Economy

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Objective: Agricultural tourism can create a new communication space and utilize existing resources in rural areas, not only strengthening the local economy but also providing a means to protect agricultural lands against the encroachment of large retailers and global food chains. Given the importance of this topic, the present study aims to examine the factors influencing the development of agricultural tourism in the rural areas of the central district of Ardabil County.
Research Methodology: This research is applied in terms of its objective and falls under descriptive-analytical studies in terms of its nature and method. Data collection was conducted through both library and field methods. The statistical population included heads of households benefiting from agricultural lands. Structural equation modeling was employed for data analysis. The sample size was estimated at 380 individuals using Cochran’s formula, and simple random sampling was conducted in each village.
Research Findings: A total of 67 components were used to examine the topic, of which seven components were removed from the model due to insufficient adequacy. The results of the initial evaluation of the measurement model indicate that the model is appropriate. The results of the structural model reveal a significant structural relationship between the development of agricultural tourism and the factors influencing it. The findings show that the highest factor loading is associated with the components of organizing cultural-recreational festivals, improving street lighting, diversifying crop patterns, and product branding. The highest t-value of 43.961 in the structural model pertains to the relationship between agricultural tourism development and socio-cultural factors.
 

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Objective: Recognizing that resolving any problem necessitates strategic planning, this applied research was conducted in the rural border regions of Marivan County. Its primary objective is to contribute to economic diversification in these rural communities by formulating a flexible, forward-looking strategic plan aimed at attracting capital investments.
Methods: The research employed a mixed-methods approach. The theoretical component was developed using documentary analysis, while the practical component was carried out through a survey methodology, including interviews, questionnaires, and field observations. The study adopts a qualitative approach, primarily based on interviews and the Delphi method. Through collaboration with a Delphi expert panel, a strategic plan was designed to facilitate economic diversification via capital attraction and the development of micro-enterprises. The study population consisted of 24 purposefully selected individuals, including regional development officials, subject-matter experts, micro-business owners, and local managers.
Results: The analysis identified eight internal strengths versus eighteen internal weaknesses, along with six external opportunities versus nine external threats related to fostering a diversified economic environment and favorable business climate through capital attraction in the studied rural areas. The intersection of internal factor weights (3.40) with external factor weights (2.49) positioned the study area within a conservative strategic posture.
Conclusions: The results suggest that a conservative strategy is the most appropriate model for capital attraction aimed at economic diversification in the region. This approach necessitates a critical reassessment and revision of current policies, programs, and actions to address the existing suboptimal business environment. Furthermore, the long-term outlook—over a 15-year horizon—indicates that, given its capabilities and potential, the region could emerge as a leading center for cross-border trade, specialized agriculture, micro-industrial production, and rural tourism within Kurdistan Province, in competition with other counties in the region.