Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Departement of Watershed Management, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Iran.
2
Assistant Professor, Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Research Department, Lorestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center(AREEO), Khorramabad, Iran.
3
PhD in Water Sciences and Engineering, Department of Soil Conservation and Watershed Management, Lorestan Province Agriculture and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Khorramabad, Iran
4
Assistant Professor, Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Department, khorasan Razavi Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center (AREEO), Mashhhad. Iran.
5
Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Research Institute (SCWMRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran.
6
Expert of Rural and Nomadic Women’s affairs in Agricultural JAHAD Khorramabad County
Abstract
Drought is a creeping phenomenon characterized by a gradual reduction in precipitation and increased temperatures, whose cumulative effects often manifest over extended periods. This study employs a quantitative approach to analyze the economic, social, and environmental impacts of drought on stakeholders in the Karganeh Watershed, Iran. A sample of 130 stakeholders (including farmers, pastoralists, nomads, and local council members) was selected via simple random sampling from a total population of N = 197, using Cochran's formula for precision. Data were collected through a researcher-administered questionnaire, validated by an expert panel, and demonstrating high reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.829). Data analysis using the Friedman test revealed the following ranked impacts: Socio-Economic Impacts: The most severe consequences were a significant decrease in agricultural and horticultural income (mean rank = 16.13), a reduction in crop yield (mean rank = 16.01), and a decrease in orchard yield (mean rank = 16.09). Environmental Impacts: The most critical impact was the destruction of springs and drying of wells (mean rank = 9.36), followed by the reduction of groundwater and surface water resources (mean rank = 7.51) and an increase in pests and diseases affecting orchard trees (mean rank = 6.74).The findings quantitatively demonstrate that water resource depletion constitutes the primary environmental challenge, while severe reductions in income and agricultural productivity are the foremost socio-economic concerns. These results underscore the critical need for integrated water resource management and economic diversification strategies to enhance resilience in the watershed.
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