Social Responsibility and Rangelands Conservation: An Investigation on Mobile Pastoralists in Golestan Province, Iran

Social responsibility of pastoralists is one of the most important elements and an integral part of rangelands exploitation. It not only leads to better rangeland health, but also enhances exploiters’ satisfaction for continuous sustainable utilization of rangelands. The present study investigated the role of social responsibility in rangelands condition in nomadic areas of Gonbad County in Golestan province, Iran. Survey method was conducted in 2016. Population consisted of 180 nomadic households. A sample size of 115 households was selected using stratified random sampling method in ten pastoral units (nomadic and nomadic–rural systems). Required information was collected using questionnaires. Content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by academics and social experts of rangelands management. The findings showed that the social responsibility of respondents could be evaluated at high level. The ethical dimension of social responsibility was ranked in the first priority but the economic dimension was the last one. There was a significant and positive relationship between social responsibility and range condition. Also, social responsibility of uneducated exploiters (unable to read and write) was higher than other educated exploiters. Due to a positive relationship between social responsibility and range condition, it is recommended that exploiters’ responsibility can be enhanced by delivering appropriate educational opportunities in order to improve range condition.