10.57647/JRS.2026.1603.27

Prerequisites and Indicators for Sustainable Rangeland Management: A Governance Perspective from Ajisoo Watershed, Golestan Province, Iran

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  • Khalil Bakhshi Zarinkolaei*1,
  • Seyedeh Khadijeh Mahdavi1,
  • Mohammad Mahdavi1,
  • Gholamhossein Abdollahzadeh2,
  1. Department of Natural Resource, Islamic Azad University, No.C, Noor, Iran
  2. Faculty of Agricultural Management, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran

Received: 2025-04-01

Revised: 2025-11-13

Accepted: 2025-11-13

Published in Issue 2026-09-30

Copyright (c) 2026 Khalil Bakhshi Zarinkolaei, Seyedeh Khadijeh Mahdavi, Mohammad Mahdavi, Gholamhossein Abdollahzadeh (Author)

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Bakhshi Zarinkolaei, K., Mahdavi, S. K., Mahdavi, M., & Abdollahzadeh, G. (2026). Prerequisites and Indicators for Sustainable Rangeland Management: A Governance Perspective from Ajisoo Watershed, Golestan Province, Iran. Journal of Rangeland Science, 16(3). https://doi.org/10.57647/JRS.2026.1603.27
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Abstract

Sustainable rangeland management relies on governance systems that balance environmental conservation, economic resilience, and social equity. This study aimed to identify and evaluate the prerequisites (enabling conditions necessary for effective governance) and indicators (measurable attributes assessing governance performance) for sustainable rangeland management in the Ajisoo Watershed, Golestan Province, Iran. The watershed represents a typical region facing challenges such as overgrazing, climate variability, and socio-economic constraints. Data were collected from rangeland beneficiaries and stakeholders through a structured governance assessment and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The correlation results revealed significant associations between user characteristics and perceptions of governance indicators, particularly with age (r=0.40**), education level (r=−0.45**), and livestock number (r=0.22*). Path analysis results confirmed that all nine governance criteria had positive and significant effects on the feasibility of implementing good governance. The strongest standardized path coefficients were observed for Responsibility (β=0.48, p<0.001), Efficiency and Effectiveness (β=0.41, p<0.01), Law-centeredness (β=0.33, p<0.01), and Vision and Planning (β=0.35, p<0.01). Descriptive analysis further showed that participatory and law-centered criteria were ranked highest in importance (mean scores = 3.72 and 3.68, respectively). These findings highlight stakeholder trust, institutional capacity, and legal frameworks as essential governance prerequisites. The proposed framework integrates these elements into rangeland planning to enhance ecological outcomes, diversify local livelihoods, and promote inclusive decision-making. The policy recommendations emphasize embedding responsibility into management plans through clearly defined roles, performance monitoring, and stakeholder-led oversight, offering evidence-based strategies for sustaining rangeland ecosystems in Iran and other semi-arid regions.

Keywords

  • Livestock grazing,
  • Governance,
  • Environmental Policy,
  • Stakeholder Participation
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