The Role of Watershed Management Projects in the Socio-Economic Development of Local Communities (Case Study: Deh-Namak Watershed, Aradan County)
Authors
1
Research Fellow, Forest and Rangeland Department, Zanjan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Zanjan, Iran. (Corresponding Author). Email:
2
Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, Malayer University, Grape Research Institute, Malayer, Hamedan, Iran. Email: mehran.akbarzadeh@stu.malayeru.ac.ir
10.22034/wmji.2026.2075814.1132
Abstract
Watershed management projects, as an integrated approach to natural resource management, play a key role in sustainable development of local communities, particularly in semi-arid regions. The present study aimed to examine the impact of watershed management projects on the socio-economic development of residents in Deh-Namak watershed of Aradan County. The statistical population consisted of the local residents, and using Cochran’s formula adjusted for a finite population, a sample size of 141 individuals was selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of 12 items across three dimensions—economic, social, and environmental. The validity of the instrument was confirmed by experts, and its reliability was verified through Cronbach’s alpha (Higher than 0.7). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26 through exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modeling (SEM). The results indicated that the mean scores of the environmental (3.89), economic (3.78), and social (3.52) dimensions were all higher than the theoretical average (3). The EFA identified three factors explaining 81.27% of the variance, with the environmental dimension being the strongest (44.61%), followed by the economic (22.38%) and social (14.28%) dimensions. The CFA model demonstrated acceptable goodness-of-fit indices (χ²/df = 1.69, CFI = 0.991, RMSEA = 0.041). The results of SEM showed that the social dimension (β = 0.72) had the strongest direct effect on overall satisfaction, while the environmental dimension exerted a significant indirect effect (1.02) through the economic and social pathways. Overall, the findings highlighted substantial success of the projects in environmental improvement, moderate economic impacts, and limited social participation. It is recommended that community-based watershed management (CBWM), establishment of local councils, and participatory training programs be implemented to bridge the social gap and achieve sustainable development.
Keywords
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