Assessing Rangeland Conditions and Sustainable Management Strategies in Bamyan, Afghanistan

Ghulam Hazrat Ghulami; Mohammad Naeem Lali; Zainullah Hazim; Akbar Sharafat

doi:10.62810/jnsr.v3i2.185

Authors

Ghulam Hazrat Ghulami Bamyan University, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, Bamyan, AF
Mohammad Naeem Lali Bamyan University, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, Bamyan, AF
Zainullah Hazim Bamyan University, Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Bamyan, AF
Akbar Sharafat Bamyan University, Department of Geography, Faculty of Geology, Bamyan, AF

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62810/jnsr.v3i2.185

Keywords:

Beneficiaries, Conservation, Collaborative, Solutions, Sustainable rangeland

Abstract

Identifying effective solutions for rangeland-related challenges has become increasingly complex. Rangelands cover the majority of Bamyan province and serve as a vital source of meat and dairy production. Most farmers in the region are agro-pastoralists who depend heavily on rangelands as their primary asset, while intensive livestock farming systems remain uncommon. Given the ecological importance and the widespread degradation of natural resources, this study aimed to explore sustainable solutions to prevent further destruction of rangelands in Bamyan. Although previous research has largely focused on identifying causes of degradation, there has been limited attention to practical and localized solutions. This study employed a dual-method approach: (1) a review of library and online resources, and (2) fieldwork using observational tools, semi-structured interviews, and questionnaires based on a five-point Likert scale. Due to the absence of a complete list of farmers, simple random sampling was used to select 110 participants in 2023. The findings indicate that most Bamyan farmers are older, married, and illiterate, with primary agricultural outputs including potatoes, wheat, legumes, and fruits. Factor analysis revealed three key areas for intervention: (1) the role and support of government institutions, (2) the contribution of researchers, and (3) the internal involvement of local beneficiaries. Each of these factors encompasses a range of specific solution-oriented variables. The study highlights the importance of collaborative efforts and researcher engagement in the sustainable management of natural resources in Bamyan.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Ansari, N., Seyed Akhlaghi Shal, S., & Ghasemi, M. (2009). Determination of Socioeconomic Factors in the Degradation of Natural Resources in Iran. Iranian Journal of Range and Desert Research, 15(4), 508–524. https://ijrdr.areeo.ac.ir/article_104402_7527e3fdd481d3b883a1 a89c74a0314c.pdf?lang=en

Aziz, A., & Yi, S. (2013). Highland Rangelands of Afghanistan: Significance, Management Issues and Strategies. International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, GPO Box 3226, Kathmandu, Nepal, 26.

Aziz Mohibbi, A., & Cochard, R. (2014). Residents' resource uses and nature conservation in Band-e-Amir National Park, Afghanistan. Environmental Development, 11, 141–161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envdev.2014.04.003 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envdev.2014.04.003

Bedunah, D. J., Shank, C. C., & Alavi, M. A. (2010). Rangelands of Band-e-Amir National Park and Ajar Provisional Wildlife Reserve, Afghanistan. Rangelands, 32(5), 41–52. https://doi.org/10.2111/RANGELANDS-D-10-00044.1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2111/RANGELANDS-D-10-00044.1

Blench, R. (2001). You cannot go home again: Pastoralism in the new millennium. Overseas Development Institute, United Kingdom, Web Page: http://www.org.odi.uk/staff/r. Blench.

Boyd, C. S., & Svejcar, T. J. (2009). Managing Complex Problems in Rangeland Ecosystems. Rangeland Ecology & Management, 62(6), 491–499. https://doi.org/10.2111/08-194.1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2111/08-194.1

Chapin Iii, F. S., Sommerkorn, M., Robards, M. D., & Hillmer-Pegram, K. (2015a). Ecosystem stewardship: A resilience framework for arctic conservation. Global Environmental Change, 34, 207–217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2015.07.003

Chapin Iii, F. S., Sommerkorn, M., Robards, M. D., & Hillmer-Pegram, K. (2015b). Ecosystem stewardship: A resilience framework for arctic conservation. Global Environmental Change, 34, 207–217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2015.07.003 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2015.07.003

Convertino, M., Baker, K. M., Vogel, J. T., Lu, C., Suedel, B., & Linkov, I. (2013). Multi-criteria decision analysis to select metrics for the design and monitoring of sustainable ecosystem restorations. Ecological Indicators, 26, 76–86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2012. 10.005 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2012.10.005

Davies, J., Poulsen, L., Schulte-Herbrüggen, B., Mackinnon, K., Crawhall, N., Henwood, W. D., & Gudka, M. (2016). The governance of rangelands: Collective action for sustainable pastoralism. Routledge.

Diogo, R. V. C., Dossa, L. H., Vanvanhossou, S. F. U., Abdoulaye, B. D., Dosseh, K. H., Houinato, M., Schlecht, E., & Buerkert, A. (2021). Farmers' and Herders' Perceptions on Rangeland Management in Two Agroecological Zones of Benin. Land, 10(4), 425. https://doi.org/10.3390/land10040425 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/land10040425

Ghoryar, M. A., & Roggero, P. P. (2019). Assessment of rangeland issues, challenges, and options in the western region of Afghanistan. ACADEMICIA: An International Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 9(1), 34. https://doi.org/10.5958/2249-7137.2019.00004.1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5958/2249-7137.2019.00004.1

Ghulami, G. H. (2024). Factors Affecting Degradation of Natural Rangelands in Bamyan Center: A Community-Based Investigation. Journal of Natural Science Review, 2(Special.Issue), 436–450. https://doi.org/10.62810/jnsr.v2iSpecial.Issue.142 DOI: https://doi.org/10.62810/jnsr.v2iSpecial.Issue.142

Groninger, J. W., Ruffner, C. M., & Walters. (2013). Sustaining Rural Afghanistan under Limited Central Government Influence. Stability: International Journal of Security & Development, 2(2), 24. https://doi.org/10.5334/sta.bk DOI: https://doi.org/10.5334/sta.bk

Hafeznia, M. R. (2016). An introduction to research methods in humanities (Vol. 21). KAY BABS PRINTS, Nigeria, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315646488_An_Introduction _to_Research_Methods_in_the_Humanities?

Mohibbi, A. A. (2018). Land Cover Change and Prediction in Bamyan, Afghanistan [Thesis]. Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology.

NEPA, & MAIL. (2014). Justification for Proposed: Shah Foladi Mountain Landscape Conservation Area (GCS WGS 84; p. 13).

Oba, G., & Kaitira, L. M. (2006). Herder knowledge of landscape assessments in arid rangelands in northern Tanzania. Journal of Arid Environments, 66(1), 168–186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2005.10.020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2005.10.020

Pittroff, W. (2011). Rangeland management and conservation in Afghanistan. International Journal of Environmental Studies, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207233.2011.584474 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00207233.2011.584474

Poya, G. H., & Toshiyuki, T. (2017). Assessing Local Community Representation and Perception toward Decision-making in Protected Area Collaborative Management: A Case Study of Band-e-Amir National Park, Afghanistan. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/ 314849182_Assessing_Local_Community_Representation_and_Perception_toward_Decision-making_in_Protected_Area.

Reid, R. S., Galvin, K. A., & Kruska, R. S. (2008). Global Significance of Extensive Grazing Lands and Pastoral Societies: An Introduction. In K. A. Galvin, R. S. Reid, R. H. B. Jr, & N. T. Hobbs (Eds.), Fragmentation in Semi-Arid and Arid Landscapes, pp. 1–24. Springer Netherlands. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-4906-4_1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-4906-4_1

Robinett, D., Miller, D., & Bedunah, D. (2008). Central Afghanistan Rangelands. Rangelands, 30(4), 2–12. https://doi.org/10.2111/1551-501X(2008)30[2:CAR]2.0.CO;2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2111/1551-501X(2008)30[2:CAR]2.0.CO;2

Stanfield, J. D., Safar, M. Y., Salam, A., & Murtazasvhili, J. B. (2010). Rangeland Administration in (Post) Conflict Conditions: The Case of Afghanistan. https://www.terrainstitute.org/pdf/ Part%20of%20Making%20Land%20Governance%20Real.pdf

UNEP (Ed.). (2003). Afghanistan: Post-conflict environmental assessment. United Nations.

UNEP (Ed.). (2008). Afghanistan's environment, 2008. National Environmental Protection Agency of the Republic of Afghanistan : United Nations Environment Programme.

UNEP. (2009). UNEP in Afghanistan, Laying the foundation for sustainable development.

UNEP, NEPA & GEF. (2009). Afghanistan National Capacity Needs Self-Assessment for Global Environmental Management (NCSA) and National Adaptation Programme of Action for Climate Change (NAPA), p. 128.

Wily, L. A. (2004). Looking for Peace on the Pastures: Rural and Relations in Afghanistan, p. 125. The Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit Kabul.

https://www.academia.edu/27383573/Looking _for_Peace_on_the_Pastures_Rural_Land_Relations_in_Afghanistan.