Empowerment of Rangeland Users: Applying Accessibility Solutions for Sustainable Beekeeping-Based Businesses

One of the key strategies to enhance the economic viability of exploitation units and increase the income of rangeland users is leveraging the potential of rangelands, particularly through beekeeping. This study focuses on developing strategies for establishing a sustainable business based on the beekeeping function of pastures. The research was conducted in four selected customary systems in Maneh va Samalqan, North Khorasan Province. To collect data, two types of questionnaires were used. The first group consisted of 65 beekeepers, selected through a full enumeration method, who completed the corresponding questionnaire. The second group included 18 experts and elites involved in beekeeping within the region, also selected using the full enumeration method. To formulate sustainable strategies for beekeeping in the target area, a SWOT analysis was initially performed, and relevant business strategies were proposed. In the next step, the extracted strategies were prioritized using the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM). The prioritization results indicated that, according to the QSPM matrix, the strategy of "establishing a trade union in the village for marketing, pricing, and selling honey, as well as providing essential inputs, including medicine," received the highest score (4.78), making it the top priority. The necessity of developing an economically viable and profitable business model that aligns with the service and market functions of pasture ecosystems is crucial for rangeland users. This study highlights the importance of implementing sustainable business strategies while considering environmental factors.