Extended abstract
Introduction
Local community participation in natural resource management, particularly in watershed development, is widely recognized as a cornerstone of sustainable development and ecological preservation. Natural resources play a vital role in supporting livelihoods, especially in rural areas, and the success of related initiatives depends on voluntary, informed, and sustained public engagement. In development literature, participation is understood as a multidimensional process involving cognitive engagement, shared decision-making, redistribution of power, and social accountability. This concept is endorsed globally across policy frameworks, academic discourse, and operational programs, and is viewed as a key indicator of democratic governance. Despite its importance, many watershed projects face challenges due to limited community involvement. Empirical studies highlight several barriers, including low awareness of project goals, distrust toward implementing institutions, inadequate education, limited agricultural experience, and poor alignment between project activities and local needs. In contrast, increased awareness, environmental attachment, and recognition of the link between watershed efforts and improved livelihoods and social security have been shown to enhance participation. Socio-economic factors, such as income, job security, social trust, and infrastructure access, are critical to fostering sustained engagement. International experiences further demonstrate that participatory project design and implementation significantly improve outcomes, while technically sound but non-participatory programs often fall short. In light of these findings, the present study seeks to develop a strategic framework for enhancing local participation in watershed development within the Qaleh-Rak watershed of Masjed Soleyman County. By identifying both obstacles and enabling conditions, the research offers an operational model to support collaborative governance and long-term sustainability in natural resource management.
Material and Methods
This applied research, employing a quantitative approach, investigates the key factors influencing local community participation in watershed development projects within the Qaleh-Rak catchment area of Masjed Soleyman County. The study adopts a descriptive-survey methodology and was conducted through fieldwork. Data collection was carried out using both documentary analysis and structured questionnaires. Initially, a comprehensive literature review was conducted, drawing upon national and international scientific sources. Subsequently, a questionnaire was designed to assess variables related to livelihood improvement, income generation, and awareness of project objectives, and was administered to local residents and relevant officials. The statistical population comprised experts from the Departments of Natural Resources and Agricultural Jihad, as well as rangeland owners, resource users, and local community members. Sampling criteria included a minimum educational qualification of a master's degree, executive or managerial experience, and at least 15 years of professional background. Based on Cochran’s formula and aligned with Krejcie and Morgan’s sampling table, the sample size was determined to be 72 participants. The questionnaire’s content validity was confirmed by academic and professional experts, and its reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Data were analyzed using a five-point Likert scale across both descriptive (frequency distribution, mean, standard deviation) and inferential (correlation coefficients, factor analysis, Friedman ranking test) statistical levels. Qualitative responses were quantified through coding and weighted scoring procedures to identify and rank the determinants of local participation. The findings offer a practical foundation for developing strategic interventions aimed at enhancing community engagement in natural resource governance and improving the effectiveness of watershed management initiatives.
Results and Discussion
The validity analysis of the questionnaire confirmed that with a KMO value of 0.81 and a Bartlett’s test significance level below 0.05, the data are suitable for factor analysis. The communalities table identified two clusters, consistent with the provided diagram. The correlation coefficients of responses with the total questionnaire score were statistically significant, confirming response consistency. Regression analysis revealed that socio-economic factors significantly explain the variance of the dependent variable (R² = 0.427, P = 0.000). Watershed management projects effectively enhanced social security, reduced conflicts, and improved rangeland infrastructure but had limited impact on fostering collective participation and cooperation motivation. Rangeland users considered these projects highly effective in reducing disputes and anomalies but less successful in ensuring job security and insurance support. Economically, the projects reduced operating costs and facilitated savings but had minimal impact on increasing income or reducing poverty. Investments by rangeland users were primarily in public infrastructure, with limited focus on education and health. The projects moderately increased purchasing power and the economic value of rangelands, yet they were insufficient for fully exploiting economic potential. Friedman’s test indicated that social factors (weight: 3.95) take precedence over economic factors (3.76). Social security (4.72), conflict (4.53), and social literacy (4.38) had the highest weights. The final model for local community participation was developed based on this ranking, providing a strategic framework for planning watershed management projects in similar regions.
Conclusion
The study confirmed the high reliability of the questionnaire, with Cronbach’s alpha exceeding 0.70 for all components, validating the measurement tool. Economic factors exhibited the highest reliability, while social factors showed the least consistency. Watershed management projects effectively reduced social conflicts and enhanced social security but had limited impact on social cohesion and community participation. Rangeland users recognized these projects as increasing awareness of strengthening local institutions, though they did not significantly foster social empathy. Participation in constructing rangeland infrastructure, such as water troughs and shelters, was endorsed, but this engagement did not extend to other social domains. Job satisfaction among rangeland users remained limited, yet their attachment to natural resources increased. Regarding social trust, the projects strengthened trust among beneficiaries. Economically, the projects contributed to individual progress for rangeland users but did not reduce village-level poverty. Increased rangeland value and rehabilitation were notable economic outcomes. Investment in education and health sectors showed minimal growth. The findings align with prior studies (Barzegar Devin, 2007; Behjou, 2021; Akbarzadeh, 2021; McKinley, 2017; Mohammadi & Barani, 2018), confirming the positive impact of watershed projects on economic development, community empowerment, and sustainable natural resource conservation. These projects serve as an effective tools for sustainable development, participatory resource management, and improving local communities' quality of life. The hypothesis of the socio-economic effectiveness of watershed projects was confirmed. |
