Mitra Mohamadi, Fateh Habibi, Saman Ghaderi,
Volume 13, Issue 49 (11-2024)
Abstract
Objective: The experience of many developed countries highlights that tourism development is a fundamental driver of national growth and should be prioritized accordingly. This research aims to investigate the impact of tourism on sustainable rural livelihoods in Kurdistan Province by comparing two groups: tourism-oriented villages and non-tourism villages.
Method: This study adopts a quasi-experimental design, comparing data from tourism and non-tourism villages. A questionnaire was employed to gather the necessary information. Using Cochran's formula, the sample size was determined to be 350 households, consisting of 203 heads of households from tourism villages and 147 heads of households from non-tourism villages. Participants were selected randomly. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS and Excel software, with the reliability of the questionnaire confirmed by a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.82.
Results:
1. Livelihood Conditions: The one-sample t-test revealed that the five livelihood capitals (human, social, physical, natural, and financial) in both groups of villages were below average and in poor condition.
2. Comparison of Capitals: An independent t-test showed that the average human and social capital and total investment were significantly higher in tourism villages compared to non-tourism villages.
3. Livelihood Strategies: A Friedman test identified the key livelihood activities in each group:
- Tourism Villages: Gardening. Agriculture, Local food sales, Handicraft sales, Home rentals, Sales of local dairy products, and Sales of local clothing.
- Non-Tourism Villages: Gardening, Agriculture, Local dairy product sales, Animal husbandry, and Labor.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate a significant difference between tourism and non-tourism villages in terms of livelihood capitals: human, social, physical, natural, financial, and total. The average levels of human capital, social capital, and overall livelihood assets were higher in tourism villages. These results underscore the positive role of tourism in enhancing sustainable rural livelihoods, particularly by diversifying income sources and strengthening human and social capital. Prioritizing tourism development in rural areas can thus contribute to broader economic and social improvements.
