The Role of Indigenous Knowledge in Combating Desertification and Sustainable Management of Water and Soil Resources in Marginal Desert Areas (Case Study: Semnan Province, Iran)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Economic, Social and Extension Research, Agricultural Research and Education Center and Natural Resources of Semnan Province, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Semnan, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Desert Research Division, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran.

3 Researcher, Center for Agricultural Research and Education and Natural Resources of Semnan Province, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Semnan, Iran.

10.29252/aridbiom.2026.4039

Abstract

The desert regions of Semnan Province, characterized by arid and fragile climatic conditions, are increasingly threatened by interconnected challenges such as desertification, depletion of water resources, and intensified soil erosion. This study aims to provide a strategic analysis of the role of indigenous knowledge in combating desertification and promoting the sustainable management of natural resources by evaluating the capacities of local communities and their traditional practices. To achieve this, the Delphi method was employed to identify and assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) associated with the application of indigenous knowledge. A subsequent SWOT analysis was performed to develop effective strategies for leveraging this knowledge in desertification mitigation and water and soil conservation. Furthermore, the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) was applied to prioritize these strategies and justify their relative significance. Results from the internal factors analysis indicated that indigenous knowledge, with a final score of 54.3 points, represents a substantial strength, particularly due to long-standing adaptation to local climatic conditions, effective soil protection through native vegetation, and water-efficient agricultural practices. In contrast, weaknesses, scoring 64.1 points, were mainly related to the oral transmission of knowledge and limited intergenerational transfer. The external factors analysis revealed that opportunities (66.3 points) slightly outweigh threats (66.1 points), particularly regarding community participation, institutional support, and integration with modern scientific knowledge. Based on these findings, a total of 24 operational strategies were identified across four categories (SO, WO, ST, and WT) with an emphasis on integrating indigenous knowledge with modern technologies, revitalizing traditional water and soil management systems, and institutionalizing participatory natural resource management.

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References

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Journal of Arid Biome
Volume 15, Issue 1
March 2025
Pages 177-195

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