Investigating factors affecting sustainable livelihoods from the perspective of farmers with emphasis on indigenous conditions in ultra-arid regions (Case study: Sistan region)

The predominant occupationof local communities in Sistan has been agriculture.Due tothe specific conditions of Sistan,including the lack of flow of the Hirmand River,climate change,continued drought,etc.many local communities have lost their jobs.The purposeof this studyisto investigate the most important factors affecting sustainable livelihoods from the perspective of farmers,with an emphasisonlocal conditions inthe region.This is an applied research using a descriptiveinferential method.For this purpose,the sample size was determined according tothe Cochran formula.The validityof the items was confirmed by experts.The reliability ofthe questionnaires was confirmed according to Cronbach's alpha.The descriptive results of the respondents showed that all respondents have a history of farming in the region, sothe experience and local knowledge of farmers can be used in examining the items.According tothe results,all variables(economic,sociali,nstitutional.environmental,physical,demographicculturalmigratory factors, livelihood strategies,livelihood sustainability,alternative livelihoods,personalwells)have a significant relationship with sustainable livelihoods.The Fstatisticof 861.650 confirmed the significance ofthe entire model.The DurbinWatson coefficient of1.92 showed the absence of autocorrelation inthe model.The coefficient of determination showed that 85% of the changes inthe sustainable livelihood variable are explained bythe variables under study.According tothe results,by developing variables that leadto sustainable livelihoods,including increasing institutional support, developing social activities,expanding livelihood strategies appropriate tothe region,and developing suitable alternative livelihoods,which are the most important factors inimproving economic conditions,its possible to overcome thefactors that lead tothe instability ofsustainable livelihoods.Inother words,the regional conditions require relevant officials and planners topay special attention tothe development of government support and thedevelopment ofalternative livelihoods and appropriate livelihood strategies forthe region,so that serious crises can beprevented by improving theeconomic conditions oflocal communities.