نظام گله‌داری و یاریگری سنتی در تولید و مدیریت شیر دام‌ها در مراتع (نمونه‌ای از دانش بومی در روستای شاه کوه سفلی- استان گلستان)

Introduction

For centuries, rural livestock keepers in Iran have relied on shared and cooperative practices to manage their herds and process dairy products, practices that play a crucial role for both smallholders and large-scale livestock owners. These collaborations, which are rooted in the ancient traditions and tangible needs of rural life, not only enhance economic productivity but also strengthen social ties, reinforce rural social cohesion, and facilitate the circulation of indigenous knowledge. These patterns of cooperation, often formed due to seasonal needs and common challenges, indicate the accumulation of precious experiences of previous generations and are an integral part of the rural micro-economy.

This study aims to explore indigenous knowledge and to examine social institutions such as “Chekeneh” and “Vadoush,” which function as traditional social structures shaping livestock management and dairy production practices and are in fact the main pillar of self-government and economic resilience of rural communities. The significance of these institutions lies in their capacity to provide reliable frameworks for the intergenerational transmission of knowledge and managerial skills. This Knowledge includes accurate acquaintance of pastures, types of wild plants, traditional hygiene practices, and how to process milk with local tools and methods. This generational transmission preserves the traditional patterns of livestock management and milk processing in the face of rapid economic and cultural changes and prevents a generational rupture regarding this vital knowledge. Moreover, these institutions provide a good ground for fostering the sense of belonging to the group and collective identity, which is so vital in rural communities with complex and sensitive social structures. Participation in these collective activities increases the sense of empathy and solidarity among members of the community and contributes to a strong support network. A network that can be very efficient in the face of potential crises (such as drought, animal disease, or severe market fluctuations). Such a social cohesion has positive feedback on economic activities and reinforces the cycle of sustainability in the region.

Methodology

This study adopts a qualitative, field-based research approach. To elicit and document indigenous pastoral knowledge, a combination of survey techniques and qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews, direct observation, and participant observation, along with the presence in the field individually and in groups with experienced residents was employed to enhance data richness and analytical reliability. These approaches enabled a deeper understanding of cooperative management practices and local belief systems, while also capturing the lived experiences and social interactions of rural livestock keepers. Through a semi-active presence in rangelands and pastoral settlements, and by participating in the everyday activities of livestock keepers, the researcher collected rich and empirically grounded data on the functioning of local social institutions.

In this study, snowball sampling method, which is a kind of non-probabilistic sampling, has been utilized to identify and select participants (farmers). This method has provided access to communication networks among ranchers and assisted to discover and interview people who may not be identified through traditional sampling methods. Accordingly, using snowball sampling method, a number of natives who had sufficient knowledge in herd management were initially identified as the core of the research. Then, these local experts were asked to introduce other people with similar expertise. In the same way, the interviews continued until new information was obtained. With regard to ethical considerations, questions were asked about the beginning and end of joint herding, the role of each member, holding ceremonies, milk balance, cost estimation, distribution of products, and so on. Sometimes interviews with experts were accompanied by direct and participatory observation, which is very useful in exploratory research.

Following data collection, thematic analysis was employed as the primary analytical method. In qualitative research, thematic analysis involves the systematic examination and interpretation of materials such as interviews and field notes in order to identify recurring patterns, themes, and key concepts. Accordingly, all data were recorded, transcribed, and systematically coded, enabling the identification and analytical categorization of concepts related to indigenous pastoral knowledge, the role of social institutions, and traditional cooperative mechanisms. Therefore, in this research, the data, after recording and editing, have become written texts and by coding them, concepts related to indigenous pastoral knowledge, the role of social institutions and traditional cooperative mechanisms have been identified and categorized. Coding, as a key technique in content analysis, helps researchers divide the data into smaller sections and identify common patterns. This process assists to better understand the relationships between themes and concepts and can lead to the discovery of new insights in various fields. In fact, this method of analysis allows researchers to present their results comprehensively and accurately and gain a deeper understanding of the case study. This type of analysis is particularly effective in the social and cultural contexts where qualitative data play an important role.

Results and Discussion

Analysis of the field data indicates that herd management during the seasonal spring–summer partnership in the study area is grounded in traditional cooperative mechanisms and broad-based participation among livestock keepers, institutionally organized through “Chekeneh” and “Vadoush.” These mechanisms are rooted in mutual cooperation among livestock keepers and in locally embedded rituals and belief systems, which play a decisive role in milk management and dairy production. Seasonal cooperation among livestock keepers in “Shah-Kuh Sofla” village contributes to increased productivity and more effective coordination of herding activities. Among people in the social institution "Chekeneh", the decision to become a collaborator is made annually based on factors such as the number of livestock, kinship, and the network of social relations.

The social institution of “Chekeneh” plays an active role in herd management through clearly defined positions such as “Arbab,” “Mokhtabad,” “Sarmokhtabad,” and “Donbaldou.” Through a structured division of labor and responsibilities, these roles facilitate complex patterns of interaction and coordination in the day-to-day management of livestock, ensuring both operational efficiency and collective cohesion. For example, the supervision and leadership of the group is the responsibility of a person named "Arbab". The basis for choosing Arbab is primarily to have more indigenous experience and knowledge in animal husbandry. In local narratives,