Determining appropriate forestry extension model: Application of AHP in the Zagros area, Iran

Determining an appropriate forestry extension model remains as a major challenge if sustainable forest management is a goal. This article was an attempt to show how the analytical hierarchy process can effectively be helpful in selecting appropriate model for forestry extension. The results revealed that the present situation fails to regard the ‘privatized extension’ as an appropriate model for the Zagros area in Iran. The results also showed while the beneficiaries select ‘cooperative extension system’ as the most appropriate model, it has no tangible difference with ‘public extension system’ as the second preferred option. Accordingly, a hybrid forestry extension model was recommended as an appropriate model.

► Forest management in Iran is far from being decentralized.
► Present forestry situation in Iran fails to regard privatized extension model.
► Beneficiaries have selected cooperative extension system as the most appropriate one.
► A hybrid forestry extension model was recommended as the appropriate model.