Masoumeh Pazoki; Seyed Jafar Seyed Akhlaghi; Seyed Alireza Hosseini
Volume 32, Issue 4 , December 2025, , Pages 427-442
Abstract
Background and ObjectiveWater is regarded as one of the fundamental pillars underpinning the sustainability of arid and desert ecosystems. In these ecologically sensitive environments, sustainable water resource management necessitates the adoption of context-specific policies and the active engagement ...
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Background and ObjectiveWater is regarded as one of the fundamental pillars underpinning the sustainability of arid and desert ecosystems. In these ecologically sensitive environments, sustainable water resource management necessitates the adoption of context-specific policies and the active engagement of local communities. Nevertheless, indigenous knowledge rooted in cumulative lived experiences and adaptive nature-based mechanisms is frequently marginalized in formal development planning and policymaking processes. The present study aims to identify and elucidate the structure and dimensions of indigenous knowledge related to water resource management in Shahroud County, a region confronted with environmental challenges such as soil and water salinization, declining precipitation, and land subsidence.MethodologyThis research employed a qualitative design grounded in the Grounded Theory methodology as proposed by Strauss and Corbin. The study population consisted of local experts, experienced farmers, and professionals in the fields of natural resources and environmental management, selected through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data were collected through 25 in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted until theoretical saturation was achieved. The data were analyzed through the systematic processes of open, axial, and selective coding to construct a paradigmatic model of indigenous knowledge for sustainable water resource management.ResultsThe results indicate that the core phenomenon of synergy and integration of indigenous and modern knowledge provides a fundamental basis for the sustainable management of water resources in Shahroud County. The commitment and self-awareness of local communities regarding the amount and allocation of water resources, along with their intergenerational knowledge in the field of water resources, have created a solid foundation for the protection of these resources. Despite challenges posed by youth migration and technological change, indigenous knowledge remains vital for local adaptation. Indigenous knowledge, which includes a deep understanding of rainfall and drought patterns, has remained a valuable and influential asset.Local social structures, such as customary agreements on equitable water distribution and turn-taking systems, play a crucial role in the equitable distribution of resources. Government institutions and local organizations play a key role in strengthening knowledge and resource management by investing in the restoration of canals, developing infrastructure, and enhancing the capacity of policymakers. Integrating indigenous knowledge and modern knowledge through participatory strategies, continuous education, and intelligent exploitation, while increasing productivity and maintaining ecological balance, strengthens social cohesion and the sustainability of the rural population and paves the way for sustainable development. Success in managing Shahrood County's water resources requires a comprehensive approach that links contextual and intervening conditions alongside indigenous knowledge capacities and institutional support.ConclusionThe findings underscore that the indigenous knowledge system in the desert regions of Shahroud County represents not merely a repository of experiential knowledge but an efficient and contextually grounded framework for local water governance. Core components such as environmental empiricism, continuity of traditional management practices, and value-oriented approaches to resource utilization constitute pivotal foundations for designing participatory policies and promoting sustainable development in the domain of water resource management.
Mehdi Moameri; Mohamad Fayaz; Masoume Abbasi Khalaki; Ziaaddin Almasi
Volume 23, Issue 1 , June 2016, , Pages 1-13
Abstract
This study was conducted in northern Khorasan province to investigate the indigenous knowledge of herders about livestock grazing management. In this study, the statistical population included herders and elderly people who use the rangelands traditionally. In each tribe or village, three people were ...
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This study was conducted in northern Khorasan province to investigate the indigenous knowledge of herders about livestock grazing management. In this study, the statistical population included herders and elderly people who use the rangelands traditionally. In each tribe or village, three people were selected to do interview and complete the questionnaires. Data collection was conducted using interviews and questionnaires, as well as observing the herders' activities in the field. The Likert scale was used for scoring and quantitative evaluation of questions for the study species. Our results confirmed the wide knowledge of herders used in different aspects of livestock grazing management including livestock distribution and uniform utilization of rangeland, night grazing, selecting the resting and grazing place for livestock, segmentation of rangeland with traditional methods, and ensuring the safety of drinking water for livestock. On the other hand, results showed that, actually, herders paid little attention to observing livestock grazing capacity and preventing or reducing selective grazing.
Ghodratollah Heydari; Hamidreza Saeedi Gharaghani
Volume 22, Issue 2 , August 2015, , Pages 219-229
Abstract
Traditional and indigenous knowledge of range beneficiaries is a valuable national heritage for management programs and social development, providing opportunities to identify, prioritize and organize local resources. The introduction of this traditional knowledge among the population has a positive ...
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Traditional and indigenous knowledge of range beneficiaries is a valuable national heritage for management programs and social development, providing opportunities to identify, prioritize and organize local resources. The introduction of this traditional knowledge among the population has a positive approach towards the ranch job, and can reinforce the strength of social structure in the country. Accordingly, in this research, it was tried to introduce the mechanisms of indigenous knowledge for the management of range allotments by the semi nomads of Damavand mountain summer rangelands. This is a qualitative research method, in this technique while doing interviews and gathering deep data, axial questions were determined regarding the use of rangeland. The methodology of the study is qualitative including interviews and data collection as well as determining central questions regarding the use of rangelands. Our results clearly showed that rangeland beneficiaries were easily able to determine range allotments, spatial distribution of livestock, herd size, sites of drinking water and so forth. They also can use all parts of a range allotment through traditional grazing systems, exclosure, and observing livestock entry to the rangeland. It seems that indigenous knowledge and occupational experience of shepherds can perform an important role in collaborative activities to achieve sustainable management and provide the success of rangeland projects.
Abdolhamid Papzan; Nashmil Afshazadeh
Volume 17, Issue 3 , October 2010, , Pages 476-488
Abstract
Human being, now and in future, absolutely requires natural resources to continue his life especially rangelands as the most vital bed for sustainable development of environment and ecological phenomena, main feed supply for livestock in traditional animal husbandry system and so forth. Rangelands with ...
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Human being, now and in future, absolutely requires natural resources to continue his life especially rangelands as the most vital bed for sustainable development of environment and ecological phenomena, main feed supply for livestock in traditional animal husbandry system and so forth. Rangelands with an area of 90 million ha, about 60% of the country area, have undeniable role in socioeconomic calculations of the country. Despite several plans designed for range improvement and management, rangelands are exposed to serious threats. It seems that recognition of beneficiaries' indigenous knowledge including nomads as the most main utilizer in rangelands is utmost important for range improvement. This current qualitative study was carried out to identify and document the indigenous knowledge of Kalhor tribe's nomads for native mechanisms of range management. Gilan e gharb city of Kermanshah province was selected in this research. Data collection was performed through techniques like PRA and RRA were used. According to the nature of qualitative research, targeted sampling was applied and collected data were analyzed using content analysis. Findings refers to issues such as rangeland classification based upon slope, animal unit, rangeland segmentation, some native strategies in range management like migration, range analysis and so forth.
Abolghasem Arabion
Volume 9, Issue 3 , September 2001, , Pages 1099-1128