboration with administrative officials, significantly affected pastoralist attitudes toward SIRM. Furthermore, path analysis showed that attitudes to other pastoralists indirectly affects attitudes toward SIRM and collaboration with administrative officials. This study concluded that if sustainable rangeland management is a goal, human factors should be considered as a key element.

► Pastoralists have positive attitudes toward sustainable integrated rangeland management (SIRM).
► Policy makers should take ‘human factor’ into consideration when designing effective SIRM.
► Administrative officials should start with those pastoralists who have already experienced integrated programs.
► Practitioners should begin with those pastoralists who are more positive about teamwork.