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Jamshid Einali, Behroz Mohammadi Yeganeh, Mohammad Tayeb Khaledi Nia,
Volume 4, Issue 14 (2-2016)
Volume 4, Issue 14 (2-2016)
Abstract
Introduction
In our country, inappropriate physical housing in villages is the result of "bad housing" that can be inferred as one of the most important challenges in rural development. This phenomenon is the result of inappropriate resilient construction, worn-out houses, pollutions because of coexistence of animals and human, sharing the living space with working place; and these issues are caused by inappropriate economic, social and cultural characteristics that govern the rural society of the country and also they are derived from lack of attention to technical obligations, worn-out houses, lack of effective supervision, inadequate infrastructural and economic provision. Therefore, to decrease the bad housing condition in rural districts of the country, some efforts have been started through improvement and renovation of worn-out texture, retrofitting of rural buildings, provision of technical and quality regulations and obligation and issuing ownership documents together with codification of second phase of development plan that provide a good condition for socioeconomic changes in rural districts. These changes have impacts on meeting the needs of the residents and their quality of life, their livelihood changes, and rural housing functions through improvement of physical environment of the rural district. So, this study tries to answer the following questions:
"Dose rural housing improvement lead to changes in housing components and economic functions of the houses in the studied rural district by using house retrofit loans"? And "Do these changes have a meaningful difference among villages of this rural district?”
Methodology
This is a practical study that uses descriptive-analytical methods to determine the issue and its results according to performed field studies (questionnaire, observation and interview). Shamshir rural district is located in Paveh County in the west of Kermanshah province and all the eight villages of this rural district are evaluated in this study. According to general population and housing census (1390) the total number of households in this rural district is 2593 households. 287 households are selected as sample population by using Cochran Formula and questionnaires were distributed randomly. For data analysis different statistical method have been used such as One Sample T-Test (to compare numerical mean), Wilcoxon Test (before and after rural housing improvement) and Kruskal Wallis Test (measuring current differences in the rank of diversification to economic activities in sample villages) and Spearman Correlation Coefficient Test.
Discussion and Conclusion
The results showed that most of new housings, which were constructed by the incentives of government including its credits and supervision, have a substructure of 100 square meters. To overcome the steep slope that governs the village site and to decrease the humidity, new housings are constructed according to a two-storey building design in which the ground flood is inhospitable. Studying the impacts of rural housing improvement and renovation shows widespread differences between two periods which were before and after this process. So, these changes can be mostly considered in housing building plans and maps and extensive modelling of urban housing designs, elimination of some basic elements of old housings and also high availability of facilities and infrastructure services; the basic reasons of these changes include logging bans in forests and pastures, discontinuing traditional way of living based on livestock farming and using forests, improvement of transportation roads and turning them to highways, proximity to Paveh county, and prevalence of unofficial economy and contraband trade. According to respondents' point of view, the results show that all of the studied components have a meaningful difference in periods before and after physical improvement. The most meaningful differences are in rendering services like mechanical service, carwash service, tire mounting and balancing service (-15.002), and employment in non-agricultural activities among men (-14.883) respectively, and the least meaningful differences are reported in such components like households' needs (bread, vegetables, fruit and dairy) (-6.398) and performing economic activities inside the home by women such as handicrafts and carpet weaving (-7.228). Moreover, correlation analysis shows that there is a meaningful relation between rural housing improvement components and components of nonagricultural activities among men (0.812), designing a special place for livestock (-0.603), assigning a part of the house to rendering automobile services (mechanical, carwash, tire mounting and balancing services) (0.600) and performing economic activities inside the home by women (0.324) at a level of 99 percent. In conclusion, the result of classification of changes in economic functions of rural housings in Shamshir rural district does not show a meaningful difference among the studied villages. Therefore, according to the respondents' point of view, the most average ranks in performing the studied economic activities are as follow: non-agriculture employment among men in Shamshir village; assigning a part of the house to services in Dorisan village; performingactivities related to gardening and assigning a place for production and selling the forest's products in Bandare village; and in designing a place for livestock and performing economic activities in home by women in Tazdeh, Bandare and Dorisan villages.
The results showed that most of new housings, which were constructed by the incentives of government including its credits and supervision, have a substructure of 100 square meters. To overcome the steep slope that governs the village site and to decrease the humidity, new housings are constructed according to a two-storey building design in which the ground flood is inhospitable. Studying the impacts of rural housing improvement and renovation shows widespread differences between two periods which were before and after this process. So, these changes can be mostly considered in housing building plans and maps and extensive modelling of urban housing designs, elimination of some basic elements of old housings and also high availability of facilities and infrastructure services; the basic reasons of these changes include logging bans in forests and pastures, discontinuing traditional way of living based on livestock farming and using forests, improvement of transportation roads and turning them to highways, proximity to Paveh county, and prevalence of unofficial economy and contraband trade. According to respondents' point of view, the results show that all of the studied components have a meaningful difference in periods before and after physical improvement. The most meaningful differences are in rendering services like mechanical service, carwash service, tire mounting and balancing service (-15.002), and employment in non-agricultural activities among men (-14.883) respectively, and the least meaningful differences are reported in such components like households' needs (bread, vegetables, fruit and dairy) (-6.398) and performing economic activities inside the home by women such as handicrafts and carpet weaving (-7.228). Moreover, correlation analysis shows that there is a meaningful relation between rural housing improvement components and components of nonagricultural activities among men (0.812), designing a special place for livestock (-0.603), assigning a part of the house to rendering automobile services (mechanical, carwash, tire mounting and balancing services) (0.600) and performing economic activities inside the home by women (0.324) at a level of 99 percent. In conclusion, the result of classification of changes in economic functions of rural housings in Shamshir rural district does not show a meaningful difference among the studied villages. Therefore, according to the respondents' point of view, the most average ranks in performing the studied economic activities are as follow: non-agriculture employment among men in Shamshir village; assigning a part of the house to services in Dorisan village; performingactivities related to gardening and assigning a place for production and selling the forest's products in Bandare village; and in designing a place for livestock and performing economic activities in home by women in Tazdeh, Bandare and Dorisan villages.
Bagher Kord,
Volume 5, Issue 16 (8-2016)
Volume 5, Issue 16 (8-2016)
Abstract
Introduction
The quality of individual life of each person depends on external objective factors of his life and his mental and internal perceptions of it. Improving the quality of life in a particular place or for specific individuals and groups is one of those issues that have always been focused by planners. Improving the quality of life is an important issue that was firstly noted by scholars through widespread development of technology and the process of industrialization in Western countries. According to scientific studies, the connection of economic development and life quality is not a linear one. Rather, these two will be remained aligned just as long as the minimum of favorable material conditions will be provided for human life. Otherwise, we cannot expect that eliminating economic needs help improve the quality of life. Since human beings are multifaceted and complex, economic logic cannot explain lots of their behaviors. Noting the importance of life quality and humanitarian issues of South East geographical environment, in this study, we have tried to investigate economic and physical aspects of rural areas in Chabahar, as well as analyzing the quality of rural life there.
Methodology
The present study has been conducted using documents and field studies .Information required for field studies have been collected through the questionnaires. Then the data obtained have been processed using the indicators of descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS software. Statistical population of the research consists of the villagers inhabited in the villages of Chabahar County. Required samples for the research have been selected by multistage cluster sampling method. The selected sample size has been a number of 350 people as the head of the households. The number of sample villages and households in each village was selected based on the proportional allocation of the number of inhabited villages in each district.
Discussion and conclusion
Given the importance of strategic, geopolitical and geo-economic region of South East Iran and because of the great tendency of most inhabitants of this region to rural life, in this study, we have tried to examine some of the most important economic and structural indicators of rural areas in Chabahar County in order to help policy and planning systems and analyze the quality of life in rural area of Chabahar, the Province of Sistan and Baluchestan. Final results indicate lack of villagers' satisfaction with the quality of their lives in the studied area. Because, based on economic indicators, the coefficient for the enjoyment of income, subsistence, annual savings and employment situation in the village is in an unfavorable condition. The quality of infrastructures, electriCounty, telephone, radio and television coverage are in good conditions but some other indicators like access to communication routes, public transport, safe drinking water, fuel-distribution and access to financial services and credits do not have any acceptable condition.
In terms of residential environment quality, the residential unit was perfect only in terms of size and infrastructure while there was no favorable condition for other features like its resistance against natural disasters, use of resistant materials, the beauty of shape and form, separation of the whereabouts of animals, methods of collecting waste, landfill sites and sewage networks. The following suggestions, derived from management and research experiences, are recommended to upgrade the quality of rural life in Chabahar area.
Since agriculture has a dominant economic role in this region and because of the fact that the development in this area requires developing of ancillary services, it is essential to establish agricultural machinery repair centers, veterinary centers, and banking services in each rural district.
- Motivating people to progress, and making them hopeful of a bright future in the village through the creation of new business opportunities in the field of agro-based industries, tourism, and development of processing industry;
- Take necessary measures to create dynamic and sustainable financial resources, especially for small farmers, in order to expand the coverage of special insurance to protect villagers' lives and their property.
- Trying to develop rural social welfare institutions by transferring of these activities to rural municipalities and focusing on the activities of all institutions and rganizations that are responsible for welfare services to the villagers;
- Strengthening infrastructural facilities and equipment including water, electriCounty, telecommunication and communication offices.
- Increasing the number of cooperative stores and fuel stations by public participation and technical and financial support of the government through the relevant agencies.
Given the importance of strategic, geopolitical and geo-economic region of South East Iran and because of the great tendency of most inhabitants of this region to rural life, in this study, we have tried to examine some of the most important economic and structural indicators of rural areas in Chabahar County in order to help policy and planning systems and analyze the quality of life in rural area of Chabahar, the Province of Sistan and Baluchestan. Final results indicate lack of villagers' satisfaction with the quality of their lives in the studied area. Because, based on economic indicators, the coefficient for the enjoyment of income, subsistence, annual savings and employment situation in the village is in an unfavorable condition. The quality of infrastructures, electriCounty, telephone, radio and television coverage are in good conditions but some other indicators like access to communication routes, public transport, safe drinking water, fuel-distribution and access to financial services and credits do not have any acceptable condition.
In terms of residential environment quality, the residential unit was perfect only in terms of size and infrastructure while there was no favorable condition for other features like its resistance against natural disasters, use of resistant materials, the beauty of shape and form, separation of the whereabouts of animals, methods of collecting waste, landfill sites and sewage networks. The following suggestions, derived from management and research experiences, are recommended to upgrade the quality of rural life in Chabahar area.
Since agriculture has a dominant economic role in this region and because of the fact that the development in this area requires developing of ancillary services, it is essential to establish agricultural machinery repair centers, veterinary centers, and banking services in each rural district.
- Motivating people to progress, and making them hopeful of a bright future in the village through the creation of new business opportunities in the field of agro-based industries, tourism, and development of processing industry;
- Take necessary measures to create dynamic and sustainable financial resources, especially for small farmers, in order to expand the coverage of special insurance to protect villagers' lives and their property.
- Trying to develop rural social welfare institutions by transferring of these activities to rural municipalities and focusing on the activities of all institutions and rganizations that are responsible for welfare services to the villagers;
- Strengthening infrastructural facilities and equipment including water, electriCounty, telecommunication and communication offices.
- Increasing the number of cooperative stores and fuel stations by public participation and technical and financial support of the government through the relevant agencies.
Hamed Aramesh, Atefeh Ras, Soheila Keshavarz,
Volume 9, Issue 34 (2-2021)
Volume 9, Issue 34 (2-2021)
Abstract
Introduction
Today, the rise of the global economic system, which has created great wealth and the spread of economic contradictions such as the gap between rich and poor, has brought about wide-ranging social changes and has led to the introduction of entrepreneurial ideas in the field of social issues. In recent years, social entrepreneurship has been identified as an important source of social, economic, cultural and environmental wealth. Due to lack of resources and facilities and remarkable population growth, communities, nowadays, are facing many problems, among which is the problem of unemployment. Because the employment situation of women in Iran, like in many developing countries, is not favorable, women always have fewer job opportunities and often work in the informal sector with low wages.
Given that half of people in any society are women, women's participation in various jobs and entrepreneurship is necessary for the growth and development of society. Women's participation in various economic, social and other fields is one of the indicators of the country's production. One of the main issues in development is the proper use of the capabilities and talents of human resources in society.
In the suburban area of Chabahar, there is a traditional view and disbelief in the abilities of women. Most of the women in this area are divorced or heads of households and do not have a good economic situation. Since the situation of women in each region is reflecting the social and economic improvement of the regions, and also, due to the appropriate commercial and economic situation of Chabahar region, there are many opportunities for job creation and empowerment of women in this region. It seems that one of the ways to discover these opportunities and empower women in this region is to regard and implement social entrepreneurship. So far, domestic research with a social entrepreneurship approach has not examined the empowering factors of rural women. Therefore, this study aims to provide a model of social entrepreneurship in order to empower women in the suburban region of Chabahar in a comprehensive way, to extract effective indicators and answer the research questions.
1. What factors affect the empowerment of women in Chabahar suburbs?
2. What is the impact of each of these factors on the empowerment of women in Chabahar suburbs?
3. What is the framework to implement the drivers of empowerment for women in Chabahar suburbs?
Methodology
This research is mixed in terms of purpose, application and in terms of data type. The qualitative part uses the Meta synthesis method. For data analysis, the software used in the quantitative section was SmartPLS2 for the first questionnaire and Expert choice software for the second questionnaire. The statistical population of the study is all Baluch women living in Chabahar.
Discussion and conclusion
Calculation of final weight and prioritization of effective indicators on women's empowerment in Chabahar suburban areas based on AHP method shows that among the identified indicators, women's self-confidence with a final weight of 0.457 has been identified as the most important effective indicator on women's empowerment, and motivational indicators, job creation and education with the final weight of 0.423 and 0.387, are, respectively, in the second and third place. Existence of social support for female heads of households and quality of life with a final weight of 0.030 has been identified as the least effective indicator among the indicators.
By meta-synthesis method, 21 indicators, 4 components and 2 dimensions were identified. The results showed that all variables except the variable of having sufficient skills, lead to empowerment of women in the suburban area of Chabahar. Also, all environmental variables lead to the empowerment of women in this area.
The most important indicators of women's empowerment in the Chabahar suburbs is self-confidence. Furthermore, the indicators of job creation motivations, level of education, elimination of labor market discrimination, and government support policies are ranked second to fifth, respectively, with regard to the importance of empowering women in this region.
Today, the rise of the global economic system, which has created great wealth and the spread of economic contradictions such as the gap between rich and poor, has brought about wide-ranging social changes and has led to the introduction of entrepreneurial ideas in the field of social issues. In recent years, social entrepreneurship has been identified as an important source of social, economic, cultural and environmental wealth. Due to lack of resources and facilities and remarkable population growth, communities, nowadays, are facing many problems, among which is the problem of unemployment. Because the employment situation of women in Iran, like in many developing countries, is not favorable, women always have fewer job opportunities and often work in the informal sector with low wages.
Given that half of people in any society are women, women's participation in various jobs and entrepreneurship is necessary for the growth and development of society. Women's participation in various economic, social and other fields is one of the indicators of the country's production. One of the main issues in development is the proper use of the capabilities and talents of human resources in society.
In the suburban area of Chabahar, there is a traditional view and disbelief in the abilities of women. Most of the women in this area are divorced or heads of households and do not have a good economic situation. Since the situation of women in each region is reflecting the social and economic improvement of the regions, and also, due to the appropriate commercial and economic situation of Chabahar region, there are many opportunities for job creation and empowerment of women in this region. It seems that one of the ways to discover these opportunities and empower women in this region is to regard and implement social entrepreneurship. So far, domestic research with a social entrepreneurship approach has not examined the empowering factors of rural women. Therefore, this study aims to provide a model of social entrepreneurship in order to empower women in the suburban region of Chabahar in a comprehensive way, to extract effective indicators and answer the research questions.
1. What factors affect the empowerment of women in Chabahar suburbs?
2. What is the impact of each of these factors on the empowerment of women in Chabahar suburbs?
3. What is the framework to implement the drivers of empowerment for women in Chabahar suburbs?
Methodology
This research is mixed in terms of purpose, application and in terms of data type. The qualitative part uses the Meta synthesis method. For data analysis, the software used in the quantitative section was SmartPLS2 for the first questionnaire and Expert choice software for the second questionnaire. The statistical population of the study is all Baluch women living in Chabahar.
Discussion and conclusion
Calculation of final weight and prioritization of effective indicators on women's empowerment in Chabahar suburban areas based on AHP method shows that among the identified indicators, women's self-confidence with a final weight of 0.457 has been identified as the most important effective indicator on women's empowerment, and motivational indicators, job creation and education with the final weight of 0.423 and 0.387, are, respectively, in the second and third place. Existence of social support for female heads of households and quality of life with a final weight of 0.030 has been identified as the least effective indicator among the indicators.
By meta-synthesis method, 21 indicators, 4 components and 2 dimensions were identified. The results showed that all variables except the variable of having sufficient skills, lead to empowerment of women in the suburban area of Chabahar. Also, all environmental variables lead to the empowerment of women in this area.
The most important indicators of women's empowerment in the Chabahar suburbs is self-confidence. Furthermore, the indicators of job creation motivations, level of education, elimination of labor market discrimination, and government support policies are ranked second to fifth, respectively, with regard to the importance of empowering women in this region.
Mir Sattar Sadrmousavi , Mohsen Aghayarihir , Mohammad Valaei,
Volume 9, Issue 34 (2-2021)
Volume 9, Issue 34 (2-2021)
Abstract
Introduction
Reduction of inequality and poverty has always been one of the topics discussed by scholars and has been considered as part of the main aims of rural development. It has increasingly become one of the important topics in development literature. Different strategies to reduce poverty by different scholars such as; funding micro-credit and increasing the quality of life and empowerment of women, small-scale agricultural development as an essential component of food security, strengthening social capital in the form of local organizations, global economic integration and globalization, increasing public participation and creating grassroots organizations including rural cooperatives, diversification of economic activities, etc., has been proposed. However, due to the dependence of the villagers on the agricultural sector, not compatibility with the culture of the villagers, none of these solutions has not completely succeeded in reducing poverty and eradicating it from rural communities. Similarly, in Miandoab County, the agricultural sector, due to limited water resources, reduced productivity, job creation, mechanization, etc., has undergone a declining trend and is not able to attract the available labor. Furthermore, given that the study area has been severely affected by the Lake Urmia drying up in recent years, leading to a decrease in income, employment, investment, labor productivity and agricultural land, and hence, an increase in the number of underprivileged people in rural areas and migration of youth and depopulation of a number of villages in the area. Therefore, seeking solutions to reduce rural poverty are crucial such as, reviving the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors according to the strengths and obstacles of the region, increasing labor productivity in all economic sectors and enhancing rural population sustainability and stability, employment, income and food security. The main issue of the present study is to investigate rural poverty reduction strategies, emphasizing the rural economic diversification approach and the effects of economic diversification in reducing rural poverty in Miandoab County.
Methodology
The purpose of this study is to investigate poverty reduction strategies with an emphasis on rural economic diversification in Miandoab County. The research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of method. Field and documentary methods were used to collect data and information. This study includes two parts: quantitative and qualitative. In the qualitative part, theoretical saturation was achieved by conducting 24 semi-structured interviews, and in the quantitative part, 120 local informants, rural managers and staff of Miandoab County were selected as a sample. The reliability level of the research questionnaire was obtained using Cronbach's alpha method of 0.701. Purposeful sampling (snowball and sequential method) was used. Grounded theory, regression, path analysis and influence diagram were used to analyze the information.
Discussion and conclusion
The most important strategies identified to reduce rural poverty in Miandoab are: Funding micro-credit to villagers and farmers, crops insurance and government support, economic diversification in agricultural and non-agricultural sectors (changing the pattern of cultivation with water-resistant species such as saffron, Damask rose, pistachio, livestock development, developing industries), construction product processing factories, industrial town establishment, handicraft, tourism development and expansion, creation small businesses, creation of local markets and services, etc., enhancing educational quality of villagers, using indigenous knowledge, increasing social capacities, improving infrastructure, increase research, change government support policies, reform rural management and belief system. Among these, one of the most important strategies to reduce rural poverty in this area according to the study is to pay attention to the "rural economic diversification" approach. Accordingly, the diversification of the rural economy has positive effects on increasing income, employment, production, investment and hence reducing rural poverty in Miandoab County. The index of non-agricultural (non-agricultural) diversification and the creation of jobs that require less water, such as development of rural industries (manufacturing units for processing livestock, agricultural, horticultural products, etc., handicrafts, carpet weaving units, metal industries, wood industries, food industries, etc.), development of service sector in most villages and expansion of rural tourism (religious, sport, nomadic) is of great importance in reducing rural poverty in the study area. Thus, long-term diversification alters the income opportunities for rural households and reduces their income vulnerability to economic and environmental changes. In general, diversification of jobs can be considered as an indirect insurance for the security of income of villagers who have low productivity or have been damaged due to unexpected natural disasters.
Reduction of inequality and poverty has always been one of the topics discussed by scholars and has been considered as part of the main aims of rural development. It has increasingly become one of the important topics in development literature. Different strategies to reduce poverty by different scholars such as; funding micro-credit and increasing the quality of life and empowerment of women, small-scale agricultural development as an essential component of food security, strengthening social capital in the form of local organizations, global economic integration and globalization, increasing public participation and creating grassroots organizations including rural cooperatives, diversification of economic activities, etc., has been proposed. However, due to the dependence of the villagers on the agricultural sector, not compatibility with the culture of the villagers, none of these solutions has not completely succeeded in reducing poverty and eradicating it from rural communities. Similarly, in Miandoab County, the agricultural sector, due to limited water resources, reduced productivity, job creation, mechanization, etc., has undergone a declining trend and is not able to attract the available labor. Furthermore, given that the study area has been severely affected by the Lake Urmia drying up in recent years, leading to a decrease in income, employment, investment, labor productivity and agricultural land, and hence, an increase in the number of underprivileged people in rural areas and migration of youth and depopulation of a number of villages in the area. Therefore, seeking solutions to reduce rural poverty are crucial such as, reviving the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors according to the strengths and obstacles of the region, increasing labor productivity in all economic sectors and enhancing rural population sustainability and stability, employment, income and food security. The main issue of the present study is to investigate rural poverty reduction strategies, emphasizing the rural economic diversification approach and the effects of economic diversification in reducing rural poverty in Miandoab County.
Methodology
The purpose of this study is to investigate poverty reduction strategies with an emphasis on rural economic diversification in Miandoab County. The research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of method. Field and documentary methods were used to collect data and information. This study includes two parts: quantitative and qualitative. In the qualitative part, theoretical saturation was achieved by conducting 24 semi-structured interviews, and in the quantitative part, 120 local informants, rural managers and staff of Miandoab County were selected as a sample. The reliability level of the research questionnaire was obtained using Cronbach's alpha method of 0.701. Purposeful sampling (snowball and sequential method) was used. Grounded theory, regression, path analysis and influence diagram were used to analyze the information.
Discussion and conclusion
The most important strategies identified to reduce rural poverty in Miandoab are: Funding micro-credit to villagers and farmers, crops insurance and government support, economic diversification in agricultural and non-agricultural sectors (changing the pattern of cultivation with water-resistant species such as saffron, Damask rose, pistachio, livestock development, developing industries), construction product processing factories, industrial town establishment, handicraft, tourism development and expansion, creation small businesses, creation of local markets and services, etc., enhancing educational quality of villagers, using indigenous knowledge, increasing social capacities, improving infrastructure, increase research, change government support policies, reform rural management and belief system. Among these, one of the most important strategies to reduce rural poverty in this area according to the study is to pay attention to the "rural economic diversification" approach. Accordingly, the diversification of the rural economy has positive effects on increasing income, employment, production, investment and hence reducing rural poverty in Miandoab County. The index of non-agricultural (non-agricultural) diversification and the creation of jobs that require less water, such as development of rural industries (manufacturing units for processing livestock, agricultural, horticultural products, etc., handicrafts, carpet weaving units, metal industries, wood industries, food industries, etc.), development of service sector in most villages and expansion of rural tourism (religious, sport, nomadic) is of great importance in reducing rural poverty in the study area. Thus, long-term diversification alters the income opportunities for rural households and reduces their income vulnerability to economic and environmental changes. In general, diversification of jobs can be considered as an indirect insurance for the security of income of villagers who have low productivity or have been damaged due to unexpected natural disasters.
Esmaeil Najafi, Yaqub Abdali, Maryam Beyranvandzadeh,
Volume 9, Issue 34 (2-2021)
Volume 9, Issue 34 (2-2021)
Abstract
Introduction
One of the major and fundamental issues in the field of spatial planning is balanced development, which can be raised in the form of balanced development of sectors or regions. In line with the social justice policy, as the central aim of the country's development plans, it is necessary to study the situation of different regions in terms of distribution and the extent of having different environmental indicators and consider the shortcomings and inadequacies for future development plans. Such studies can show the situation of different geographical areas from a comparative point of view and classify them in terms of development facilities and bottlenecks, also, determine their development priorities. In this way, by assessing the potential level of the regions, their facilities and capabilities can be presented from different perspectives and the necessary tools can be provided to ascertain the decision for allocation of different resources in the territory. The aim of this study is to level, classify and spatial zoning of rural poverty in Hormozgan Province using environmental indicators and combined indicators. These indicators have been used to rank the rural areas of Hormozgan Province based on the level of environmental potential. The results of this study can be effective for decision-making officials and ultimately, the development of social justice.
Research Methods
The present research applied-developmental in terms of purpose. In respect of the type of methods it is a combination of descriptive-analytical and correlational methods. The data used were collected through statistics and information published from the identification of settlements and statistical yearbook published in 2016, meteorological data, topographic maps, geology and faults, etc. For data analysis, McGranhan method or correlation coefficient method was used. Furthurmore, calculating the sum of points has been used to weight the indicators. The fuzzy scaling method is one of the most common and important methods for normalizing stability indices, which is the basis of many other methods and is also mentioned in the sources with titles such as deprivation coefficient. Indicators with a positive aspect (ascending) and indicators with a negative aspect (descending) have different computational bases. This method has also been used to determine deprivation coefficients and the Combined Human Development Index in the UN Human Development Report. This method also uses Spearman correlation coefficient. Kramer correlation coefficient has been used to express the degree of correlation between the two variables studied independent variables (environmental factors) and dependent variables (economic development).
Discussion and Conclusion
Based on the calculated combined environmental index score, 92 villages of Hormozgan province are located in 5 classes and zones. In 13.04% of the rural areas, the combined index score is less than 0.913 and in these rural areas, the environmental potential for development is very low. In 9.78% of the rural areas, the combined index score is between 0.914 to 1.095 and in these rural areas, the environmental potential for development is low. 38.04% of the rural areas in terms of environmental potential are in the range of 1.096 to 1.279, which is at an average level. Combined environmental index score in 28.26% of rural areas is between 1.280 to 1.462 and these rural areas have great potential in terms of environmental indicators. In 10.87% of the rural areas, the score of the combined environmental index is 1.463 and more. These rural areas have a great environmental potential. Among the rural districts of Hormozgan Province, Koukherd and Fatoueh Rural Districts are from Koukherd and central district of Bastak County, Gafer, Darabsar, Jakdan and Sardasht Rural Districts of Gaofroparmon, Gohran and central district in Bashagard County; Bandar Charak Rural District of Shibkuh District in Bandar Lengeh County; Rovidar Rural District of Rovidar District in Khamir County; Faryab Rural District of the central district in Rudan County and Cheragabad, Karian and Gorband Rural District of Tokhoor and central districts of Minab County are among the rural districts that are in a low situation of environmental capabilities and potentials. As the results suggest, the highest percentage of frequency is related to the level of moderate and low environmental poverty and the lowest percentage is related to rural areas with high environmental poverty and very low environmental poverty. That is, out of 92 rural areas in Hormozgan Province, 12 villages are very high in poverty, 9 villages are very poor, 35 villages are moderately poor, 26 villages are low in poverty and 10 villages are very low in poverty.
The results suggest that there is a direct and significant relationship between environmental variables and rural economic development. The significant level (0.000) indicates the relationship between independent variables (environmental factors) and dependent (economic development). Rainfall, water resources, climate, land potential and natural hazards (earthquake and flood) are the most important environmental indicators that can play a role in limiting the economic development of rural areas in Hormozgan Province.
The main natural environmental limitations for rural economic development in Hormozgan Province are the following:
One of the major and fundamental issues in the field of spatial planning is balanced development, which can be raised in the form of balanced development of sectors or regions. In line with the social justice policy, as the central aim of the country's development plans, it is necessary to study the situation of different regions in terms of distribution and the extent of having different environmental indicators and consider the shortcomings and inadequacies for future development plans. Such studies can show the situation of different geographical areas from a comparative point of view and classify them in terms of development facilities and bottlenecks, also, determine their development priorities. In this way, by assessing the potential level of the regions, their facilities and capabilities can be presented from different perspectives and the necessary tools can be provided to ascertain the decision for allocation of different resources in the territory. The aim of this study is to level, classify and spatial zoning of rural poverty in Hormozgan Province using environmental indicators and combined indicators. These indicators have been used to rank the rural areas of Hormozgan Province based on the level of environmental potential. The results of this study can be effective for decision-making officials and ultimately, the development of social justice.
Research Methods
The present research applied-developmental in terms of purpose. In respect of the type of methods it is a combination of descriptive-analytical and correlational methods. The data used were collected through statistics and information published from the identification of settlements and statistical yearbook published in 2016, meteorological data, topographic maps, geology and faults, etc. For data analysis, McGranhan method or correlation coefficient method was used. Furthurmore, calculating the sum of points has been used to weight the indicators. The fuzzy scaling method is one of the most common and important methods for normalizing stability indices, which is the basis of many other methods and is also mentioned in the sources with titles such as deprivation coefficient. Indicators with a positive aspect (ascending) and indicators with a negative aspect (descending) have different computational bases. This method has also been used to determine deprivation coefficients and the Combined Human Development Index in the UN Human Development Report. This method also uses Spearman correlation coefficient. Kramer correlation coefficient has been used to express the degree of correlation between the two variables studied independent variables (environmental factors) and dependent variables (economic development).
Discussion and Conclusion
Based on the calculated combined environmental index score, 92 villages of Hormozgan province are located in 5 classes and zones. In 13.04% of the rural areas, the combined index score is less than 0.913 and in these rural areas, the environmental potential for development is very low. In 9.78% of the rural areas, the combined index score is between 0.914 to 1.095 and in these rural areas, the environmental potential for development is low. 38.04% of the rural areas in terms of environmental potential are in the range of 1.096 to 1.279, which is at an average level. Combined environmental index score in 28.26% of rural areas is between 1.280 to 1.462 and these rural areas have great potential in terms of environmental indicators. In 10.87% of the rural areas, the score of the combined environmental index is 1.463 and more. These rural areas have a great environmental potential. Among the rural districts of Hormozgan Province, Koukherd and Fatoueh Rural Districts are from Koukherd and central district of Bastak County, Gafer, Darabsar, Jakdan and Sardasht Rural Districts of Gaofroparmon, Gohran and central district in Bashagard County; Bandar Charak Rural District of Shibkuh District in Bandar Lengeh County; Rovidar Rural District of Rovidar District in Khamir County; Faryab Rural District of the central district in Rudan County and Cheragabad, Karian and Gorband Rural District of Tokhoor and central districts of Minab County are among the rural districts that are in a low situation of environmental capabilities and potentials. As the results suggest, the highest percentage of frequency is related to the level of moderate and low environmental poverty and the lowest percentage is related to rural areas with high environmental poverty and very low environmental poverty. That is, out of 92 rural areas in Hormozgan Province, 12 villages are very high in poverty, 9 villages are very poor, 35 villages are moderately poor, 26 villages are low in poverty and 10 villages are very low in poverty.
The results suggest that there is a direct and significant relationship between environmental variables and rural economic development. The significant level (0.000) indicates the relationship between independent variables (environmental factors) and dependent (economic development). Rainfall, water resources, climate, land potential and natural hazards (earthquake and flood) are the most important environmental indicators that can play a role in limiting the economic development of rural areas in Hormozgan Province.
The main natural environmental limitations for rural economic development in Hormozgan Province are the following:
- Low precipitation with unfavorable time and space distribution, hence lack of water resources, as a result, it is difficult to regenerate the natural forests and pastures and return to normal balance.
- Extension and multiplicity of saline formation along with alkalinity, which has made a large part of the province's water and soil resources saline and inutile.
- Risks caused by natural disasters, the influx of dunes and desertification with a negative inclination in pasture production and lack of investment to protect forests and pastures, water and soil and rural fuel supply.
- Continuation of drought and its negative consequences in agriculture, urban and rural development.
- Existence of unfavorable weather conditions that cause severe depreciation of material capital and machinery compared to other regions of the country. Also, the biggest problem in rural employment is the inadequacy of income from economic activities (mainly agriculture and maritime). One of the most important strategies in the field of agriculture is the development of greenhouse cultivation due to the conditions of water resources and shortages in this sector.
Hossein Mikhak, Fereshteh Hafezi, Tahereh Sadeghloo,
Volume 9, Issue 34 (2-2021)
Volume 9, Issue 34 (2-2021)
Abstract
Introduction
Animal husbandry and livestock raising as the most important agricultural sub-sector reduces poorest people's vulnerability all over the world by providing them a "food safety network". In this regard, ranchers are facing key challenges such as low yields of cattle, lack and fragmentation of pasture, water shortage and need to irrigate pastures and meadows, competition for land due to growing demanding for farming lands. The rural cattle farming units have the least competition for global food supply, and production in these types of units is being done on small and limited farms in terms of resources. The other characteristics of rural cattle farming units are dependence on pastures, grazing, mixed production and individual ownership. In modern and industrial farms, by continuous monitoring and control the production, welfare and health of animals and environmental conditions are improved and they are able to detect heat stress, infection, or air quality problems and take immediate action in response to them. Given the future global demand for food supply, undoubtedly, traditional systems will not be able to meet these needs; and one of the logical solutions to solve this problem is to accelerate the conversion of traditional husbandry systems to semi-industrial and industrial systems. Undoubtedly, this conversion can increase the amount of food in the country and the province in the future. Therefore, for development of rural cattle farming units, it is necessary to identify the development factors of these units so that by awareness of these factors, decision makers in the husbandry and agriculture sectors would provide appropriate and efficient strategies to achieve the important and fundamental goal of increasing livestock production through principled planning.
Research Method
This research is practical, done in descriptive-analytical methodology and field survey method is used for data collection. The statistical population of this study consists all of beneficiaries of rural cattle farming units in Khorramabad in 2018 (N = 4762). From 4762 ranchers, 185 were selected using the Cochran formula as sample size in this studied community. Then, ranchers were selected by multi-stage sampling method and the required data were collected by a researcher-made questionnaire. The visual and conceptual narrative validity of the research instrument was confirmed by surveying faculty members of the Department of Rural Economics and Development of Lorestan University. To assess the reliability, pre-test and calculation of Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient were used. In descriptive statistics section, statistics such as frequency, mean, standard deviation and minimum and maximum were used to describe the characteristics of ranchers. In the statistical inference section, the correlation coefficient, independent t-test and Mann-Whitney test were used to compare the average views of traditional ranchers and managers of semi-industrial farms in the development of rural cattle farming units. Also, the classification of factors affecting the development of rural cattle farming units was done through exploratory factor analysis. The above cases were done using SPSS software.
Discussion and conclusion
According to the obtained results, the tendency of rural cattle farming units to development, among more than half of the ranchers, is in low and relatively low level (72.2%). There is also a positive and significant relationship at 1% level between variables of number of cows, income and land area in rural areas with tendency to development of rural cattle farms. According to the results of exploratory factor analysis, the factors that affect development of farm dairy units in Khorramabad were categorized into six factors: 1) price-credits, 2) services-supportive, 3) infrastructure, 4) veterinary and breeding services, 5) educational-promotional and 6) supportive. These factors were able to explain 76.93% of the total variance. According to the results of the research, these suggestions are provided: government support through the payment of low-interest facilities, needs assessment, holding special meetings for rural ranchers, improving ranchers' attitudes toward livestock insurance and increasing their satisfaction with insurance services.
Animal husbandry and livestock raising as the most important agricultural sub-sector reduces poorest people's vulnerability all over the world by providing them a "food safety network". In this regard, ranchers are facing key challenges such as low yields of cattle, lack and fragmentation of pasture, water shortage and need to irrigate pastures and meadows, competition for land due to growing demanding for farming lands. The rural cattle farming units have the least competition for global food supply, and production in these types of units is being done on small and limited farms in terms of resources. The other characteristics of rural cattle farming units are dependence on pastures, grazing, mixed production and individual ownership. In modern and industrial farms, by continuous monitoring and control the production, welfare and health of animals and environmental conditions are improved and they are able to detect heat stress, infection, or air quality problems and take immediate action in response to them. Given the future global demand for food supply, undoubtedly, traditional systems will not be able to meet these needs; and one of the logical solutions to solve this problem is to accelerate the conversion of traditional husbandry systems to semi-industrial and industrial systems. Undoubtedly, this conversion can increase the amount of food in the country and the province in the future. Therefore, for development of rural cattle farming units, it is necessary to identify the development factors of these units so that by awareness of these factors, decision makers in the husbandry and agriculture sectors would provide appropriate and efficient strategies to achieve the important and fundamental goal of increasing livestock production through principled planning.
Research Method
This research is practical, done in descriptive-analytical methodology and field survey method is used for data collection. The statistical population of this study consists all of beneficiaries of rural cattle farming units in Khorramabad in 2018 (N = 4762). From 4762 ranchers, 185 were selected using the Cochran formula as sample size in this studied community. Then, ranchers were selected by multi-stage sampling method and the required data were collected by a researcher-made questionnaire. The visual and conceptual narrative validity of the research instrument was confirmed by surveying faculty members of the Department of Rural Economics and Development of Lorestan University. To assess the reliability, pre-test and calculation of Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient were used. In descriptive statistics section, statistics such as frequency, mean, standard deviation and minimum and maximum were used to describe the characteristics of ranchers. In the statistical inference section, the correlation coefficient, independent t-test and Mann-Whitney test were used to compare the average views of traditional ranchers and managers of semi-industrial farms in the development of rural cattle farming units. Also, the classification of factors affecting the development of rural cattle farming units was done through exploratory factor analysis. The above cases were done using SPSS software.
Discussion and conclusion
According to the obtained results, the tendency of rural cattle farming units to development, among more than half of the ranchers, is in low and relatively low level (72.2%). There is also a positive and significant relationship at 1% level between variables of number of cows, income and land area in rural areas with tendency to development of rural cattle farms. According to the results of exploratory factor analysis, the factors that affect development of farm dairy units in Khorramabad were categorized into six factors: 1) price-credits, 2) services-supportive, 3) infrastructure, 4) veterinary and breeding services, 5) educational-promotional and 6) supportive. These factors were able to explain 76.93% of the total variance. According to the results of the research, these suggestions are provided: government support through the payment of low-interest facilities, needs assessment, holding special meetings for rural ranchers, improving ranchers' attitudes toward livestock insurance and increasing their satisfaction with insurance services.
Zohreh Maryanaji, Ali Vejdani Nozar,
Volume 9, Issue 34 (2-2021)
Volume 9, Issue 34 (2-2021)
Abstract
Introduction
Agriculture is the main axis of economy and development of rural areas of Azna County, which has an important role in the performance of the village and the rural environment. Regarding to natural environment and climatic factors, performance evaluation of agricultural products is one of the important pillars of sustainability of food supply and rural economy. Climatic hazards such as frost cause damage to agricultural products and the economy of rural areas. Freezing and lowering the temperature in mountainous areas is very important. Because precipitation in these agricultural areas plays a key role in the region's economy.
Azna is one of the counties of Lorestan Province, whose rural areas, like most villages in the country, have an economy based on agricultural activities. In the villages of this city, in addition to the cultivation of conventional crops such as wheat, the cultivation of crops such as beans is common, as this city is the center of bean production in the province and the country. The climate of this region, which is partly affected by the geographical location of Azna County, has positive and negative effects on agricultural products such as beans. The occurrence of spring frosts has caused damage to this crop in recent years. In this regard, this study seeks to investigate the relationship between spring frost and bean crop yield and its effect on rural economy. Another goal of modeling is frost alternations and its relationship with crop yields.
Materials and Methods
Pearson correlation test was used to investigate the relationship between spring frost and bean cultivation performance. Two models of K-NN and artificial neural network were used to model the behavior of frost and its effect on frost in bean crop. For this purpose, 15-year statistics (2004-2008) of Azna meteorological station were used, which includes information on minimum temperatures and sub-zero temperatures and tolerance thresholds in different stages of bean plant phenology.
The nearest neighbor K-NN method is one of the most popular nonparametric regression methods. In this method, the prediction value distribution function is obtained using the nonparametric distribution of the kernel function. This model is formulated in such a way that whenever conditions similar to the historical conditions observed in the present occurrence, the probable conditions in the future will be similar to the conditions that occurred on that date.
Neural networks are actually mathematical models for the rapid and accurate processing of information that are able to communicate between the inputs and outputs of a physical system, connected by a network of nodes. In other words, the artificial neural network is a computational mechanism that is able to provide a series of new information by capturing and calculating information.
Discussion and conclusion
This research consists of two main stages. In the first step, the relationship between bean harvest rate and the phenomenon of freezing and frost is evaluated, and in the second step, using the K-NN algorithm and neural networks, the effects of freezing on bean cultivation are predicted based on observational data Based on the data extracted from the minimum daily temperature of Azna station., which indicates the long frost season in this region. The mild frosts occur mostly in October (6 cases) and the rest in December (8 cases). The earliest date of frosts is on the 20th of October and the latest date of frosts is on the 18th of December.
The results of Pearson test showed that there is a correlation coefficient (42%) between bean harvests in Azna villages with spring frosts. In other words, the occurrence of spring frosts reduces bean yield by up to 42%. As a result, the level of farmers' incomes decreases and farmers whose source of income is heavily dependent on annual crops experience severe economic fluctuations. Other objectives of the study were to model the temperature drop and frost damage in crops and bean yield in Azna County using two approaches K-NN and artificial neural network. The results of Nash-Sutcliffe and RMSE statistics in the K-NN model are (76.4%) and (0.0785), respectively, while the same statistics in the artificial neural network model are equal to (81.5%) and (0.0688).
Therefore, in the same condition, the artificial neural network model predicted the actual data better, based on computational data. Thus, in agricultural economics development plans, this model provides a merrier estimate of the state of frost and its effect on bean crop yield. Lowering the production, crop frost will affect other indices such as employment rate, income shortage, savings and investment by reducing production. Because cultivated area of this crop is higher than other crops, frost in beans has caused great economic losses.
Agriculture is the main axis of economy and development of rural areas of Azna County, which has an important role in the performance of the village and the rural environment. Regarding to natural environment and climatic factors, performance evaluation of agricultural products is one of the important pillars of sustainability of food supply and rural economy. Climatic hazards such as frost cause damage to agricultural products and the economy of rural areas. Freezing and lowering the temperature in mountainous areas is very important. Because precipitation in these agricultural areas plays a key role in the region's economy.
Azna is one of the counties of Lorestan Province, whose rural areas, like most villages in the country, have an economy based on agricultural activities. In the villages of this city, in addition to the cultivation of conventional crops such as wheat, the cultivation of crops such as beans is common, as this city is the center of bean production in the province and the country. The climate of this region, which is partly affected by the geographical location of Azna County, has positive and negative effects on agricultural products such as beans. The occurrence of spring frosts has caused damage to this crop in recent years. In this regard, this study seeks to investigate the relationship between spring frost and bean crop yield and its effect on rural economy. Another goal of modeling is frost alternations and its relationship with crop yields.
Materials and Methods
Pearson correlation test was used to investigate the relationship between spring frost and bean cultivation performance. Two models of K-NN and artificial neural network were used to model the behavior of frost and its effect on frost in bean crop. For this purpose, 15-year statistics (2004-2008) of Azna meteorological station were used, which includes information on minimum temperatures and sub-zero temperatures and tolerance thresholds in different stages of bean plant phenology.
The nearest neighbor K-NN method is one of the most popular nonparametric regression methods. In this method, the prediction value distribution function is obtained using the nonparametric distribution of the kernel function. This model is formulated in such a way that whenever conditions similar to the historical conditions observed in the present occurrence, the probable conditions in the future will be similar to the conditions that occurred on that date.
Neural networks are actually mathematical models for the rapid and accurate processing of information that are able to communicate between the inputs and outputs of a physical system, connected by a network of nodes. In other words, the artificial neural network is a computational mechanism that is able to provide a series of new information by capturing and calculating information.
Discussion and conclusion
This research consists of two main stages. In the first step, the relationship between bean harvest rate and the phenomenon of freezing and frost is evaluated, and in the second step, using the K-NN algorithm and neural networks, the effects of freezing on bean cultivation are predicted based on observational data Based on the data extracted from the minimum daily temperature of Azna station., which indicates the long frost season in this region. The mild frosts occur mostly in October (6 cases) and the rest in December (8 cases). The earliest date of frosts is on the 20th of October and the latest date of frosts is on the 18th of December.
The results of Pearson test showed that there is a correlation coefficient (42%) between bean harvests in Azna villages with spring frosts. In other words, the occurrence of spring frosts reduces bean yield by up to 42%. As a result, the level of farmers' incomes decreases and farmers whose source of income is heavily dependent on annual crops experience severe economic fluctuations. Other objectives of the study were to model the temperature drop and frost damage in crops and bean yield in Azna County using two approaches K-NN and artificial neural network. The results of Nash-Sutcliffe and RMSE statistics in the K-NN model are (76.4%) and (0.0785), respectively, while the same statistics in the artificial neural network model are equal to (81.5%) and (0.0688).
Therefore, in the same condition, the artificial neural network model predicted the actual data better, based on computational data. Thus, in agricultural economics development plans, this model provides a merrier estimate of the state of frost and its effect on bean crop yield. Lowering the production, crop frost will affect other indices such as employment rate, income shortage, savings and investment by reducing production. Because cultivated area of this crop is higher than other crops, frost in beans has caused great economic losses.
Seyed Hassan Motiee Langroudi, Fazileh Dadvar Khani, Hadi Yaghoot Hardani, Mojtaba Ghadiri Masom,
Volume 10, Issue 35 (4-2021)
Volume 10, Issue 35 (4-2021)
Abstract
Introduction
In recent years, environmental concerns have been raised as one of the major global challenges and issues that affect countries both individually and collectively, so efforts to integrate the principles and aims of sustainability and environmental as well as economic and social considerations have become one of the main priorities of development planners and politicians, including rural development decision makers. In this regard, strategic approaches to environmental assessment are the most powerful methods and tools to achieve the aforementioned goal, which can be available to rural development planners and decision makers. These approaches are formal, systematic, and comprehensive processes that separately or integrated with planning systems identify, predict, evaluate, address, and mitigate biophysical, economic, and other aspects of development before making key decisions and adopting strategic actions. The approach is currently being introduced in many countries as a support tool for decision-making and a prerequisite for the approval, prescribing, implementation of economic policies, plans and programs, and economic investment projects. Today, due to the extraordinary capabilities of strategic approaches to environmental assessment, their application in the rural development planning and decision-making system is considered as an inevitable necessity. Based on the experiences of several decades of development planning in Iran, focused on rapid economic growth has led to neglecting environmental, economic and social considerations in various national, regional and local development activities and initiatives. rural areas, as a result, are not exception from significant and uncontrollable damage to human and natural environment. This is especially true for Khuzestan Province in south west of Iran, especially its rural areas, which are directly dependent on natural resources and environmental capital for their livelihood and are subject to many development projects. By such an approach, the purpose of this study is to conceptualize the strategic approach of environmental assessment in rural development planning. In addition to its application to screen environmental effects and consequences of the strategic plan of economic development of counties in Khuzestan, as one of the most important and effective strategic initiatives for rural and urban settlement development.
Methodology
The present research is applied based on the purpose and type of research, and descriptive and survey (analytical) methods in terms of nature and method. Strategic environmental screening of the strategic plan of economic development in Khuzestan Province has been done in the framework of fuzzy Delphi technique and with the advice and survey of 26 responsible practitioners in various fields related to rural planning and to 33 key environmental components. According to this framework, two basic conditions such as the percentage of consensus of experts equal to / or more than 75%. Moreover, the condition of standard rank based on the definite value of environmental importance equal to / or above the threshold (0.7) was considered as acceptance environmental significance criteria. The opinions of the expert group were collected and analyzed using a checklist and a screening matrix based on a 7-point Likert scale.
Discussion and conclusion
Strategic environmental screening findings showed that, from the perspective of the expert group, the effects and environmental consequences of the strategic plan of economic growth and development for Khuzestan counties on 25 key environmental components, including the effect on biodiversity and habitats, population (concentration and migration), human welfare and livelihood, environmental health, flora (vegetation), soil, surface water resources, air quality, climatic conditions, material assets and renewable and non-renewable natural resources, rural landscape, land use, waste generation, rural and urban settlements, transport and communications, industrial structures, national and international protected and natural areas, national and international protected cultural areas, densely populated areas, areas with intensive land use. All of these components are in “noticeable” level and in the future can cause the formation and aggravation of environmental problems and issues. Screening findings also showed that based on the consensus of the Expert Group (POC) and definite values of environmental importance (Amax/CV), the effects of strategic initiative on 8 environmental components including risk and impact on human health, animal cover, groundwater resources, architecture and ancient values, hazardous substances into the environment, the effect on areas with different protection regimes and other environmental components are less than the threshold of 0.7 and in the form of "non-noticeable". Given that, it can be concluded that the strategic plan of economic growth and development of Khuzestan counties for many screening criteria and key environmental components are vital. Furthermore, its implementation can have significant effects and consequences and irreversible damage to the environment of rural and urban areas. Thus, based on the findings of strategic environmental screening, the need for accurate environmental and technical assessments of the strategic initiatives to identify and analyze the effects and, if necessary, review, modify, improve or change the designed content and strategies. Also, it is recommended to anticipate and prepare appropriate mitigation actions.
In recent years, environmental concerns have been raised as one of the major global challenges and issues that affect countries both individually and collectively, so efforts to integrate the principles and aims of sustainability and environmental as well as economic and social considerations have become one of the main priorities of development planners and politicians, including rural development decision makers. In this regard, strategic approaches to environmental assessment are the most powerful methods and tools to achieve the aforementioned goal, which can be available to rural development planners and decision makers. These approaches are formal, systematic, and comprehensive processes that separately or integrated with planning systems identify, predict, evaluate, address, and mitigate biophysical, economic, and other aspects of development before making key decisions and adopting strategic actions. The approach is currently being introduced in many countries as a support tool for decision-making and a prerequisite for the approval, prescribing, implementation of economic policies, plans and programs, and economic investment projects. Today, due to the extraordinary capabilities of strategic approaches to environmental assessment, their application in the rural development planning and decision-making system is considered as an inevitable necessity. Based on the experiences of several decades of development planning in Iran, focused on rapid economic growth has led to neglecting environmental, economic and social considerations in various national, regional and local development activities and initiatives. rural areas, as a result, are not exception from significant and uncontrollable damage to human and natural environment. This is especially true for Khuzestan Province in south west of Iran, especially its rural areas, which are directly dependent on natural resources and environmental capital for their livelihood and are subject to many development projects. By such an approach, the purpose of this study is to conceptualize the strategic approach of environmental assessment in rural development planning. In addition to its application to screen environmental effects and consequences of the strategic plan of economic development of counties in Khuzestan, as one of the most important and effective strategic initiatives for rural and urban settlement development.
Methodology
The present research is applied based on the purpose and type of research, and descriptive and survey (analytical) methods in terms of nature and method. Strategic environmental screening of the strategic plan of economic development in Khuzestan Province has been done in the framework of fuzzy Delphi technique and with the advice and survey of 26 responsible practitioners in various fields related to rural planning and to 33 key environmental components. According to this framework, two basic conditions such as the percentage of consensus of experts equal to / or more than 75%. Moreover, the condition of standard rank based on the definite value of environmental importance equal to / or above the threshold (0.7) was considered as acceptance environmental significance criteria. The opinions of the expert group were collected and analyzed using a checklist and a screening matrix based on a 7-point Likert scale.
Discussion and conclusion
Strategic environmental screening findings showed that, from the perspective of the expert group, the effects and environmental consequences of the strategic plan of economic growth and development for Khuzestan counties on 25 key environmental components, including the effect on biodiversity and habitats, population (concentration and migration), human welfare and livelihood, environmental health, flora (vegetation), soil, surface water resources, air quality, climatic conditions, material assets and renewable and non-renewable natural resources, rural landscape, land use, waste generation, rural and urban settlements, transport and communications, industrial structures, national and international protected and natural areas, national and international protected cultural areas, densely populated areas, areas with intensive land use. All of these components are in “noticeable” level and in the future can cause the formation and aggravation of environmental problems and issues. Screening findings also showed that based on the consensus of the Expert Group (POC) and definite values of environmental importance (Amax/CV), the effects of strategic initiative on 8 environmental components including risk and impact on human health, animal cover, groundwater resources, architecture and ancient values, hazardous substances into the environment, the effect on areas with different protection regimes and other environmental components are less than the threshold of 0.7 and in the form of "non-noticeable". Given that, it can be concluded that the strategic plan of economic growth and development of Khuzestan counties for many screening criteria and key environmental components are vital. Furthermore, its implementation can have significant effects and consequences and irreversible damage to the environment of rural and urban areas. Thus, based on the findings of strategic environmental screening, the need for accurate environmental and technical assessments of the strategic initiatives to identify and analyze the effects and, if necessary, review, modify, improve or change the designed content and strategies. Also, it is recommended to anticipate and prepare appropriate mitigation actions.
Aliakbar Najafi Kani, Kobra Najafi,
Volume 10, Issue 35 (4-2021)
Volume 10, Issue 35 (4-2021)
Abstract
Introduction
The tourism industry can provide a good platform for investment, and because of its less reliance on resources, provides an opportunity for less developed countries to stimulate their economic growth to increase production and create job opportunities. Meanwhile, the villages have very favorable and special conditions in accordance with their cultural, social, economic, geographical and natural structure. Today, tourists are interested in visiting farms, orchards, groves, springs, cultural and tourist landscapes in rural settlements. Therefore, planning to use them to develop rural tourism is inevitable. Undoubtedly, rural tourism is a reliable source in many developed and developing countries, which can have a significant impact on increasing the income of villagers. One of the biggest benefits of the rural tourism sector is to create income and increase wages, and consequently to improve the economic situation for the people who work there. Accordingly, the overall purpose of this study is to investigate the capacity of tourism development and provide solutions to develop tourism in mountainous villages near the metropolis of Tehran.
Damavand County is in Tehran Province, which has been selected as a typical tourism region of Iran. According to the 2016 census, its population is 125480 people. This county with an area of 1932 square kilometers, includes five districts named Damavand, Absard, Kilan, Rudehen and Abali, two districts including central and Rudehen and 111 villages. Its average height above sea level is 2300 meters.
The center of this county (Damavand city) is located 75 km away from Tehran and has an average height of 2051 meters and its population is 48380 people.
The central district of the county consists of three rural districts, Jam Abroud, (Absard city as capital), Abarshiveh Rural District, (Sarbandan village as the capital), and Tarrud Rural District, (Mara village as the capital), which overall have 87 villages.
Damavand mountainous and countryside county, with its many capabilities and diverse geographical landscapes, has potential and actual capabilities to attract tourists. Abali track, lakes such as Tar and Havir lakes, several waterfalls such as Tizab, Ayeneh Rud. Cheshmeh A'la and Roodafshan Cave and its numerous springs, beautiful gardens and farms, and a very pleasant climate are among its tourist attractions.
The most important attractions of this area attract many nature enthusiasts. For many years, it has been used by the public, especially the residents of the metropolis of Tehran, and many travelers travel from other areas, so comprehensive understanding, design, and proper management to develop tourism in this area is essential and inevitable. Accordingly, the present study, by examining and explaining the important factors of tourism development, tries to consider the welfare of present and future generations, improvement in the quality of life and finally improvement of economic and social welfare level and creating a healthy rural environment in the study area. According to the mentioned issues, the fundamental questions of the research are as follows:
The tourism industry can provide a good platform for investment, and because of its less reliance on resources, provides an opportunity for less developed countries to stimulate their economic growth to increase production and create job opportunities. Meanwhile, the villages have very favorable and special conditions in accordance with their cultural, social, economic, geographical and natural structure. Today, tourists are interested in visiting farms, orchards, groves, springs, cultural and tourist landscapes in rural settlements. Therefore, planning to use them to develop rural tourism is inevitable. Undoubtedly, rural tourism is a reliable source in many developed and developing countries, which can have a significant impact on increasing the income of villagers. One of the biggest benefits of the rural tourism sector is to create income and increase wages, and consequently to improve the economic situation for the people who work there. Accordingly, the overall purpose of this study is to investigate the capacity of tourism development and provide solutions to develop tourism in mountainous villages near the metropolis of Tehran.
Damavand County is in Tehran Province, which has been selected as a typical tourism region of Iran. According to the 2016 census, its population is 125480 people. This county with an area of 1932 square kilometers, includes five districts named Damavand, Absard, Kilan, Rudehen and Abali, two districts including central and Rudehen and 111 villages. Its average height above sea level is 2300 meters.
The center of this county (Damavand city) is located 75 km away from Tehran and has an average height of 2051 meters and its population is 48380 people.
The central district of the county consists of three rural districts, Jam Abroud, (Absard city as capital), Abarshiveh Rural District, (Sarbandan village as the capital), and Tarrud Rural District, (Mara village as the capital), which overall have 87 villages.
Damavand mountainous and countryside county, with its many capabilities and diverse geographical landscapes, has potential and actual capabilities to attract tourists. Abali track, lakes such as Tar and Havir lakes, several waterfalls such as Tizab, Ayeneh Rud. Cheshmeh A'la and Roodafshan Cave and its numerous springs, beautiful gardens and farms, and a very pleasant climate are among its tourist attractions.
The most important attractions of this area attract many nature enthusiasts. For many years, it has been used by the public, especially the residents of the metropolis of Tehran, and many travelers travel from other areas, so comprehensive understanding, design, and proper management to develop tourism in this area is essential and inevitable. Accordingly, the present study, by examining and explaining the important factors of tourism development, tries to consider the welfare of present and future generations, improvement in the quality of life and finally improvement of economic and social welfare level and creating a healthy rural environment in the study area. According to the mentioned issues, the fundamental questions of the research are as follows:
- What is the capacity of rural tourism in the studied villages?
- What are the key strategies to solve tourism issues in rural areas?
Research Methodology
Research type is applied research and the research method is descriptive-analytical and field study. The statistical population of the present study is rural households living in the twelve studied villages that according to the 2016 census the population is equal to 14024 people and 3600 households, 15 questions in this research as tourism development capacity and 18 questions as possible challenges for tourism development. It was set in a five-level Likert item (very low, low, medium, high and very high). Tables 1 and 2 demonstrate the reliability of the research instrument using Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the studied components which were 79%, the sample size was 260 by using Cochran's formula and the number of samples was randomly simple/systematic after measuring, the generators were analyzed by using SPSS software and using a hierarchical cluster analysis method.
Discussion and Conclusions
The results of studies in the field of rural tourism show that tourism is an important factor in the occurrence of positive and negative changes in the economic, social and environmental fields at the local and regional levels. Although this activity can lead to the development of rural areas, it can have both adverse consequences. The results of the Friedman Test for measuring the tourism development capacity explain a significant difference at the 99% level with each other. Also, for the challenges of tourism development a significant and 95% difference between the investigated indices is observed. The results of the hierarchical cluster analysis test (neighborhood matrix calculations) Euclidean distance of each village is compared to the next village and based on this, the similarities and differences of the villages have been explained. Then, the clustering process is done in eleven stages, and the studied villages are classified into four categories in terms of tourism capacity. The first cluster villages (Moomej, Jaban Ayneh Varzan) and the second cluster villages (Sarbandan, Zan, Seyyedabad, Havir, Dehnar and Shalambeh) have the most tourism development capacity respectively. Although the third cluster village (Vadan) and the fourth cluster villages (Sorkh Deh and Hashemak) have many tourist attractions compared to the first and second cluster villages, they have lower tourism development capacity. The studied villages are also divided into four categories in terms of the challenges of tourism development. The first cluster village (Moomej village) and the second cluster villages (Jaban, Sarbandan, Vadan, Zan, Ayneh Varzan, Seyyedabad, and Dehnar) have the most challenges in tourism development, respectively. However, the villages of the third cluster (Havir and Shalambeh) and the villages of the fourth cluster (Sorkh Deh and Hashemak) have the least challenges respectively. It can be concluded that while some villages have a high tourism potential based on studied indicators, some of them are also more vulnerable. Therefore, the endeavor of all local managers and officials towards the comprehensive management of rural tourism development is essential and inevitable.
Research type is applied research and the research method is descriptive-analytical and field study. The statistical population of the present study is rural households living in the twelve studied villages that according to the 2016 census the population is equal to 14024 people and 3600 households, 15 questions in this research as tourism development capacity and 18 questions as possible challenges for tourism development. It was set in a five-level Likert item (very low, low, medium, high and very high). Tables 1 and 2 demonstrate the reliability of the research instrument using Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the studied components which were 79%, the sample size was 260 by using Cochran's formula and the number of samples was randomly simple/systematic after measuring, the generators were analyzed by using SPSS software and using a hierarchical cluster analysis method.
Discussion and Conclusions
The results of studies in the field of rural tourism show that tourism is an important factor in the occurrence of positive and negative changes in the economic, social and environmental fields at the local and regional levels. Although this activity can lead to the development of rural areas, it can have both adverse consequences. The results of the Friedman Test for measuring the tourism development capacity explain a significant difference at the 99% level with each other. Also, for the challenges of tourism development a significant and 95% difference between the investigated indices is observed. The results of the hierarchical cluster analysis test (neighborhood matrix calculations) Euclidean distance of each village is compared to the next village and based on this, the similarities and differences of the villages have been explained. Then, the clustering process is done in eleven stages, and the studied villages are classified into four categories in terms of tourism capacity. The first cluster villages (Moomej, Jaban Ayneh Varzan) and the second cluster villages (Sarbandan, Zan, Seyyedabad, Havir, Dehnar and Shalambeh) have the most tourism development capacity respectively. Although the third cluster village (Vadan) and the fourth cluster villages (Sorkh Deh and Hashemak) have many tourist attractions compared to the first and second cluster villages, they have lower tourism development capacity. The studied villages are also divided into four categories in terms of the challenges of tourism development. The first cluster village (Moomej village) and the second cluster villages (Jaban, Sarbandan, Vadan, Zan, Ayneh Varzan, Seyyedabad, and Dehnar) have the most challenges in tourism development, respectively. However, the villages of the third cluster (Havir and Shalambeh) and the villages of the fourth cluster (Sorkh Deh and Hashemak) have the least challenges respectively. It can be concluded that while some villages have a high tourism potential based on studied indicators, some of them are also more vulnerable. Therefore, the endeavor of all local managers and officials towards the comprehensive management of rural tourism development is essential and inevitable.
Mohammad Ghasemi Siani, Iraj Ghasemi,
Volume 10, Issue 35 (4-2021)
Volume 10, Issue 35 (4-2021)
Abstract
Introduction
The government is the first and most powerful decision-maker and actor in the field of spatial structure. Spatial structure is an essential part of the battle for control and protection of individuals and society. In fact, spatial planning and land use management is the manifestation of the government authority in the form of setting rules and allocating resources and decision-making. Border areas are one of the most strategic areas for government intervention. These areas have special characteristics due to contact with the internal and external environment regarding the effect of diplomacy. Therefore, planning with the aim of sustainable development of settlements, especially border areas, creates the requirement for spatial organization of rural areas so that macro and national issues, such as security issues can be organized more accurately and efficiently.
Zahak County is one of the special border areas in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, which is of special importance due to trade, the existence of a border market, Helmand river entrence and water diplomacy. The article aims to investigate the role of macro-management and diplomacy and its economic consequences on the structure and organization of space in Zahak County. The present study explore political developments and decisions affect the economy and spatial structure (activity, communication and housing) of Zahak County, and also the spatial changes have occurred. For a deeper understanding of the developments in the study area, this article shows the political decisions taken at the national, regional and local levels, and seeks that what changes have made in the economic structures and functions of settlements? Furthermore, what the consequences of these changes for the space organization of the residential system are?
Methodology
The general approach to the study is an integrated approach, both quantitative and qualitative, and an emphasis on integration to overcome the shortcomings of each approach. Therefore, the research method is descriptive-analytical. In the theoretical part of the research, using a qualitative approach and a library method. The theories and principles governing the study were explained, and then the position of power and policy in regional planning was examined.
In the quantitative and field studies section, 184 special questionnaires for village managers were distributed in all villages with more than 20 households in the county and 10 interviews were conducted with managers of government offices and organizations in Zahak County.
Discussion and conclusion
The results show that under the influence of diplomacy between the two border countries, with the closure of the border market and the creation of a border wall, the economy of rural areas and activity in the east of the county, which is based on trade and agriculture, has declined. In addition, due to unemployment and lack of economic activity in many villages, they were evacuated and disserted. Moreover, ethnic and cultural diversity has paved the way for the instability of newly established settlements by pursuing a policy of rural relocation. With centralization and support for population centers, the pattern of communication flows in the city is a polarized pattern emphasizing Zahak and Zabol cities, which does not follow the pattern of networks and has provided the ground for instability and decline for villages outside the network.
This study showed that the spatial pattern of rural activity and economy is influenced by water and soil resources, which corresponds to national, regional and local diplomacy. In other words, the political and power relations between the governments of Iran and Afghanistan have affected agricultural activity and even industry and population dispersion.
The economic structure of the villages, which was based on agriculture, animal husbandry and horticulture, has currently changed into informal, illegal and smuggling jobs due to the developments and major national decisions at the county level. Also, cross-border trade and commercial activities in the villages have been converted. On the other hand, based on the mentioned developments, the county space organization has a polar nature in the center of the city towards Zabol City, hence incompatible with the network pattern. This structure has somehow caused instability, especially in small villages, and due to regional conditions in the future, these villages are subject to be evacuated.
The government is the first and most powerful decision-maker and actor in the field of spatial structure. Spatial structure is an essential part of the battle for control and protection of individuals and society. In fact, spatial planning and land use management is the manifestation of the government authority in the form of setting rules and allocating resources and decision-making. Border areas are one of the most strategic areas for government intervention. These areas have special characteristics due to contact with the internal and external environment regarding the effect of diplomacy. Therefore, planning with the aim of sustainable development of settlements, especially border areas, creates the requirement for spatial organization of rural areas so that macro and national issues, such as security issues can be organized more accurately and efficiently.
Zahak County is one of the special border areas in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, which is of special importance due to trade, the existence of a border market, Helmand river entrence and water diplomacy. The article aims to investigate the role of macro-management and diplomacy and its economic consequences on the structure and organization of space in Zahak County. The present study explore political developments and decisions affect the economy and spatial structure (activity, communication and housing) of Zahak County, and also the spatial changes have occurred. For a deeper understanding of the developments in the study area, this article shows the political decisions taken at the national, regional and local levels, and seeks that what changes have made in the economic structures and functions of settlements? Furthermore, what the consequences of these changes for the space organization of the residential system are?
Methodology
The general approach to the study is an integrated approach, both quantitative and qualitative, and an emphasis on integration to overcome the shortcomings of each approach. Therefore, the research method is descriptive-analytical. In the theoretical part of the research, using a qualitative approach and a library method. The theories and principles governing the study were explained, and then the position of power and policy in regional planning was examined.
In the quantitative and field studies section, 184 special questionnaires for village managers were distributed in all villages with more than 20 households in the county and 10 interviews were conducted with managers of government offices and organizations in Zahak County.
Discussion and conclusion
The results show that under the influence of diplomacy between the two border countries, with the closure of the border market and the creation of a border wall, the economy of rural areas and activity in the east of the county, which is based on trade and agriculture, has declined. In addition, due to unemployment and lack of economic activity in many villages, they were evacuated and disserted. Moreover, ethnic and cultural diversity has paved the way for the instability of newly established settlements by pursuing a policy of rural relocation. With centralization and support for population centers, the pattern of communication flows in the city is a polarized pattern emphasizing Zahak and Zabol cities, which does not follow the pattern of networks and has provided the ground for instability and decline for villages outside the network.
This study showed that the spatial pattern of rural activity and economy is influenced by water and soil resources, which corresponds to national, regional and local diplomacy. In other words, the political and power relations between the governments of Iran and Afghanistan have affected agricultural activity and even industry and population dispersion.
The economic structure of the villages, which was based on agriculture, animal husbandry and horticulture, has currently changed into informal, illegal and smuggling jobs due to the developments and major national decisions at the county level. Also, cross-border trade and commercial activities in the villages have been converted. On the other hand, based on the mentioned developments, the county space organization has a polar nature in the center of the city towards Zabol City, hence incompatible with the network pattern. This structure has somehow caused instability, especially in small villages, and due to regional conditions in the future, these villages are subject to be evacuated.
Raei Seyedeh Samaneh , Ebrahim Moradi, Ahmad Akbari,
Volume 10, Issue 35 (4-2021)
Volume 10, Issue 35 (4-2021)
Abstract
Introduction
The increasing population growth and the need for more agricultural products on the one hand, and on the other hand, the limitations of agricultural development are problems that human beings have always tried to solve. Due to the limited resources and inputs of production, it seems that further production growth is possible through advanced technologies. In fact, technology is something beyond the method of production and its processes; Technology is a mixture of knowledge, skill and technical ability. In fact, technology is something beyond the method of production and its processes; Technology is a mixture of knowledge, skill and technical ability. The use of technology can increase productivity, increase labor productivity, reduce production costs and reduce hassle of labor, hence encouraging villagers to continue agricultural activities. Therefore, the development of technology will play an important role in development strategies and rural economy. Based on the translog cost function, technological changes can be divided into three components: pure technical change, non-neutral, and scale expansion. Recognizing the changes in technology governing wheat farmers for this matter, and its growth rate to help improve and strengthen their status and provide analyzes based on economic principles should be considered.
Among agricultural products, wheat is considered a strategic product and has more than 50% of the total cultivation area of Iranian grain crops. Fars Province is the second province in terms of wheat production in Iran. Despite the high capability of wheat production in Iran, this province has changed its position in production due to instable production. Thus, addressing the issue of technological changes that can affect wheat production is of particular importance.
Also, in Fars Province, zoning plan of production areas was carried out in 2013 with the aim of transferring new knowledge to producers in the agricultural sector in small managerial areas called zones. In addition to the zoning plan in Fars Province (cities), in this research, an attempt has been made to address the changes in wheat farmers' technology and its impact on the rural economy using the geographical weight regression method.
Methodology
The current study is descriptive-analytical and applied in terms of aim. The data collection tool is in the form of documents which according to the information obtained from the experts of Fars Agricultural-Jahad organization during the period 2013-2018. First, the distance between cities was created using a Google Earth software to form a weight matrix; Then, the model was estimated with the translog cost function and by considering the weight matrix and the geographical weight regression method in Stata16 software. The statistical population of the study is wheat farmers in the cities of Fars Province, which is divided into 612 parcels. Now, after several years of implementation of this plan (zoning of Fars province), technology changes by its components (pure technical change, non-neutral change and scale expansion) to produce wheat in Fars Province was examined using weight regression approach Geographical (GWR). Because each implementation of technology change requires special policies, calculating technology changes by its components is vital and necessary.
Discussion and conclusion
The results of estimating the translog cost function by geographical regression model showed that seed, soil and water elasticity at the level of one percent and toxin elasticity at the level of five percent are significant. High coefficient of determination is also a good sign of fitness. Evaluation of the results of calculating technology changes shows that in the study period and with a geographical regression approach, the average progress of wheat technology in the rural economy of the province sums to 0.001. In addition, the average growth rates of pure technical change, non-neutral scale expansion are -0.005, 0.021 and -0.15, respectively. The share of the effect of non-neutral technical change rate in technology changes is greater than the share of pure technical change and scale expansion.
As the results show, the average growth of technology is not significant, which can be attributed to the lack of convergence of the average growth rate of non-neutral technical change and pure technical change and scale expansion. In fact, this level of technological advancement has not been able to have much positive effect on the rural economy in Fars Province. According to the results, it is suggested that for the growth of new technology, investment in mechanization infrastructure such as leveling, drainage, land consolidation and lending to be used to better use equipment and production facilities and benefit from the optimal scale of production because in practice, the performance of new technologies will be negligible if these issues won’t be considered.
In addition, the results show that cities; Marvdasht, Arsanjan, Kazerun, Sarvestan and Kharameh, which are located near the center of the province (Shiraz), have had the greatest impact due to technological changes in the rural economy, because they have more facilities. Abadeh, Neyriz, Mehr, Farashband and Rostam, which are located in the marginal areas of Fars Province, had the lowest average of technological changes in the region's economy, because they had less access to the use of new technologies.
In addition, the results of neutral change lead to cost savings on the production factors. In other words, technological changes have been able to manage the use of inputs to reduce production costs.
The increasing population growth and the need for more agricultural products on the one hand, and on the other hand, the limitations of agricultural development are problems that human beings have always tried to solve. Due to the limited resources and inputs of production, it seems that further production growth is possible through advanced technologies. In fact, technology is something beyond the method of production and its processes; Technology is a mixture of knowledge, skill and technical ability. In fact, technology is something beyond the method of production and its processes; Technology is a mixture of knowledge, skill and technical ability. The use of technology can increase productivity, increase labor productivity, reduce production costs and reduce hassle of labor, hence encouraging villagers to continue agricultural activities. Therefore, the development of technology will play an important role in development strategies and rural economy. Based on the translog cost function, technological changes can be divided into three components: pure technical change, non-neutral, and scale expansion. Recognizing the changes in technology governing wheat farmers for this matter, and its growth rate to help improve and strengthen their status and provide analyzes based on economic principles should be considered.
Among agricultural products, wheat is considered a strategic product and has more than 50% of the total cultivation area of Iranian grain crops. Fars Province is the second province in terms of wheat production in Iran. Despite the high capability of wheat production in Iran, this province has changed its position in production due to instable production. Thus, addressing the issue of technological changes that can affect wheat production is of particular importance.
Also, in Fars Province, zoning plan of production areas was carried out in 2013 with the aim of transferring new knowledge to producers in the agricultural sector in small managerial areas called zones. In addition to the zoning plan in Fars Province (cities), in this research, an attempt has been made to address the changes in wheat farmers' technology and its impact on the rural economy using the geographical weight regression method.
Methodology
The current study is descriptive-analytical and applied in terms of aim. The data collection tool is in the form of documents which according to the information obtained from the experts of Fars Agricultural-Jahad organization during the period 2013-2018. First, the distance between cities was created using a Google Earth software to form a weight matrix; Then, the model was estimated with the translog cost function and by considering the weight matrix and the geographical weight regression method in Stata16 software. The statistical population of the study is wheat farmers in the cities of Fars Province, which is divided into 612 parcels. Now, after several years of implementation of this plan (zoning of Fars province), technology changes by its components (pure technical change, non-neutral change and scale expansion) to produce wheat in Fars Province was examined using weight regression approach Geographical (GWR). Because each implementation of technology change requires special policies, calculating technology changes by its components is vital and necessary.
Discussion and conclusion
The results of estimating the translog cost function by geographical regression model showed that seed, soil and water elasticity at the level of one percent and toxin elasticity at the level of five percent are significant. High coefficient of determination is also a good sign of fitness. Evaluation of the results of calculating technology changes shows that in the study period and with a geographical regression approach, the average progress of wheat technology in the rural economy of the province sums to 0.001. In addition, the average growth rates of pure technical change, non-neutral scale expansion are -0.005, 0.021 and -0.15, respectively. The share of the effect of non-neutral technical change rate in technology changes is greater than the share of pure technical change and scale expansion.
As the results show, the average growth of technology is not significant, which can be attributed to the lack of convergence of the average growth rate of non-neutral technical change and pure technical change and scale expansion. In fact, this level of technological advancement has not been able to have much positive effect on the rural economy in Fars Province. According to the results, it is suggested that for the growth of new technology, investment in mechanization infrastructure such as leveling, drainage, land consolidation and lending to be used to better use equipment and production facilities and benefit from the optimal scale of production because in practice, the performance of new technologies will be negligible if these issues won’t be considered.
In addition, the results show that cities; Marvdasht, Arsanjan, Kazerun, Sarvestan and Kharameh, which are located near the center of the province (Shiraz), have had the greatest impact due to technological changes in the rural economy, because they have more facilities. Abadeh, Neyriz, Mehr, Farashband and Rostam, which are located in the marginal areas of Fars Province, had the lowest average of technological changes in the region's economy, because they had less access to the use of new technologies.
In addition, the results of neutral change lead to cost savings on the production factors. In other words, technological changes have been able to manage the use of inputs to reduce production costs.
Farhad Azizpour, Fatemeh Razaghi Borkhani, Maryam Mokhtari,
Volume 10, Issue 35 (4-2021)
Volume 10, Issue 35 (4-2021)
Abstract
Introduction
By expanding markets and diversifying products from the desired local product, "One Village, One Product" strategy, taking advantage of the region's potential in the competitive market. Utilizing the "One Village, One Product" brand, as a global product, demonstrates pride in local culture as well as an effective economic strategy, which is intended for the development of rural areas. The present study aims to investigate the strategy of "One Village, One Product” in the development of local economy seeks to answer the question that what are the characteristics of the initial level of the strategy in Nahrmian Shazand village? What is the status of the factors affecting the strategy of"One Village, One Product” in the studied rural area?
Methodology
The statistical population of the study includes 5550 villagers and local officials of Nahrmian Rural District in the Zalian District of Shazand County. By multi-stage random sampling with proportional assignment of 160 people as the sample size were examined. 23 experts and officials of Omid Entrepreneurship Fund Organization in the study area were selected by purposeful and available sampling method to assess the importance of each feature of the study strategy. The research tool was a questionnaire whose validity (face and content) was confirmed by Omid Organization experts, rural development experts and faculty members in the field of geography and rural planning Kharazmi University its reliability was based on Cronbach's alpha statistics. Findings were reviewed at two levels of villagers and experts.
Discussion and conclusion
According to the results, the successful implementation of the initial level of "One Village, One Product” community participation, creativity, competitiveness, poverty reduction, reducing the economic gap and selling goods are effective. According to the villagers, the components of creativity, competitiveness and reducing the economic gap are in a better situation. Furthermore, the existence of small industries and workshops with an average of 23%, the use of new methods in production with 22.95%, investment in agriculture and rural industries with 22%, variety of jobs In the village with 21.6% and individual and group business with 20.95% are among the drivers of strategy in the village. Also, the components of selling goods, reducing poverty and community participation are inadequate conditions and processing and packaging of products with an average of 13.53%, cooperation with the government with 14.33%, self-confidence with 15.47%, people's efforts to reduce poverty with 15.71%, product brand with 15.91 %, Integration of land and support funds with 16.14% and rural markets and bazaars with 16.96%, according to the villagers in the implementation of the strategy of a village, a product and economic development of the studied rural area has the lowest importance and priority. Also, using the Mann-Whitney U test and experts' opinion, the study village is only in terms of women's participation, use of new methods in product production, income status of villagers, support funds, government purchases, product sales to nearby markets. The existence of diverse occupations and reverse migration is a relatively favorable situation. According to experts and executive officials of the strategy in the study area, the components of product creativity, product impact in reducing economic gap and competitiveness of the product are more important. Moreover, small rural workshops with an average of 26.65%, creativity with 24%, product quality with 23.8% Income of 23.78%, self-confidence with 22.66%, individual and group business with 22%, small industries and workshops with 21.73% and collective participation of villagers with 21.09% are necessary and important factors to advance the strategy.
Therefore, along with research in the initial stage of the strategy, it is important to pay attention to nurturing people with a creativity. In terms of rural participation, there is a need for change in order to provide a basis for local participation, especially of educated, creative and entrepreneurial youth in order to implement "One Village, One Product”. It is the locals who decide what to choose as their specialty and enhance it with original ideas and creativity. In terms of competitiveness structure, according to quality indicators, investment in rural and agricultural industries, the competitive advantage of the desired product brand should be developed locally and globally. It is suggested that in the strategy of "One Village, One Product” along with the support of regional development and the establishment of local entrepreneurship need to pay attention to economic development and economic justification of the product combined with social participation and local risk-taking, responsibility and accountability of the local people. In this regard, noticing micro-credit funds to facilitate access to rural resources has an important role in empowering villagers.
By expanding markets and diversifying products from the desired local product, "One Village, One Product" strategy, taking advantage of the region's potential in the competitive market. Utilizing the "One Village, One Product" brand, as a global product, demonstrates pride in local culture as well as an effective economic strategy, which is intended for the development of rural areas. The present study aims to investigate the strategy of "One Village, One Product” in the development of local economy seeks to answer the question that what are the characteristics of the initial level of the strategy in Nahrmian Shazand village? What is the status of the factors affecting the strategy of"One Village, One Product” in the studied rural area?
Methodology
The statistical population of the study includes 5550 villagers and local officials of Nahrmian Rural District in the Zalian District of Shazand County. By multi-stage random sampling with proportional assignment of 160 people as the sample size were examined. 23 experts and officials of Omid Entrepreneurship Fund Organization in the study area were selected by purposeful and available sampling method to assess the importance of each feature of the study strategy. The research tool was a questionnaire whose validity (face and content) was confirmed by Omid Organization experts, rural development experts and faculty members in the field of geography and rural planning Kharazmi University its reliability was based on Cronbach's alpha statistics. Findings were reviewed at two levels of villagers and experts.
Discussion and conclusion
According to the results, the successful implementation of the initial level of "One Village, One Product” community participation, creativity, competitiveness, poverty reduction, reducing the economic gap and selling goods are effective. According to the villagers, the components of creativity, competitiveness and reducing the economic gap are in a better situation. Furthermore, the existence of small industries and workshops with an average of 23%, the use of new methods in production with 22.95%, investment in agriculture and rural industries with 22%, variety of jobs In the village with 21.6% and individual and group business with 20.95% are among the drivers of strategy in the village. Also, the components of selling goods, reducing poverty and community participation are inadequate conditions and processing and packaging of products with an average of 13.53%, cooperation with the government with 14.33%, self-confidence with 15.47%, people's efforts to reduce poverty with 15.71%, product brand with 15.91 %, Integration of land and support funds with 16.14% and rural markets and bazaars with 16.96%, according to the villagers in the implementation of the strategy of a village, a product and economic development of the studied rural area has the lowest importance and priority. Also, using the Mann-Whitney U test and experts' opinion, the study village is only in terms of women's participation, use of new methods in product production, income status of villagers, support funds, government purchases, product sales to nearby markets. The existence of diverse occupations and reverse migration is a relatively favorable situation. According to experts and executive officials of the strategy in the study area, the components of product creativity, product impact in reducing economic gap and competitiveness of the product are more important. Moreover, small rural workshops with an average of 26.65%, creativity with 24%, product quality with 23.8% Income of 23.78%, self-confidence with 22.66%, individual and group business with 22%, small industries and workshops with 21.73% and collective participation of villagers with 21.09% are necessary and important factors to advance the strategy.
Therefore, along with research in the initial stage of the strategy, it is important to pay attention to nurturing people with a creativity. In terms of rural participation, there is a need for change in order to provide a basis for local participation, especially of educated, creative and entrepreneurial youth in order to implement "One Village, One Product”. It is the locals who decide what to choose as their specialty and enhance it with original ideas and creativity. In terms of competitiveness structure, according to quality indicators, investment in rural and agricultural industries, the competitive advantage of the desired product brand should be developed locally and globally. It is suggested that in the strategy of "One Village, One Product” along with the support of regional development and the establishment of local entrepreneurship need to pay attention to economic development and economic justification of the product combined with social participation and local risk-taking, responsibility and accountability of the local people. In this regard, noticing micro-credit funds to facilitate access to rural resources has an important role in empowering villagers.
Ayatollah Karami, Neda Aliyari,
Volume 10, Issue 35 (4-2021)
Volume 10, Issue 35 (4-2021)
Abstract
Introduction
Nowadays, the unemployment crisis has had irreparable effects as a fundamental problem on all the economic, social and cultural aspects of the community. So that the stability and destruction of some governments depends on solving the unemployment crisis. The issue of economic development has always been one of the main concerns of countries. There are two factors that affect development, productivity and entrepreneurship. Today, many social science researchers consider entrepreneurship as an effective strategy to fight poverty and save wealth in low-income societies. Comprehensive development can never be achieved without rural development. Therefore, rural policymakers have focused on developing small businesses, local entrepreneurs and regional business associations. Rural entrepreneurship is one of the most important issues discussed in the field of entrepreneurship in recent years and the most effective solutions for unemployment reduction, poverty reduction, immigration prevention, income diversification, agricultural and non-agricultural production increment, livelihood risk reduction, sustainable food security increment and is the most important source of innovation and job creation. It is also one of the main pillars of growth and development in developing countries, which is as an engine for economic development. Recently, there has been a lot of interest in promoting entrepreneurship as a means of stimulating local economic growth and development y. It is essential to know what makes people successful in becoming entrepreneurs. Policies are also needed in order to increase the entrepreneurial capacity of a community which has the greatest effect on the level of entrepreneurial activity.
Methodology
The purpose of this study was to identification of factors affecting entrepreneurship in rural areas of Shiraz County. The present research is applied in terms of purpose and analytical descriptive in terms of data analysis conducted as a survey in this research. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaire was evaluated and confirmed through interviews with experts and its reliability through a pre-test (Cronbach's Alpha ranged from 0.688 to 0.959). Data were collected randomly from 177 rural households living in Dasht-e-Arjan District of Shiraz County. Collected data was analyzed by different statistical methods such as Factor Analysis, k-means cluster analysis, diagnostic analysis and stepwise regression analysis.
Discussion and conclusion
The results showed that based on the entrepreneurial situation, entrepreneurs could be divided into three clusters, called cluster 1 "non-entrepreneurs", cluster 2, "medium entrepreneurs" and cluster 3, "high level entrepreneurs". Also, the level of rural entrepreneurship in the study area is high (mean score= 3.42). According to the results, the determinants of the level of entrepreneurship in the study area includes: Responsive age, level of literacy, economic status, knowledge level, social status, environmental status, sense of place, innovation and pragmatism. Based on the results, the level of entrepreneurship in the studied region is high. This result shows the villagers' highly capability of entrepreneurship which itself confirms the need for research on its affecting factor. Therefore, according to the high level of rural entrepreneurship in the region, the need to create a suitable platform for entrepreneurial activities is tangible. Based on the results, the economic factor is the most important factor that determines the level of entrepreneurship in the studied region, which other researchers also emphasize on its importance. Entrepreneurs in the studied region, in particular, residents of the village of Chehel Cheshmeh, have provided their own funds with the use of their own capital and their relatives, as well as the accumulation of rural residents' micro capital and investors in creating employment, and are occupied to such jobs as, raising native chickens, beekeeping, fish breeding, cultivating medicinal plants, processing agricultural products and packaging. The importance of this factor confirms that by creating more favorable economic conditions, it is possible to provide a suitable platform for the development of entrepreneurship in the region. Therefore, it is suggested creating favorable conditions in this field by offering favorable banking facilities in the region, the provision of raw materials and equipment at reasonable prices, lowering input prices, using sufficient machinery and equipment, and choosing brand for the production unit or the product. Another important factor is the level of knowledge. Therefore, the level of knowledge plays an important role in transforming villagers into potential entrepreneurs. By improving knowledge in the region, the background to increase the villagers' level of entrepreneurship is provided and the status of entrepreneurship will be promoted to a higher level. Therefore, increasing the level of knowledge through the provision of information by media such as radio and television, training workshops in order to get familiar with absorbing customers, advertising and marketing techniques, get familiar with efficient banking networks and supportive plans, get familiar with tax laws, imports and exports, pricing and profitability, get familiar with the principles of innovation, technologies and new methods, and introduce the potential and actual opportunities of the environment are essential. Also, based on the results, variables including age and level of literacy have a negative effect on the level of entrepreneurship. In particular, in the village of Chehel Cheshmeh, this effect is obvious and all the inhabitants of the village except old people and educated people are employed and occupied with the entrepreneurial business using the potential of the village. Hence, it seems essential to create the appropriate conditions in order to attract and act of these people in the field of entrepreneurship. In this regard, it is recommended that the planners set applied content of the courses and academic activities, as well as in line with the development of entrepreneurship and acquisition of skills in this field.
Nowadays, the unemployment crisis has had irreparable effects as a fundamental problem on all the economic, social and cultural aspects of the community. So that the stability and destruction of some governments depends on solving the unemployment crisis. The issue of economic development has always been one of the main concerns of countries. There are two factors that affect development, productivity and entrepreneurship. Today, many social science researchers consider entrepreneurship as an effective strategy to fight poverty and save wealth in low-income societies. Comprehensive development can never be achieved without rural development. Therefore, rural policymakers have focused on developing small businesses, local entrepreneurs and regional business associations. Rural entrepreneurship is one of the most important issues discussed in the field of entrepreneurship in recent years and the most effective solutions for unemployment reduction, poverty reduction, immigration prevention, income diversification, agricultural and non-agricultural production increment, livelihood risk reduction, sustainable food security increment and is the most important source of innovation and job creation. It is also one of the main pillars of growth and development in developing countries, which is as an engine for economic development. Recently, there has been a lot of interest in promoting entrepreneurship as a means of stimulating local economic growth and development y. It is essential to know what makes people successful in becoming entrepreneurs. Policies are also needed in order to increase the entrepreneurial capacity of a community which has the greatest effect on the level of entrepreneurial activity.
Methodology
The purpose of this study was to identification of factors affecting entrepreneurship in rural areas of Shiraz County. The present research is applied in terms of purpose and analytical descriptive in terms of data analysis conducted as a survey in this research. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaire was evaluated and confirmed through interviews with experts and its reliability through a pre-test (Cronbach's Alpha ranged from 0.688 to 0.959). Data were collected randomly from 177 rural households living in Dasht-e-Arjan District of Shiraz County. Collected data was analyzed by different statistical methods such as Factor Analysis, k-means cluster analysis, diagnostic analysis and stepwise regression analysis.
Discussion and conclusion
The results showed that based on the entrepreneurial situation, entrepreneurs could be divided into three clusters, called cluster 1 "non-entrepreneurs", cluster 2, "medium entrepreneurs" and cluster 3, "high level entrepreneurs". Also, the level of rural entrepreneurship in the study area is high (mean score= 3.42). According to the results, the determinants of the level of entrepreneurship in the study area includes: Responsive age, level of literacy, economic status, knowledge level, social status, environmental status, sense of place, innovation and pragmatism. Based on the results, the level of entrepreneurship in the studied region is high. This result shows the villagers' highly capability of entrepreneurship which itself confirms the need for research on its affecting factor. Therefore, according to the high level of rural entrepreneurship in the region, the need to create a suitable platform for entrepreneurial activities is tangible. Based on the results, the economic factor is the most important factor that determines the level of entrepreneurship in the studied region, which other researchers also emphasize on its importance. Entrepreneurs in the studied region, in particular, residents of the village of Chehel Cheshmeh, have provided their own funds with the use of their own capital and their relatives, as well as the accumulation of rural residents' micro capital and investors in creating employment, and are occupied to such jobs as, raising native chickens, beekeeping, fish breeding, cultivating medicinal plants, processing agricultural products and packaging. The importance of this factor confirms that by creating more favorable economic conditions, it is possible to provide a suitable platform for the development of entrepreneurship in the region. Therefore, it is suggested creating favorable conditions in this field by offering favorable banking facilities in the region, the provision of raw materials and equipment at reasonable prices, lowering input prices, using sufficient machinery and equipment, and choosing brand for the production unit or the product. Another important factor is the level of knowledge. Therefore, the level of knowledge plays an important role in transforming villagers into potential entrepreneurs. By improving knowledge in the region, the background to increase the villagers' level of entrepreneurship is provided and the status of entrepreneurship will be promoted to a higher level. Therefore, increasing the level of knowledge through the provision of information by media such as radio and television, training workshops in order to get familiar with absorbing customers, advertising and marketing techniques, get familiar with efficient banking networks and supportive plans, get familiar with tax laws, imports and exports, pricing and profitability, get familiar with the principles of innovation, technologies and new methods, and introduce the potential and actual opportunities of the environment are essential. Also, based on the results, variables including age and level of literacy have a negative effect on the level of entrepreneurship. In particular, in the village of Chehel Cheshmeh, this effect is obvious and all the inhabitants of the village except old people and educated people are employed and occupied with the entrepreneurial business using the potential of the village. Hence, it seems essential to create the appropriate conditions in order to attract and act of these people in the field of entrepreneurship. In this regard, it is recommended that the planners set applied content of the courses and academic activities, as well as in line with the development of entrepreneurship and acquisition of skills in this field.
Zahra Sharifinia,
Volume 10, Issue 35 (4-2021)
Volume 10, Issue 35 (4-2021)
Abstract
Introduction
A review of studies in developing countries shows that economic programs in developing countries to achieve sustainable livelihoods and economic issues have failed to reduce poverty and a sustainable economy in rural areas. Therefore, today, one of the biggest challenges of planning rural communities and undermining the poverty in developing countries is providing livelihood. A approach that has emerged in the last decade is the sustainable livelihood approach, first proposed by Chambers in the 1980s; and recognized by the World Development and Environment Commission. Among development theories, thus, attention to sustainable livelihood approach, for empowerment and capacity building in rural areas in order to change the pattern of life has become a desirable method, and it is one of the important tools to achieve sustainable development. Therefore, this approach emphasizes comprehensive and integrated framework about poverty reduction and rural development. Therefore, the present study seeks to answer this fundamental question; What are the most important factors affecting the livelihood sustainability of villagers in the study area?
Methodology
This research is descriptive-analytical according to the purpose. In the descriptive part, to analyze the factors affecting the sustainability of villagers' livelihoods, documents and statistical methods have been used. The statistical population of the study is more than 20 household villages in the mentioned rural area of Sari County, which includes 30 villages. The sample size was calculated according to Cochran's formula about 377 and was randomly distributed among the villagers.
The validity of the questionnaire was obtained from face validity method (opinion of professors and experts after several stages of correction and revision). To determine the reliability of the questionnaire, a pre-test (with 30 questionnaires) was performed and Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.698, which indicates the validity of the questionnaire. To analyze the data, descriptive statistical methods such as central tendency indexes (frequency and percentage), and inferential (factor analytical) indicators have been used.
Discussion and conclusion
Poverty is one of the most important challenges for all society, especially rural communities. Thus, various approaches have been proposed to reduce and eradicate poverty. One of these popular ones is the sustainable livelihood approach, which was introduced in the 1980s. Since this is based on the theoretical approach of development and consists of various indicators, achieving sustainable livelihood is not possible without considering all the influential aspects of livelihood. Therefore, in order to recognize the effective indicators in sustainable rural livelihood, the process of policy-making, planning and rural management should consider all indicators holistically and interconnected. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the factors affecting the sustainable livelihoods of villagers in the mentioned rural area of Sari County. The attitudes of local people were surveyed in 30 villages of this district, and factor analysis was used to answer the questions raised in the research. Therefore, KMO value for factors affecting livelihood stability was 0.924 and Bartlett value was 9764.279, which was significant at 99% confidence level. Findings showed that 15 factors were identified and a total of 53.908% of the total variance explained the variables. So that the first factor, i.e. income and job creation with a specific amount (15.35), explained more than 15.50% of the total variance and the fifteenth factor i.e., cultural core with a specific amount of 1.384 and the amount of variance 53.908 is the last factor. In a general, it can be said that all the factors explain 53.908% of the total variance of the variables, and 47.002% of the remaining variance is related to other factors that have not been predicted.
The results of the analysis show that the impact of the index is different from the perspective of local people, which should be considered. The first factor, namely employment and income, which has an important and vital role in the sustainability of rural livelihood, is one of their basic needs, should be given special attention. It measures to optimize agriculture and activities related to local and regional capabilities. Therefore, initiatives can be proposed to strengthen sustainable rural livelihoods in the study area. First, according to the economic needs of people living and active in rural areas via diversification of activities and income generation means, and moreover through this approach create a variety of job opportunities and creating wealth and improving the living standards of the villagers, especially those whose predominant livelihood is agriculture. Second, paying attention to the indicators that were considered the first priority by the local people, as well as to prioritize other indicators used in the research, which were ranked first to fifteenth.
A review of studies in developing countries shows that economic programs in developing countries to achieve sustainable livelihoods and economic issues have failed to reduce poverty and a sustainable economy in rural areas. Therefore, today, one of the biggest challenges of planning rural communities and undermining the poverty in developing countries is providing livelihood. A approach that has emerged in the last decade is the sustainable livelihood approach, first proposed by Chambers in the 1980s; and recognized by the World Development and Environment Commission. Among development theories, thus, attention to sustainable livelihood approach, for empowerment and capacity building in rural areas in order to change the pattern of life has become a desirable method, and it is one of the important tools to achieve sustainable development. Therefore, this approach emphasizes comprehensive and integrated framework about poverty reduction and rural development. Therefore, the present study seeks to answer this fundamental question; What are the most important factors affecting the livelihood sustainability of villagers in the study area?
Methodology
This research is descriptive-analytical according to the purpose. In the descriptive part, to analyze the factors affecting the sustainability of villagers' livelihoods, documents and statistical methods have been used. The statistical population of the study is more than 20 household villages in the mentioned rural area of Sari County, which includes 30 villages. The sample size was calculated according to Cochran's formula about 377 and was randomly distributed among the villagers.
The validity of the questionnaire was obtained from face validity method (opinion of professors and experts after several stages of correction and revision). To determine the reliability of the questionnaire, a pre-test (with 30 questionnaires) was performed and Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.698, which indicates the validity of the questionnaire. To analyze the data, descriptive statistical methods such as central tendency indexes (frequency and percentage), and inferential (factor analytical) indicators have been used.
Discussion and conclusion
Poverty is one of the most important challenges for all society, especially rural communities. Thus, various approaches have been proposed to reduce and eradicate poverty. One of these popular ones is the sustainable livelihood approach, which was introduced in the 1980s. Since this is based on the theoretical approach of development and consists of various indicators, achieving sustainable livelihood is not possible without considering all the influential aspects of livelihood. Therefore, in order to recognize the effective indicators in sustainable rural livelihood, the process of policy-making, planning and rural management should consider all indicators holistically and interconnected. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the factors affecting the sustainable livelihoods of villagers in the mentioned rural area of Sari County. The attitudes of local people were surveyed in 30 villages of this district, and factor analysis was used to answer the questions raised in the research. Therefore, KMO value for factors affecting livelihood stability was 0.924 and Bartlett value was 9764.279, which was significant at 99% confidence level. Findings showed that 15 factors were identified and a total of 53.908% of the total variance explained the variables. So that the first factor, i.e. income and job creation with a specific amount (15.35), explained more than 15.50% of the total variance and the fifteenth factor i.e., cultural core with a specific amount of 1.384 and the amount of variance 53.908 is the last factor. In a general, it can be said that all the factors explain 53.908% of the total variance of the variables, and 47.002% of the remaining variance is related to other factors that have not been predicted.
The results of the analysis show that the impact of the index is different from the perspective of local people, which should be considered. The first factor, namely employment and income, which has an important and vital role in the sustainability of rural livelihood, is one of their basic needs, should be given special attention. It measures to optimize agriculture and activities related to local and regional capabilities. Therefore, initiatives can be proposed to strengthen sustainable rural livelihoods in the study area. First, according to the economic needs of people living and active in rural areas via diversification of activities and income generation means, and moreover through this approach create a variety of job opportunities and creating wealth and improving the living standards of the villagers, especially those whose predominant livelihood is agriculture. Second, paying attention to the indicators that were considered the first priority by the local people, as well as to prioritize other indicators used in the research, which were ranked first to fifteenth.
Mehdi Karami Dehkordi, Abdulmatin Miani,
Volume 10, Issue 35 (4-2021)
Volume 10, Issue 35 (4-2021)
Abstract
Introduction
The world’s population has been growing rapidly in recent decades, and statistics show that most of the added population belongs to development countries. The majority of this population live in rural areas which has an unfavorable standard of living and livelihood compared to international standard. The basis of human and economic development is based on livelihood; livelihoods include all the things that people do to make a living. In addition, livelihoods are sustainable when they can adapt to pressures and shocks, improve and strengthen or maintain capabilities and assets in the present and future, while not destroying natural resources. Sustainable livelihood is a way to think about rural development, which for rural people it leads to higher incomes, increased welfare, reduced vulnerability, improved food security and more sustainable use of basic natural resources. According to statistics, 71% of Afghanistan’s population lives in rural areas and the livelihood of rural households in this country depends on agriculture, livestock and handicrafts. A large part of the country’s economy depends on rural products, and the products of farmers and ranchers make up most of the country’s export. It is worth noting that in rural areas of Afghanistan, few studies have been conducted on sustainable rural livelihoods, and accordingly the present study is one of the most innovative and leading researchers for this area.
Research Methodology
This is a qualitative study of the grounded theory type with the approach of Strauss and Corbin. The grounded theory method is commonly used to achieve theory, but it also has the ability to use its techniques in the form of other qualitative methods. Methods used to collect data include observation, Interviews, field notes and written and audio recordings made during the interviews. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to collect data. The current research integrated purposive and snowball samplings were used to collect data. Purposive sampling (also known as judgment, selective or subjective sampling) is a sampling technique in which researchers rely on their own judgment when choosing members of population to participate in the study. Snowball sampling method, initial subjects with the desired characteristics are identified using purposeful sampling technique. In this study, data analysis was performed simultaneously with data collection and the researcher reached the theoretical saturation stage with 23 interviews.
Results and discussion
Based on the analysis, 220 codes were extracted from 23 interviews in three stages of open coding, axial coding and selective coding. Code analysis led to the identification of 27 subcategories. Finally, 19 main categories were extracted from their classification. Showed relationships between categories formed in the data that the pattern formed corresponds to the original shape of the paradigm pattern (Pattern or model) of Strauss and Corbin, that is the core category (access to sustainable livelihood) is affected by causal conditions and it influences the strategies themselves. Strategies in turn shape the consequences of the phenomenon under the influence of contextual and interventionist condition.
The causal categories of the paradigm are more dependent on agriculture, war and security challenges and the poor performance of the livestock and poultry sectors. According to the causal categories of the paradigm designed in the studied area, rural industries, rural services, livestock and poultry are very backward compared to the agriculture sector. This does not mean that the agriculture of the northern villages of Andar district is in a good condition. Rather, the monoculture of the rural economy (the majority of vineyards) with low productivity and efficiency in a traditional way has led the villages to an unfavorable living situation. In addition, due to various natural factors the risk of agricultural products is very high and has forced families to multiply their sources of incomes. But unfortunately, the increase in income depends on a particular sector (traditional agriculture). Therefore, in order to meet the economic needs of rural residents through the diversification of activities and income-generating methods, and to provide various job opportunities in this area, further encouragement should be provided.
The war and security challenges in Afghanistan have overshadowed every manufacturing and service sector and prevent any progress and it has caused the villagers to have no connection with the government and rural development department and to live in more deprivation. Rural areas have been severely damaged by war and security challenges, which have weakened the agricultural sector, demolished homes, disabled rural people and lacked investment. The population of the villages has multiplied compared to previous years, but no attention is paid to creating new job opportunities, which has led to rising unemployment, poverty and many livelihood challenges. One of the way to create new job opportunities in the studied villages is the multi-functional approach and abandoning single-function approach.
The world’s population has been growing rapidly in recent decades, and statistics show that most of the added population belongs to development countries. The majority of this population live in rural areas which has an unfavorable standard of living and livelihood compared to international standard. The basis of human and economic development is based on livelihood; livelihoods include all the things that people do to make a living. In addition, livelihoods are sustainable when they can adapt to pressures and shocks, improve and strengthen or maintain capabilities and assets in the present and future, while not destroying natural resources. Sustainable livelihood is a way to think about rural development, which for rural people it leads to higher incomes, increased welfare, reduced vulnerability, improved food security and more sustainable use of basic natural resources. According to statistics, 71% of Afghanistan’s population lives in rural areas and the livelihood of rural households in this country depends on agriculture, livestock and handicrafts. A large part of the country’s economy depends on rural products, and the products of farmers and ranchers make up most of the country’s export. It is worth noting that in rural areas of Afghanistan, few studies have been conducted on sustainable rural livelihoods, and accordingly the present study is one of the most innovative and leading researchers for this area.
Research Methodology
This is a qualitative study of the grounded theory type with the approach of Strauss and Corbin. The grounded theory method is commonly used to achieve theory, but it also has the ability to use its techniques in the form of other qualitative methods. Methods used to collect data include observation, Interviews, field notes and written and audio recordings made during the interviews. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to collect data. The current research integrated purposive and snowball samplings were used to collect data. Purposive sampling (also known as judgment, selective or subjective sampling) is a sampling technique in which researchers rely on their own judgment when choosing members of population to participate in the study. Snowball sampling method, initial subjects with the desired characteristics are identified using purposeful sampling technique. In this study, data analysis was performed simultaneously with data collection and the researcher reached the theoretical saturation stage with 23 interviews.
Results and discussion
Based on the analysis, 220 codes were extracted from 23 interviews in three stages of open coding, axial coding and selective coding. Code analysis led to the identification of 27 subcategories. Finally, 19 main categories were extracted from their classification. Showed relationships between categories formed in the data that the pattern formed corresponds to the original shape of the paradigm pattern (Pattern or model) of Strauss and Corbin, that is the core category (access to sustainable livelihood) is affected by causal conditions and it influences the strategies themselves. Strategies in turn shape the consequences of the phenomenon under the influence of contextual and interventionist condition.
The causal categories of the paradigm are more dependent on agriculture, war and security challenges and the poor performance of the livestock and poultry sectors. According to the causal categories of the paradigm designed in the studied area, rural industries, rural services, livestock and poultry are very backward compared to the agriculture sector. This does not mean that the agriculture of the northern villages of Andar district is in a good condition. Rather, the monoculture of the rural economy (the majority of vineyards) with low productivity and efficiency in a traditional way has led the villages to an unfavorable living situation. In addition, due to various natural factors the risk of agricultural products is very high and has forced families to multiply their sources of incomes. But unfortunately, the increase in income depends on a particular sector (traditional agriculture). Therefore, in order to meet the economic needs of rural residents through the diversification of activities and income-generating methods, and to provide various job opportunities in this area, further encouragement should be provided.
The war and security challenges in Afghanistan have overshadowed every manufacturing and service sector and prevent any progress and it has caused the villagers to have no connection with the government and rural development department and to live in more deprivation. Rural areas have been severely damaged by war and security challenges, which have weakened the agricultural sector, demolished homes, disabled rural people and lacked investment. The population of the villages has multiplied compared to previous years, but no attention is paid to creating new job opportunities, which has led to rising unemployment, poverty and many livelihood challenges. One of the way to create new job opportunities in the studied villages is the multi-functional approach and abandoning single-function approach.
Fatemeh Moein, Khalil Kalantari, Ali Asadi, Somayeh Kurd Alivand,
Volume 10, Issue 36 (8-2021)
Volume 10, Issue 36 (8-2021)
Abstract
Introduction
For decades, various programs have been designed and implemented to create food security, but the number of people suffering from food insecurity is increasing. This is the situation in rural areas of developing countries. In fact, ensuring the country's food security is one of the important pillars of the independence of developing countries. At present, agricultural products comprise an important part of the country's food need. Creating a security margin in meeting the country's food need through agricultural products requires attention to short-term demand in the current situation and long-term food demand in the coming years, and hence planning to meet the country's demand in both of the situation. Agriculture plays a key role in ensuring food security and plays a pivotal role in economic growth and rural development through the provision of demanded food and job opportunities. Wheat as one of the most important agricultural products has long been considered by humans. Among cereals used by humans, this product has a special place due to the wide adaptation of cultivation to different climatic conditions, ease of cultivation, capability of long time storage, cheapness, high nutritional value and usability in various forms. It has a long history of cultivation in different parts of the world in order to produce seeds for bread, animal feed and industrial purposes. Similarly, wheat accounts for more than 20 percent of the food expenditure of Iranian households, and wheat products provide about 40 percent of the calories and about 50 percent of the daily protein need of each person. According to the FAO, wheat accounts for about 30 percent of the world's grain production. In fact, the waste of valuable natural resources is one of the most important issues in today's society, which is mainly due to irrational consumption, irresponsibility, carelessness, disbelief and ignorance of actors involved in the processes of production, distribution and consumption of rare resources. For this reason, the issue of sustainability of the wheat production system to feed the current generation from existing sources, so that not jeopardizing the nutrition of future generations is one of the important issues of the present time. Furthermore, self-sufficiency in the production of agricultural products in the current world and food security in the country is essential. In this regard, especially the reduction of waste of strategic crops such as wheat is one of the important factors in increasing production and reducing imports. Now, according to the current demand and also with the trend of predicting population growth in the future and the importance of self-sufficiency of communities, the total production of crops, especially cereals should be increased with new methods, because the need for food grains to meet growing and unstable demand is a big challenge, especially in developing countries.
Research Methodology
In terms of purpose, the present study is applied and in terms of methodology is descriptive-analytical. A survey was utilized to collect the data in which the factors affecting wheat waste from the perspective of farmers have been identified. The research data collection tool is based on a researcher-made questionnaire that has been done after extracting research indicators and variables based on theoretical foundations and studies. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed based on the collective opinion of the professors of the Department of Agricultural Management and Development, University of Tehran and experts of the Ministry of Agriculture Jahad of Shush County. Cronbach's alpha test was used to measure the reliability, which was 0.85. This showed the reliability of the acceptable data for analysis. The statistical population consisted of 1230 farmers in Shush County. Sampling was done in a multi-stage manner so that one rural district was randomly selected from each part of the county and then 3 villages were selected from each of these rural districts. In the final stage, among the wheat farmers of the selected villages, the final samples were randomly selected based on the sample size estimated by Cochran's formula. In this study, in order to determine the sample size, first 20 questionnaires were distributed among the community members for pre-test and after a preliminary review and completion of the questionnaires, using Cochran's formula, the sample size was determined to be 214 people. 220 people were statistically analyzed to ensure the completion of the questionnaire and to prevent a decrease in the sample.
Discussion and conclusion
Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify ways to improve the reduction of producers' waste. Based on the results, it was found that the components affecting wheat waste in Shush County could be classified into six groups, respectively,1) The situation of cultivation and consumption of the inputs (amount of fertilizers used, field density, use of animal manures, type of previous cultivation, land area) 2) Lack of attention to education and extension (lack of promoters and technical staff in the region, low farmer experience, lack of participation in training-extension classes, the presence of weeds on the farm, lack of familiarity with the irrigation process, lack of farmer supervision) 3) Lack of technical examination and unsuitable land utilization (harvest time, grain moisture, timely harvest, type of land (in terms of flatness), unsuitable climatic conditions, germination before harvest) 4) Lack of attention to the development and organization of harvesting fleets and the motivation of combine harvester owners (lack of punctual access to combine harvester, worn combine harvester, low skill of combine harvester driver, lack of technical inspection of combine harvester, combine model) 5) Farmers' technical knowledge (delay in planting time, planting method, seed mixing) 6) Management weakness in planting and maintenance stages (type of wheat cultivar, presence of disease and pest on the field), In total, 62.26% of the variable changes express strategies to reduce wheat waste. If these six factors are considered in different planning, the level of waste will be significantly reduced.
For decades, various programs have been designed and implemented to create food security, but the number of people suffering from food insecurity is increasing. This is the situation in rural areas of developing countries. In fact, ensuring the country's food security is one of the important pillars of the independence of developing countries. At present, agricultural products comprise an important part of the country's food need. Creating a security margin in meeting the country's food need through agricultural products requires attention to short-term demand in the current situation and long-term food demand in the coming years, and hence planning to meet the country's demand in both of the situation. Agriculture plays a key role in ensuring food security and plays a pivotal role in economic growth and rural development through the provision of demanded food and job opportunities. Wheat as one of the most important agricultural products has long been considered by humans. Among cereals used by humans, this product has a special place due to the wide adaptation of cultivation to different climatic conditions, ease of cultivation, capability of long time storage, cheapness, high nutritional value and usability in various forms. It has a long history of cultivation in different parts of the world in order to produce seeds for bread, animal feed and industrial purposes. Similarly, wheat accounts for more than 20 percent of the food expenditure of Iranian households, and wheat products provide about 40 percent of the calories and about 50 percent of the daily protein need of each person. According to the FAO, wheat accounts for about 30 percent of the world's grain production. In fact, the waste of valuable natural resources is one of the most important issues in today's society, which is mainly due to irrational consumption, irresponsibility, carelessness, disbelief and ignorance of actors involved in the processes of production, distribution and consumption of rare resources. For this reason, the issue of sustainability of the wheat production system to feed the current generation from existing sources, so that not jeopardizing the nutrition of future generations is one of the important issues of the present time. Furthermore, self-sufficiency in the production of agricultural products in the current world and food security in the country is essential. In this regard, especially the reduction of waste of strategic crops such as wheat is one of the important factors in increasing production and reducing imports. Now, according to the current demand and also with the trend of predicting population growth in the future and the importance of self-sufficiency of communities, the total production of crops, especially cereals should be increased with new methods, because the need for food grains to meet growing and unstable demand is a big challenge, especially in developing countries.
Research Methodology
In terms of purpose, the present study is applied and in terms of methodology is descriptive-analytical. A survey was utilized to collect the data in which the factors affecting wheat waste from the perspective of farmers have been identified. The research data collection tool is based on a researcher-made questionnaire that has been done after extracting research indicators and variables based on theoretical foundations and studies. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed based on the collective opinion of the professors of the Department of Agricultural Management and Development, University of Tehran and experts of the Ministry of Agriculture Jahad of Shush County. Cronbach's alpha test was used to measure the reliability, which was 0.85. This showed the reliability of the acceptable data for analysis. The statistical population consisted of 1230 farmers in Shush County. Sampling was done in a multi-stage manner so that one rural district was randomly selected from each part of the county and then 3 villages were selected from each of these rural districts. In the final stage, among the wheat farmers of the selected villages, the final samples were randomly selected based on the sample size estimated by Cochran's formula. In this study, in order to determine the sample size, first 20 questionnaires were distributed among the community members for pre-test and after a preliminary review and completion of the questionnaires, using Cochran's formula, the sample size was determined to be 214 people. 220 people were statistically analyzed to ensure the completion of the questionnaire and to prevent a decrease in the sample.
Discussion and conclusion
Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify ways to improve the reduction of producers' waste. Based on the results, it was found that the components affecting wheat waste in Shush County could be classified into six groups, respectively,1) The situation of cultivation and consumption of the inputs (amount of fertilizers used, field density, use of animal manures, type of previous cultivation, land area) 2) Lack of attention to education and extension (lack of promoters and technical staff in the region, low farmer experience, lack of participation in training-extension classes, the presence of weeds on the farm, lack of familiarity with the irrigation process, lack of farmer supervision) 3) Lack of technical examination and unsuitable land utilization (harvest time, grain moisture, timely harvest, type of land (in terms of flatness), unsuitable climatic conditions, germination before harvest) 4) Lack of attention to the development and organization of harvesting fleets and the motivation of combine harvester owners (lack of punctual access to combine harvester, worn combine harvester, low skill of combine harvester driver, lack of technical inspection of combine harvester, combine model) 5) Farmers' technical knowledge (delay in planting time, planting method, seed mixing) 6) Management weakness in planting and maintenance stages (type of wheat cultivar, presence of disease and pest on the field), In total, 62.26% of the variable changes express strategies to reduce wheat waste. If these six factors are considered in different planning, the level of waste will be significantly reduced.
Eqbal Vahdani, , Farideh Asadian,
Volume 10, Issue 36 (8-2021)
Volume 10, Issue 36 (8-2021)
Abstract
Introduction
Agriculture is central to the economy of Kurdistan Province and plays an essential role both in the economic and political dynamism of this province. Assessing the feasibility of lands to cultivate and promote new crops is a strategic priority which increases the welfare of rural residents and optimizes resource consumption. Therefore, appropriate and optimal land use for agricultural purposes require careful evaluation of these resources as well as a meticulous investigation of climatic agricultural zoning for these lands. Climatic agricultural zoning is a set of conditions that provides the economic possibility of cultivation of each plant according to the climatic conditions in that region. Some reasons such as villagers’ economic poverty and recent droughts, the need to promote crops with low water consumption, as well as the area similarities in climatic conditions with other saffron provider areas in the country justify the development and promotion of such crops in this region. It is expected that expansion of such crops will strength the economic and social foundations of the people in the future. Saffron as the most expensive agricultural and medicinal product in the world due to its drought resistance, low water consumption, high maintenance, and the effects of employment and high income generation can play a vital role in rural development of the province.
Methodology
This research is applied in terms of purpose and based on a descriptive-analytical research design. First, the layers were obtained from organizations and scientific centers in the region. Next, different weighting and analysis steps were performed for each of these layers. Climate, geomorphology and soil layers were used in this research. Each of these criteria is based on the necessary conditions for saffron cultivation as well as scientific sources and the opinion of experts. Statistics and information were obtained from the Meteorological Organization of Kurdistan Province in order to prepare the climate maps of the study. Also, UTM system was used as a basic coordinate system for the research to integrate the maps. After and before applying weights, the consistency of the comparisons should be ensured and the compatibility rate and rank should be calculated.
Maps with a pixel size of 50-50 meters are selected. The standard maps are classified according to AHP method and aim, in which the elements of each level are compared and weighed in pairs. In this study, a 9
9 matrix has been used to compare and weigh the elements. For the next stage, according to experts, 9 layers were used to weight. At the third stage, a 5 5 matrix was prepared which indicates the ability of saffron cultivation in the region. Paired comparisons are between rows and columns and a rating scale from 1 to 9 is a typical way for evaluation. Finally, the valuation and weighting matrices were determined according to the ten criteria of the study. The sum of relative weights for the criteria will be one in the last column. After that, the obtained weights were multiplied in the map layers in Arc GIS 9.3 software, and then by overlay operation the scores of all the map layers were added together. Ultimately, the final map of the total scores was prepared which shows the zoning areas feasible to cultivate saffron in Kurdistan Province. Five categories of this map are very good, good, average, weak and unsuitable.
Discussion and conclusion
The prosperity of the rural economy improves the living conditions of the villagers by preserving and promoting their human dignity. Recent droughts, Optimal use of natural resources, as well as the area similarities in climatic conditions with other saffron provider areas in the country justify this study, which is the feasibility of this crop in Kurdistan Province. Saffron as the most expensive agricultural product on the planet can be a good source of income for the poor rural population. Findings indicate that Kurdistan Province has the ability and potential of saffron cultivation. Therefore, the promotion of this cultivation is recommended for the economic development of rural areas in Kurdistan Province.
The final map, which shows the areas for saffron cultivation in the region, is obtained in five categories: very good, good, medium, poor and unsuitable. More than 4538.8 square kilometers, in other words about 16.21% of the area for saffron cultivation is in the class of very good or in fact very suitable and without any restrictions area. In terms of geographical location, the green color area is illustrated in the eastern, northeastern and southern parts of Kurdistan Province, or in the counties of Qorveh, Dehgolan, Bijar and Kamyaran and a few spots in Marivan, Baneh and Saqqez. This zone is suitable and in compliance for the south of Korani District, east of central part and north of Chang Almas District in Bijar County, for Serish Abad District in Qorveh County, for Central District in Dehgolan County, and for Central District in Kamyaran County. Good areas include 5404 square kilometers, in other words 19.30% of the province, which contains the most of the north of Sanandaj and north of Saqqez Counties. Also, the other three classes, medium, weak and unsuitable classes, cover 31.71, 19.36 and 13.42% of the area, respectively. This is more in line with the western, southwestern and northwestern regions of Kurdistan Province. The expansion and popularity of this product is recommended due to the climatic and natural conditions of Kurdistan Province.
Agriculture is central to the economy of Kurdistan Province and plays an essential role both in the economic and political dynamism of this province. Assessing the feasibility of lands to cultivate and promote new crops is a strategic priority which increases the welfare of rural residents and optimizes resource consumption. Therefore, appropriate and optimal land use for agricultural purposes require careful evaluation of these resources as well as a meticulous investigation of climatic agricultural zoning for these lands. Climatic agricultural zoning is a set of conditions that provides the economic possibility of cultivation of each plant according to the climatic conditions in that region. Some reasons such as villagers’ economic poverty and recent droughts, the need to promote crops with low water consumption, as well as the area similarities in climatic conditions with other saffron provider areas in the country justify the development and promotion of such crops in this region. It is expected that expansion of such crops will strength the economic and social foundations of the people in the future. Saffron as the most expensive agricultural and medicinal product in the world due to its drought resistance, low water consumption, high maintenance, and the effects of employment and high income generation can play a vital role in rural development of the province.
Methodology
This research is applied in terms of purpose and based on a descriptive-analytical research design. First, the layers were obtained from organizations and scientific centers in the region. Next, different weighting and analysis steps were performed for each of these layers. Climate, geomorphology and soil layers were used in this research. Each of these criteria is based on the necessary conditions for saffron cultivation as well as scientific sources and the opinion of experts. Statistics and information were obtained from the Meteorological Organization of Kurdistan Province in order to prepare the climate maps of the study. Also, UTM system was used as a basic coordinate system for the research to integrate the maps. After and before applying weights, the consistency of the comparisons should be ensured and the compatibility rate and rank should be calculated.
Maps with a pixel size of 50-50 meters are selected. The standard maps are classified according to AHP method and aim, in which the elements of each level are compared and weighed in pairs. In this study, a 9
9 matrix has been used to compare and weigh the elements. For the next stage, according to experts, 9 layers were used to weight. At the third stage, a 5 5 matrix was prepared which indicates the ability of saffron cultivation in the region. Paired comparisons are between rows and columns and a rating scale from 1 to 9 is a typical way for evaluation. Finally, the valuation and weighting matrices were determined according to the ten criteria of the study. The sum of relative weights for the criteria will be one in the last column. After that, the obtained weights were multiplied in the map layers in Arc GIS 9.3 software, and then by overlay operation the scores of all the map layers were added together. Ultimately, the final map of the total scores was prepared which shows the zoning areas feasible to cultivate saffron in Kurdistan Province. Five categories of this map are very good, good, average, weak and unsuitable. Discussion and conclusion
The prosperity of the rural economy improves the living conditions of the villagers by preserving and promoting their human dignity. Recent droughts, Optimal use of natural resources, as well as the area similarities in climatic conditions with other saffron provider areas in the country justify this study, which is the feasibility of this crop in Kurdistan Province. Saffron as the most expensive agricultural product on the planet can be a good source of income for the poor rural population. Findings indicate that Kurdistan Province has the ability and potential of saffron cultivation. Therefore, the promotion of this cultivation is recommended for the economic development of rural areas in Kurdistan Province.
The final map, which shows the areas for saffron cultivation in the region, is obtained in five categories: very good, good, medium, poor and unsuitable. More than 4538.8 square kilometers, in other words about 16.21% of the area for saffron cultivation is in the class of very good or in fact very suitable and without any restrictions area. In terms of geographical location, the green color area is illustrated in the eastern, northeastern and southern parts of Kurdistan Province, or in the counties of Qorveh, Dehgolan, Bijar and Kamyaran and a few spots in Marivan, Baneh and Saqqez. This zone is suitable and in compliance for the south of Korani District, east of central part and north of Chang Almas District in Bijar County, for Serish Abad District in Qorveh County, for Central District in Dehgolan County, and for Central District in Kamyaran County. Good areas include 5404 square kilometers, in other words 19.30% of the province, which contains the most of the north of Sanandaj and north of Saqqez Counties. Also, the other three classes, medium, weak and unsuitable classes, cover 31.71, 19.36 and 13.42% of the area, respectively. This is more in line with the western, southwestern and northwestern regions of Kurdistan Province. The expansion and popularity of this product is recommended due to the climatic and natural conditions of Kurdistan Province.
Leila Ghobadi, Mehdi Moameri, ,
Volume 10, Issue 36 (8-2021)
Volume 10, Issue 36 (8-2021)
Abstract
Introduction
Rangelands are lands covered mostly with indigenous vegetation such as grasses, grass-like plants, forbs, or shrubs, which are managed as a natural ecosystem. They are one of the most fundamental natural ecosystems in the world, and they play an important role in protein production and the ecosystem balance. Rangelands are largely used as a feed source for livestock. However, they provide other secondary resources such as firewood, wild edibles, medicinal plants, and water.
Today, one of the most serious and recent difficulties facing development initiatives is the degradation of natural resources (rangeland ecosystems are included) and their excessive use. Reduced forage production, less plant cover, soil degradation and erosion, water loss and increased rate of runoff and flood, loss of biodiversity, decreasing small ruminant productivity, increased invasive plants, and reduction of ecotourism areas are all consequences of quantitative and qualitative rangeland degradation. In recent decades, confronting the causes of forest and rangeland degradation and attempting to restore these resources has become a fundamental and necessary step toward sustainable development. Given that the vast area of forests and rangelands, and the high labor requirement for conserving and restoring these resources, it appears that stakeholder participation is the most effective strategy to develop these resources. Namin county in Ardabil Province contains a large area of rangeland, which is the most important source of income for rural communities in the region. In other words, livestock husbandry in rangelands is one of the main activities of the local people, who rely on rangeland for forage. However, in recent years, the region's rangelands have been damaged for various reasons resulting in a reduction rangelands area. As a result, it appears that the reasons of rangeland ecosystems degradation should be identified in order to support rangeland ecosystems and reduce their degradation. So, the main purpose of this research is to investigate the economic and social factors affecting the rangelands degradation in Namin County's rural areas.
Methodology
The research was conducted in Namin County's rural areas (including - Saqsloo, Aghzamankandi and Tifiyeh). The county of Namin is located in mountainous areas with an average elevation of 1700 meters above sea-level.
The research method is descriptive using survey and analysis. In the three villages of Saqsloo, Aghzamankandi, and Tifiyeh, the statistical community for this study was 1279 individuals, with 326 beneficiaries. A questionnaire was used as the research tool in this study, and 21 beneficiaries (households) were interviewed using stratified random sampling. The validity of the questionnaire was assessed based on expert opinions, and its reliability was determined using Cronbach's alpha coefficient test.
A questionnaire was created based on three indicators: social factors affecting rangeland degradation with 13 questions (S1, S2, S3, … S13), economic factors with 10 questions (E1, E2, E3, … E10) and other effective factors with 10 questions (O1, O2, O3, … O10). Furthermore, each question was graded on a five-point Likert- scale. Based on accessibility, cost and the researchers’ capacity, the total number of the questionnaire in each village was selected according to about 5 to10 percent of the total number of the households (preferably heads of households). In the target villages, questionnaires were filled out through face-to-face visits, observation, and interviews.
The sample size for each village was then determined based on the number of households. As a result, in the village of Saqsloo, Aghzamankandi, and Tifiyeh 11, 4 and 6 questionnaires were completed, respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS software Ver.22.
Discussion and Conclusion
The results revealed that economic factors such as insufficient annual income and social factors such as a lack of essential training and extension courses, limited participation of beneficiaries in rangeland project implementation, and a lack of proper management and sense of responsibility are the most effective factors in rangeland degradation. Rangeland degradation was primarily influenced by the quantity of beneficiaries and the technique of exploitation. In addition, the number of livestock and living expenses, as well as the economic position of rangeland beneficiaries in the community are important determinants. According to the results, the level of knowledge and awareness, improving the situation, income and livelihood, the effectiveness of training courses, and the participation of stakeholders and local organizations all had an impact on rangeland degradation. Therefore, because the villagers are in need of rangelands to supply fodder for their livestock, it is possible to reduce rangeland degradation by assigning rangeland management plans and projects of improving rangelands to stakeholders by following the laws and implementing planned management. In general, Department of Natural Resources and Watershed Management of Ardabil Province can act to reduce rangeland degradation of Namin County's rural areas by devolution of the implementation of rangeland management, improvement, and development projects to beneficiaries, involving beneficiaries in planning and implementation of projects, providing loan facilities to them, holding training and promotion courses by experienced natural resources experts to increase ranchers’ knowledge.
Rangelands are lands covered mostly with indigenous vegetation such as grasses, grass-like plants, forbs, or shrubs, which are managed as a natural ecosystem. They are one of the most fundamental natural ecosystems in the world, and they play an important role in protein production and the ecosystem balance. Rangelands are largely used as a feed source for livestock. However, they provide other secondary resources such as firewood, wild edibles, medicinal plants, and water.
Today, one of the most serious and recent difficulties facing development initiatives is the degradation of natural resources (rangeland ecosystems are included) and their excessive use. Reduced forage production, less plant cover, soil degradation and erosion, water loss and increased rate of runoff and flood, loss of biodiversity, decreasing small ruminant productivity, increased invasive plants, and reduction of ecotourism areas are all consequences of quantitative and qualitative rangeland degradation. In recent decades, confronting the causes of forest and rangeland degradation and attempting to restore these resources has become a fundamental and necessary step toward sustainable development. Given that the vast area of forests and rangelands, and the high labor requirement for conserving and restoring these resources, it appears that stakeholder participation is the most effective strategy to develop these resources. Namin county in Ardabil Province contains a large area of rangeland, which is the most important source of income for rural communities in the region. In other words, livestock husbandry in rangelands is one of the main activities of the local people, who rely on rangeland for forage. However, in recent years, the region's rangelands have been damaged for various reasons resulting in a reduction rangelands area. As a result, it appears that the reasons of rangeland ecosystems degradation should be identified in order to support rangeland ecosystems and reduce their degradation. So, the main purpose of this research is to investigate the economic and social factors affecting the rangelands degradation in Namin County's rural areas.
Methodology
The research was conducted in Namin County's rural areas (including - Saqsloo, Aghzamankandi and Tifiyeh). The county of Namin is located in mountainous areas with an average elevation of 1700 meters above sea-level.
The research method is descriptive using survey and analysis. In the three villages of Saqsloo, Aghzamankandi, and Tifiyeh, the statistical community for this study was 1279 individuals, with 326 beneficiaries. A questionnaire was used as the research tool in this study, and 21 beneficiaries (households) were interviewed using stratified random sampling. The validity of the questionnaire was assessed based on expert opinions, and its reliability was determined using Cronbach's alpha coefficient test.
A questionnaire was created based on three indicators: social factors affecting rangeland degradation with 13 questions (S1, S2, S3, … S13), economic factors with 10 questions (E1, E2, E3, … E10) and other effective factors with 10 questions (O1, O2, O3, … O10). Furthermore, each question was graded on a five-point Likert- scale. Based on accessibility, cost and the researchers’ capacity, the total number of the questionnaire in each village was selected according to about 5 to10 percent of the total number of the households (preferably heads of households). In the target villages, questionnaires were filled out through face-to-face visits, observation, and interviews.
The sample size for each village was then determined based on the number of households. As a result, in the village of Saqsloo, Aghzamankandi, and Tifiyeh 11, 4 and 6 questionnaires were completed, respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS software Ver.22.
Discussion and Conclusion
The results revealed that economic factors such as insufficient annual income and social factors such as a lack of essential training and extension courses, limited participation of beneficiaries in rangeland project implementation, and a lack of proper management and sense of responsibility are the most effective factors in rangeland degradation. Rangeland degradation was primarily influenced by the quantity of beneficiaries and the technique of exploitation. In addition, the number of livestock and living expenses, as well as the economic position of rangeland beneficiaries in the community are important determinants. According to the results, the level of knowledge and awareness, improving the situation, income and livelihood, the effectiveness of training courses, and the participation of stakeholders and local organizations all had an impact on rangeland degradation. Therefore, because the villagers are in need of rangelands to supply fodder for their livestock, it is possible to reduce rangeland degradation by assigning rangeland management plans and projects of improving rangelands to stakeholders by following the laws and implementing planned management. In general, Department of Natural Resources and Watershed Management of Ardabil Province can act to reduce rangeland degradation of Namin County's rural areas by devolution of the implementation of rangeland management, improvement, and development projects to beneficiaries, involving beneficiaries in planning and implementation of projects, providing loan facilities to them, holding training and promotion courses by experienced natural resources experts to increase ranchers’ knowledge.
Mojtaba Ghadiri Masom, Mohammad Amin Khorasani, Zahra Torkashvand, Shima Amidi,
Volume 10, Issue 37 (12-2021)
Volume 10, Issue 37 (12-2021)
Abstract
Introduction
Entrepreneurship as a strategy in the development, prosperity and growth of human societies has been an invaluable mechanism through which all the factors, resources and facilities of a society are mobilized in a spontaneous and evolutionary fashion, which is the source of many positive economic and social effects and consequences. Knowing about the driving forces of rural entrepreneurship development are crucial. The development of rural entrepreneurship depends on some drivers such as appropriate infrastructure, environmental conditions, social cohesion and solidarity of entrepreneurs in different stages from production to supplement, quality of institutional services, supportive laws and policies and individual and behavioral characteristics of entrepreneurs. Despite the necessity of these drivers, the level of priority and significance are not the same, hence some of them will be mandatory and others might be complementary in the entrepreneurial process. This study seeks to identify the most important drivers of entrepreneurship development in rural areas of Iran by a systematic review of scientific publication in recent years, and prioritize these drivers based on their significance.
Methodology
This study is applied in terms of purpose, and descriptive-analytical in terms of content. In this study, meta-analysis method was used to identify the drivers of entrepreneurship development in rural areas of Iran. 50 published papers in national and international scientific research journals until March 2018 were used to identify the drivers of entrepreneurship development. The main topic of these papers was entrepreneurship in rural areas of Iran. We implemented Q method for extracting and summarizing the most important factors of rural entrepreneurship. To this end, this study selected 38 Q statements as the Q sample. For sorting Q categories using purposive sampling method, 30 individuals familiar with rural entrepreneurship were selected as participants. Finally, factor analysis method in SPSS software was utilized to identify and prioritize the most important drivers of rural entrepreneurship.
Discussion and conclusion
Findings of the meta-analysis from the review of sources indicate that among the conducted studies, behavioral, educational and technological, supportive, economic, social, and environmental and infrastructure drivers are among the most important drivers of rural entrepreneurship development. Based on the findings of the Q method, which prioritized the most important drivers of rural entrepreneurship, the discourse analysis and the participants' mental pattern highlighted the behavioral drivers. Behavioral drivers consist of ability to endure difficult and stressful situations, strengthen the self-confidence, problem solving skills, discipline at working, acknowledging opportunities and be risk-taking. For educational drivers, the participants prioritized adequate access to information channels and resources, investment in research and development to increase productivity, and taking entrepreneurship training courses. For economic drivers, the respondents underscored the access to seed money, granting low-interest loans and tax deduction in creating new production units. On supportive drivers, the priority was for transparent economic and tax rules and household support. The expansion of platforms and infrastructure (road, electricity, telephone, Internet, etc.) was the most important condition for infrastructure drivers. As a result, in order to develop rural entrepreneurship, in addition to these drivers, it is necessary to consider issues such as establishing rural incubators and think tanks, establishing rural development councils and entrepreneurship parks, and providing basic infrastructure for policy makers and planners.
Entrepreneurship as a strategy in the development, prosperity and growth of human societies has been an invaluable mechanism through which all the factors, resources and facilities of a society are mobilized in a spontaneous and evolutionary fashion, which is the source of many positive economic and social effects and consequences. Knowing about the driving forces of rural entrepreneurship development are crucial. The development of rural entrepreneurship depends on some drivers such as appropriate infrastructure, environmental conditions, social cohesion and solidarity of entrepreneurs in different stages from production to supplement, quality of institutional services, supportive laws and policies and individual and behavioral characteristics of entrepreneurs. Despite the necessity of these drivers, the level of priority and significance are not the same, hence some of them will be mandatory and others might be complementary in the entrepreneurial process. This study seeks to identify the most important drivers of entrepreneurship development in rural areas of Iran by a systematic review of scientific publication in recent years, and prioritize these drivers based on their significance.
Methodology
This study is applied in terms of purpose, and descriptive-analytical in terms of content. In this study, meta-analysis method was used to identify the drivers of entrepreneurship development in rural areas of Iran. 50 published papers in national and international scientific research journals until March 2018 were used to identify the drivers of entrepreneurship development. The main topic of these papers was entrepreneurship in rural areas of Iran. We implemented Q method for extracting and summarizing the most important factors of rural entrepreneurship. To this end, this study selected 38 Q statements as the Q sample. For sorting Q categories using purposive sampling method, 30 individuals familiar with rural entrepreneurship were selected as participants. Finally, factor analysis method in SPSS software was utilized to identify and prioritize the most important drivers of rural entrepreneurship.
Discussion and conclusion
Findings of the meta-analysis from the review of sources indicate that among the conducted studies, behavioral, educational and technological, supportive, economic, social, and environmental and infrastructure drivers are among the most important drivers of rural entrepreneurship development. Based on the findings of the Q method, which prioritized the most important drivers of rural entrepreneurship, the discourse analysis and the participants' mental pattern highlighted the behavioral drivers. Behavioral drivers consist of ability to endure difficult and stressful situations, strengthen the self-confidence, problem solving skills, discipline at working, acknowledging opportunities and be risk-taking. For educational drivers, the participants prioritized adequate access to information channels and resources, investment in research and development to increase productivity, and taking entrepreneurship training courses. For economic drivers, the respondents underscored the access to seed money, granting low-interest loans and tax deduction in creating new production units. On supportive drivers, the priority was for transparent economic and tax rules and household support. The expansion of platforms and infrastructure (road, electricity, telephone, Internet, etc.) was the most important condition for infrastructure drivers. As a result, in order to develop rural entrepreneurship, in addition to these drivers, it is necessary to consider issues such as establishing rural incubators and think tanks, establishing rural development councils and entrepreneurship parks, and providing basic infrastructure for policy makers and planners.
Neda Bani Asdi, Davood Samari, Seyed Jamal Farajullah Hosseini, Maryam Omidi Najafabadi,
Volume 10, Issue 37 (12-2021)
Volume 10, Issue 37 (12-2021)
Abstract
Introduction
Agricultural processing industries are groups in which an agricultural product is transformed to achieve better consumption, better supply and increase economic value. Thus the nature of both primary and secondary products are the same, but compared to the raw material, the final product is totally novel. Establishment of processing and complementary industries has positive and significant effects on strengthening the rural economy, which enhances the level and variety of products and preserves agricultural lands and rural landscape. Among agricultural products, date is one of the most important and strategic horticultural products in Iran. About 17% of the cultivated area and 13% of world date production are in Iran. Also, according to the latest Iranian Customs Office statistics in 2011, the export of dates from Iran raised 17.7 percent compared to 2010 and reached to more than 174 million dollars. Innovation is vital to a civilization. The new era of global development is experiencing an extensive competition based on innovation to access scarce and limited resources, which guarantees the long-term and sustainable growth path of society. Innovation is considered as an idea or attitude related to a product, service, machinery, policy and program that is new and implemented by an organization. Total Innovation Management (TIM) provides the components for the organization, culture, strategy and the relationship between them as well as a model for the relationship between non-technology and technology. The TIM implementation has three transformations. It expands from single to complete innovation, from segregated to integrated innovation, and from focusing merely on the company's internal resources to emphasizing the integration of internal and external resources. Therefore, innovation will not only be the responsibility of some individuals or functions but also an integrated strategic process for adding and creating value and involving all members of the organization at any time and place.
Methodology
This research is descriptive-analytical and using a survey method for data collection. The statistical population of this research is 200 people who are active in the three domains of marketing, packaging and processing of date in the processing and complementary industries in Kerman Province. The sample size was calculated by Cochran's formula and155 people were determined by a simple random sampling. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire which has 58 items. For the validity of the questionnaire, the opinions of experts were used and for the reliability the Cronbach's alpha was used, which was confirmed (higher than 0.70). In order to analyze the collected data, multiple regression and One-Way variance analysis.
Discussion and conclusion
The aim of this study was to identify the factors affecting the total innovation management in the development of date processing and complementary industries in Kerman Province. Findings confirmed that the relationship between innovation culture and the development of processing and complementary industries of dates is directly significant and innovation strategy has an inverse relationship to the culture of innovation. In other words, the value of strategic innovation decreased, but the culture of innovation increased. In the case of technology management, as the findings showed, the values are positive, i.e. with the rise in technology management variable, the development of processing and complementary industries increases. Also, with the organizational structure variable, the value of “b” related to innovation culture and strategic innovation and technology management decreases. However, organizational structure has increased. The values for the organizational structure variable are positive, i.e. with the rise in the organizational structure variable, the rate of processing and complementary industries of dates improves. It seems that Kerman Province has the necessary conditions and capabilities for date cultivation and expansion of processing and complementary industries of this product. Establishment of complementary industries and date processing in the region can contribute to suitable conditions for economic development of Kerman Province by providing higher efficiency and profit for conventional date production, hence causing more income and higher standard of living for businesses.
Agricultural processing industries are groups in which an agricultural product is transformed to achieve better consumption, better supply and increase economic value. Thus the nature of both primary and secondary products are the same, but compared to the raw material, the final product is totally novel. Establishment of processing and complementary industries has positive and significant effects on strengthening the rural economy, which enhances the level and variety of products and preserves agricultural lands and rural landscape. Among agricultural products, date is one of the most important and strategic horticultural products in Iran. About 17% of the cultivated area and 13% of world date production are in Iran. Also, according to the latest Iranian Customs Office statistics in 2011, the export of dates from Iran raised 17.7 percent compared to 2010 and reached to more than 174 million dollars. Innovation is vital to a civilization. The new era of global development is experiencing an extensive competition based on innovation to access scarce and limited resources, which guarantees the long-term and sustainable growth path of society. Innovation is considered as an idea or attitude related to a product, service, machinery, policy and program that is new and implemented by an organization. Total Innovation Management (TIM) provides the components for the organization, culture, strategy and the relationship between them as well as a model for the relationship between non-technology and technology. The TIM implementation has three transformations. It expands from single to complete innovation, from segregated to integrated innovation, and from focusing merely on the company's internal resources to emphasizing the integration of internal and external resources. Therefore, innovation will not only be the responsibility of some individuals or functions but also an integrated strategic process for adding and creating value and involving all members of the organization at any time and place.
Methodology
This research is descriptive-analytical and using a survey method for data collection. The statistical population of this research is 200 people who are active in the three domains of marketing, packaging and processing of date in the processing and complementary industries in Kerman Province. The sample size was calculated by Cochran's formula and155 people were determined by a simple random sampling. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire which has 58 items. For the validity of the questionnaire, the opinions of experts were used and for the reliability the Cronbach's alpha was used, which was confirmed (higher than 0.70). In order to analyze the collected data, multiple regression and One-Way variance analysis.
Discussion and conclusion
The aim of this study was to identify the factors affecting the total innovation management in the development of date processing and complementary industries in Kerman Province. Findings confirmed that the relationship between innovation culture and the development of processing and complementary industries of dates is directly significant and innovation strategy has an inverse relationship to the culture of innovation. In other words, the value of strategic innovation decreased, but the culture of innovation increased. In the case of technology management, as the findings showed, the values are positive, i.e. with the rise in technology management variable, the development of processing and complementary industries increases. Also, with the organizational structure variable, the value of “b” related to innovation culture and strategic innovation and technology management decreases. However, organizational structure has increased. The values for the organizational structure variable are positive, i.e. with the rise in the organizational structure variable, the rate of processing and complementary industries of dates improves. It seems that Kerman Province has the necessary conditions and capabilities for date cultivation and expansion of processing and complementary industries of this product. Establishment of complementary industries and date processing in the region can contribute to suitable conditions for economic development of Kerman Province by providing higher efficiency and profit for conventional date production, hence causing more income and higher standard of living for businesses.
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