Document Type : Research Paper
Author
PhD Candidate, Department of Geographical Sciences, Payame Noor University Tehran , Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction
Nowadays, the importance of water and soil resource management and environmental conservation has become one of the main concerns in developmental planning. Watershed management, as a comprehensive approach for sustainable management and utilization of water and soil resources, plays a crucial role in improving the environmental, economic, and social conditions of various regions. The Baghamch Watershed in Chenaran County, with its unique geographical and climatic characteristics, has become one of the key areas for implementing watershed management projects. This area, with its valuable natural resources, particularly surface and groundwater, is highly impacted by climate change and human activities. Therefore, the improvement and preservation of these resources through effective watershed management measures not only contribute to environmental conservation but also have significant effects on enhancing the economic and social conditions of local communities. Watershed management can help improve rural livelihoods and strengthen the local economy by mitigating the negative effects of floods and droughts, improving soil and water quality, and creating new job opportunities. In this regard, understanding and evaluating these impacts in the Baghamch Watershed can serve as a model for similar regions and provide valuable information to policymakers and natural resource managers. This article examines the effects of watershed management on the improvement of the economic and social conditions of local communities in the Baghamch Watershed and aims to contribute to a clearer understanding of the benefits and challenges of this approach in sustainable development through data analysis and the outcomes of watershed management projects. It is hoped that the results of this study will help enhance management processes and improve the quality of life in local communities.
Materials and methods
This research was conducted with the aim of examining the effects of watershed management on the improvement of the economic and social conditions of local communities in the Baghamch Watershed of Chenaran County. Accordingly, the improvement of economic conditions was assessed using 15 items, and the improvement of social conditions was evaluated using 11 items, both of which were included in a questionnaire. The research method was documentary, and for the completion of the questionnaire, a survey method was employed. The statistical population consisted of 50 individuals selected as a convenient sample. The measurement tool was a questionnaire, whose reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.851. Using SPSS software, the data extracted from the questionnaires were analyzed. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, variance, and skewness, were utilized to determine the extent of the effects of watershed management on improving the economic and social conditions of local communities in the Baghamch Watershed of Chenaran County.
Results and discussion
Considering the topic, watershed management in the Baghamch Watershed area has been able to, among the items related to the improvement of economic conditions mentioned in the questionnaire, significantly increase investment motivation in the agricultural sector, enhance the economic value of agricultural lands and orchards, and boost groundwater recharge, leading to an increase in the number of agricultural wells. These aspects were found to have the most impact. Among the items related to the improvement of social conditions, watershed management has effectively controlled and prevented flood damage to homes, agricultural lands, and orchards, and has also contributed to reducing poverty and unemployment in the village. Additionally, the participation of villagers can have a significant impact on the efficiency and success of watershed management operations in preserving and managing water and soil resources. Overall, the results showed that watershed management had a slightly greater impact on improving social conditions, with an average score of 2.587, compared to economic conditions, which had an average score of 2.502, in the local communities of the Baghamch Watershed.
Conclusions
The research results indicated that watershed management can be effective in the conservation and management of natural resources, including water and soil. In this context, the role of local communities should not be overlooked, as the participation of villagers can significantly influence the efficiency and success of watershed management operations in conserving and managing water and soil resources. In fact, the level of public participation in these projects largely depends on their satisfaction. The implementation of watershed management operations has led to improvements in economic conditions, such as increased cultivated land and agricultural and orchard areas, enhanced agricultural and orchard production, a rise in livestock numbers and pasture restoration, increased groundwater income, higher economic value of agricultural lands, and greater investment motivation, as well as the creation of job opportunities. Furthermore, watershed management operations have improved social conditions, including reduced migration rates, decreased poverty and unemployment, minimized flood damage to lands, homes, and communication routes, improved living standards, better tourism conditions, increased villagers' participation in implementation and supervision, heightened awareness of water management, and reduced social tensions in local communities.
Keywords
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