Environmental Erosion Research Journal

Desertification is one of the main challenges in the arid and semi-arid regions of Iran, with widespread environmental, economic, and social consequences. This research aimed to evaluate the economic, social, and environmental impacts of participatory Haloxylon planting in desertification control, selecting Hosseinabad Kordha village (Aradan County, Semnan Province) as the case study. The statistical population consisted of the village residents (1,303 individuals), and the sample size was determined as 297 using Cochran's formula. Data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire with 36 items (12 items per dimension) on a five-point Likert scale and analyzed using descriptive statistics, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modeling (SEM), and hierarchical cluster analysis.The results showed that the environmental dimension, with a mean of 4.30, achieved the highest satisfaction level, and the project was highly successful in stabilizing mobile sands, reducing wind erosion, controlling dust storms, and increasing vegetation cover. The social dimension, with a mean of 3.67, was at a "high" level, demonstrating positive effects such as strengthening local cohesion and reducing migration, though weaknesses in genuine decision-making participation were evident. The economic dimension, with the lowest mean of 3.13, performed weakly in creating new jobs and increasing household income despite providing sustainable fodder. The SEM model indicated the strongest direct effect from the environmental dimension on overall resident satisfaction (β = 0.48), while cluster analysis identified three attitude groups: positive (49.8%), moderate (33%), and economically critical (17.2%). Ultimately, participatory Haloxylon planting in Hosseinabad Kordha is a successful model for desertification control, but achieving comprehensive sustainable development requires strengthening the economic value chain, product marketing, and genuine community participation in decision-making. This model can be promoted as a national pilot.