Forest Dwellers’ Dependence on Forest Resources in Semi-Arid Environments

Forests remain an important resource in Iran, as most of the livelihood activities local communities, especially semi-arid environment Zagros forests, are dependent on forest resources. The aim this study was to identify type and extent dependency. Semi-structured interviews questionnaires were used collect data from 170 households Central Zagros. Results show that using firewood for fuel non-fuel uses, harvesting edible medicinal plants, agriculture horticulture, livestock grazing main undertaken by area. On average, each household harvested 18.08 cubic meters oak per year water heating (bathing), baking bread, heating, cooking, milk buttermilk, agricultural tools, house building, warehouses shelters, fencing, branches livestock, charcoal sale. Of rural households, 72% 86% plants. Age, job, residence status, number crop farming size found be correlated with Findings contribute broadly integrated understanding bio-human dimensions ecosystems, specific reference