Factors Affecting Farmers' Pasture-Environment Perception in Reclaimed Pastures: The example of Turkey's Central Anatolia Region

Abstract

This study aims to determine the socioeconomic factors affecting the rangeland-environment perceptions of farmers in improved rangelands. The study was carried out in the Central Anatolian Region of Turkey, where an arid and semi-arid climate prevails. Data were collected by conducting a face-to-face survey with 271 randomly selected farmers in the provinces where the studies were conducted. Data were analyzed using chi-square test and Bonferroni corrected Z test. It has been determined that approximately 80% of the farmers do not have sufficient level of awareness about the perception of pasture-environment. A statistically significant difference was found between farmers' pasture-environment perception levels and the farmer's age, education level, non-agricultural income and number of animals (AU). According to the study results, a low level of adaptation capacity was detected in farmers in terms of the holistic effect of climate change. It has been determined that if necessary, improvements are not made on the issue, unfortunately, 35.70% of farmers will abandon animal husbandry and migrate to city centers. It was concluded that if policy makers and extension organizations focus on the socioeconomic factors derived, farmers will be more successful in facilitating sustainable pasture use.