بررسي روش‌هاي سازگاري كشاورزي با تغييرات اقليم و راهكارهاي بهبود آن در بخش مركزي شهرستان برخوار

Study of local Adaptation Strategies for Climate Change in Agriculture an‎d Ways to Improve it in Central District of Borkhar County

جغرافيا و برنامه ريزي روستايي

Agriculture in the arid an‎d semi-arid regions of Iran, particularly in Borkhar County, faces severe challenges due to heavy reliance on groundwater resources an‎d high vulnerability to climatic fluctuations. The primary objective of this research was to investigate the trend of climatic changes over the last two decades, assess the local adaptation methods employed by farmers, an‎d propose strategies for their improvement in the central sector of Borkhar County.This study is applied in terms of its objective an‎d descriptive-analytical in nature. The research employed a qualitative approach, with data collection conducted through library studies an‎d fieldwork (observation, in-depth interviews with farmers). The statistical population comprised the region’s farmers, an‎d the sample study included 30 knowledgeable farmers from 5 main areas (Dowlatabad, Khorzough, Sin, Dastgerd, Mohsenabad, an‎d surrounding villages). Qualitative data analysis utilized the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) method, while the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model, integrated within a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment, was used for spatial analysis an‎d prioritizing proposed solutions for the region.The analysis of climatic change trends indicated that indicators such as a noticeable decrease in precipitation, rising temperatures, the expansion of drought phenomena, an‎d the occurrence of early autumn had the most significant impact on the vulnerability of the region’s agricultural sector. The assessment of local adaptations revealed that farmers predominantly relied on reactive an‎d traditional methods which lack necessary efficiency under current climatic conditions. Regarding solutions, the comparison of feedback from the sample farmers an‎d local experts showed a strong consensus on two main strategies: shifting the cropping pattern towards low-water-consuming crops an‎d modifying traditional irrigation systems as the top priorities for enhancing adaptation status an‎d ensuring the sustainability of agricultural production in the region. By integrating local farmers’ knowledge through interviews an‎d PRA with powerful analytical tools like AHP an‎d GIS, this research has successfully identified precise climatic challenges an‎d provided an operational, validated roadmap for adaptation. It is recommended that relevant regulatory bodies prioritize the extracted key strategies, especially in terms of education for cropping pattern change an‎d irrigation system reform, to implement necessary improvements.

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