Journal of Entrepreneurial Strategies in Agriculture

Extended Abstract
Background: In recent decades, many organizations have attempted to develop programs and policies for greater participation in environmental protection. Therefore, part of the responsibility and decision-making power has been transferred to local communities. However, there are important challenges, such as power imbalance, lack of sufficient information, and uncertainty in the interaction between government and indigenous approaches to environmental management. These challenges are particularly prominent in the use and transfer of indigenous knowledge to assess and respond to environmental risks. In this regard, sustainable development is fundamentally related to specific and anticipated changes for future improvement. Development must be environmentally sustainable, socially just, economically efficient, and culturally compatible with the local community. Based on the principles of sustainable development, it is essential to pay attention to the indigenous knowledge of local people. This research aims to analyze the attitudes of rangeland users about the role of indigenous knowledge in the process of empowerment and sustainable development. By utilizing the knowledge and experiences of the past, indigenous knowledge can help transfer environmentally friendly information and play an important role in job creation, exploitation, and optimal use of resources in local communities.
Methods: This research is applied-inferential in terms of the purpose and descriptive-correlational in terms of the method. The statistical population of the research was the users of the pastures upstream of the Alborz Dam, Mazandaran Province. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire that was prepared and arranged according to the purpose of the research. The necessary information was collected through library and internet studies and interviews with experts through a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26 and LISREL 9 software and shown in the form of descriptive and inferential analyses using exploratory factor analysis and path analysis techniques. Cronbach's alpha coefficient and the correlation ratio of each indicator to the total and the combined reliability of CR were used to measure the validity or reliability of the research tool. The opinions of expert professors in agricultural extension and education and social sciences were also used to calculate the exploratory factor analysis. The statistical population of the study included 18 customary rangeland areas upstream of the Alborz Dam in Mazandaran Province, which had 389 users based on the audit list of rangeland management plans. Among them, a sample of 194 people was randomly selected and completed the questionnaires.
Results: One of the most important problems of sustainable development in rangelands is the weak implementation of rangeland management plans and the lack of motivation in local communities. The lack of use and application of indigenous knowledge, experiences, and professional awareness of users has caused the government, as the owner of national resources, to fail to properly consider the needs and opinions of local communities in the success of rangeland management plans. Indigenous knowledge and awareness of rangeland users are very consistent with the principles of sustainable development; therefore, achieving sustainable development will not be possible without considering indigenous knowledge. The results of a survey of local communities showed that recognizing indigenous knowledge could increase interest in this knowledge among the new generation and strengthen its learning and use among rangeland owners for resource conservation and sustainable development. This research showed that familiarity, trust, and application of indigenous knowledge all have positive and significant effects on the empowerment of local communities. Among these three factors, trust in indigenous knowledge has the highest impact, with an impact coefficient of 0.92, and the application of indigenous knowledge has the lowest impact coefficient.
Conclusion: The results of this study show that accurate knowledge of local communities and the integration of indigenous knowledge with modern techniques can reduce conflicts of interest and strengthen sustainable development and empowerment of local communities. In particular, trust in indigenous knowledge plays a key role in the success of development projects. It is suggested to prioritize the use of indigenous knowledge and adopt policies in rangeland management plans, which, in addition to paying attention to traditional knowledge, provide the basis for job creation and sustainable development.