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Showing 24 results for Rural Area

Seyyed Hassan Motiee Langeroudi, Zahra Heydari,
Volume 1, Issue 1 (12-2012)
Abstract

Rural areas taking into consideration their eco-tourism and natural attractions are among the target of tourism activity. With the consideration of low income level of rural communities, tourism is an appropriate alternative regarding job opportunities and promotion of rural financial capabilities. The major objective of this study is to investigate the potential of coastal rural areas of Tonkabon with respect to fishing activity as far as job opportunities and income earning capabilities is concerned. Research method of this study is based on survey technique and questionnaire. This paper carries descriptive as well as analytical approach. Sample size of 100 were extracted. Data were analyzed via SPSS, regression correlation and T and Freedman tests .This paper suggests that the study area possesses high potentials regarding fishing activities. That is, tourists are more interested in fishing activities if the corresponding infrastructures, suitable accommodations were available in advance.

Mohamadreza Rezvani, Tahereh Sadeghloo, Hasanali Farajisabokbar, Abdorreza Eftekhri,
Volume 2, Issue 3 (6-2013)
Abstract

Marketing of agricultural products is being considered as one of the most fundamental and important measures for development in rural environments. As such, the identification of responsible factors for marketing of perishable products namely dairy products could facilitate marketing process and as a result diminish the associated problems in local communities. The identification of responsible and influential measures as well as the adjustment of their spatial distribution ,taking into account the temporal constraints and the nature of the products at different stages with regard to both traditional and semi modern producers is a very determinant action . This in turn is associated with time-costs losses issue, cutting the hands of the mediators, decrease in shipping costs in relation to distance decay function, increase in profits and enhancement of economic growth in rural areas. Therefore, the exact determination of responsible factors for facilitating dairy marketing networks as well as their spatial distribution in rural area is a prime objective of rural economic planning at different decision level. This study aims to identify the major responsible factors regarding dairy marketing networks with particular emphasis on geographic factors in Khodabandeh, Zanjan. This study is based on analyticaldescriptive method. It further supports the application of filling questionnaires by experts and analysis of variance. This study suggests that taking into account level of the analysis, functional-behavioral factor would consider as the most prominent factor regarding the dairy marketing network and its corresponding spatial distribution.

Hamed Ghadermarzi, Davood Jomeini, Alireza Jamshidi, Ramin Cheraghi,
Volume 2, Issue 3 (6-2013)
Abstract

Optimum housing situation in both rural and urban areas is being considered as one of the social-economic indicators. Application of comprehensive and descent housing planning requires the identification and determination of different relevant dimensions and aspects. Using housing indicators and indices helps to evaluate the housing status which regional planning demands. These indices, which indicate both qualitative and quantitative aspects of housing, would be an effective guide regarding housing planning. This study aims to evaluate and investigate the rural housing status in Kermanshah using housing indicators .The research method is based on documentary as well as analytical one .Relevant data obtained from 1385- population survey. This study supports the application of 34 indicators and indices. The analysis of this study further requires the application of spss and topsis techniques .It further demands clustering technique as well as Arc-Gis. This study suggests that there exist three homogeneous clusters. Kangavar and Harseen stand at the top as opposed to Dalahoo, Eslamabade- Qarb, Paveh, Ravansar, Gilan-e- Qarb and Javanrood which rank the lowest accordingly.

Ali Shams-Aldini, Javad Etaat, Human Shahrivar,
Volume 2, Issue 5 (12-2013)
Abstract

Rural tendency toward continual participation of rural settlers in social, economic and political activities is being considered as one of the most prominent factor in rural development .However, it is being argued that political participation of people namely rural settlers does not necessarily lead to high level of awareness and overall and comprehensive social and economic development of subsistence communities.Rather,it may provide the ground for demanding their economic and service share and subsequent struggles and internal disputes. In Mamasani region located in Fars province,criteria with regard to peoples participation is not based on an open society rather, political participation principle follows the tribal expectation. This study aims to analyze the political participation trend of the rural settlers taking into account their tribal identity, in provision of economic and social services in rural communities. As such, 90 rural households extracted out of 4 villages with population over 1000 as sample. This paper considered the level of rural participation in national election as well as the determination of relationship between tribal identities of the house of representative with level of provided services in their rural communities. This study suggests that people who took part in election voted for nominees who have high tribal identity. Moreover, provision of services and welfare in villages is highly associated with representative’s identity and his tribal affiliation.

Mojtaba Ghadirimasoum, Mehdi Cheraghi, Nasrin Kazemi, Zohreh Zaree,
Volume 3, Issue 7 (6-2014)
Abstract

Entrepreneurial activities in rural areas in spite of existence of appropriate and varied situation have not been institutionalized yet. It is argued that varied restrictions and barriers forced entrepreneurs to leave the rural areas. This paper aims to investigate the most important barriers regarding entrepreneurial activities in rural areas of Zanjan. From purpose stand point the research method has applied nature. It is followed by field work as well as descriptive-analytical method. The statistical society composed of rural households of Ghani Baglo district. According to ١٣٩٠ census it is associated with ٣٣ villages, ٢٣٣٠ households and population of ٩٨٤٣. ١٩٥ households out of ١٢ villages were drawn. Data gathering technique is based on documentary as well as questionnaire. Data analysis is supported by principle component analysis. This study suggests that economic, individual, structural factors are capable of explaining ١٣.٦٤ % of the variations and are considered as the most prominent barriers regarding rural entrepreneurial activities. However, low place adherence, lack of job opportunities, insufficient capital, low job risk and change in jobs are among other rural entrepreneurial restrictions.

Mojtba Ghadiri Masoum, Mohammad Salmani, Seyed Ali Badri, Hassan Ali Faraji Sabokbar, Ali Ghanbari Nasab,
Volume 3, Issue 9 (11-2014)
Abstract

Introduction:
Rural regions have experienced varied changes and social and economic reconstruction during last three decades. There exists great tendency toward functional integration between villages and cities due to increase in mobility, improvement in communication information as well as rural services. This in turn, resulted in the expansion of urban function including construction mass housing units, production, services, recreations and tourism activities in these regions. These functional changes case conversion in the nature of rural areas based on agricultural production, into consumption-orientation center. This new entities are non-homogeneous. This situation is influenced by many factors including physical conditions such as geographic location, isolation, and characteristics, climatic and sometimes human differences responsible for rural economic and social variations. Taking into account these variations and nonhomogeneities in rural area, efficient and optimum development plans are nonexistence. Increase in urban-ruralization around Tehran metropolitan has led to major physical, economic, social and cultural consequences. Lack of identification of the major relevant roots and sources has led to expansion of these negative consequences to other identical places. This in turn, demands the identification of the responsible factors and its change processes and mechanisms. Thus, the identification, explanations, exploration of those laws and frame works pertaining to urban ruralization as a major topical-spatial phenomenon is highly recommended. The first step in this regard is the determination, definition and assessment of ruralization and more specifically urbanruralization. The study area is Roobat Karim located in the vicinity of Tehran metropolitan. It is followed by determination of degree of ruralization as well as majorresponsible relevant factors.
Methodology:
Taking into account the nature and the objective of the study, descriptive-analytical method was chosen. Based on theoretical foundation of the study, there exist different methods and indices regarding the identification and classification of ruralization. This study concentrates on two dimensions including village’s functions and population and its growth during 1976-2011. It is followed by application of PROMETHEE multi indices decision making method in order to determine village’s functional status through emphasis on agricultural activities. This study further demands hierarchical clustering technique for classification of the villages. Finally, Clack ruralization indices as well as field survey were applied for determination of the village type in this regard. Furthermore, with respect to those villages which urban ruralization occurred, qualitative method of base theory that is Grounded theory was applied in order to identify the responsible factors. At first step interview with rural key official persons and with those with long history of residency (31) was implemented in order to find the casual conditions pertaining to formation and expansion of urban ruralization phenomena. In the second step, taking into account the methodology of the base theory, open coding was done. Regarding this step those relevant raw data were both labeled and conceptualized. Following, the second and third steps sub-classes are divided into broad concepts and those were divided into nodal concepts.
Conclusion:
This study concludes that based on application of base theory in 8 villages, many factors including life desirability comparing with place of birth and adjacent settlements, lack of special costs, inexpensive business, lack of cultural barriers, variation in job opportunities, existence of different rents, economic and political structures are among some of the influential factors regarding urban-ruralization phenomena. It is furtherargued that income and saving level, the nature of center-periphery theory, capital accumulation system, discrimination with respect to poverty issue, imbalanced distribution of power, wealth, income and access to job opportunities are other determinant factors as well. Incapacity with respect to attraction of external capitals for creation of job opportunities, shortage of complementary jobs to combat seasoned unemployment, lack of potential for absorbing educated and well equipped social capital, lack of technical and vocational training related to appropriate agricultural technology, shortages of ample suitable agricultural lands and lack of knowledge of environmental conservation are among other responsible variables in this regard. Moreover, lack of appropriate and efficient agricultural market systems as well as cooperation’s and ware houses, need for government and other institutions supports, incapability in formation of industrial clusters, lack of tendency regarding economic background good for villages, management, the formation of two different construction types, land price and its relevant speculation, property rent, lack of effective control upon rural physical development, economic household participation and lack of social responsibility and self-reliance and easy accessibility to Tehran metropolitan all are responsible regarding degree of ruralization of Roobat Karim.

Behzad Adeli, Hamid Reza Moradi, Marzieh Keshavarz, Hamid Amirnejad,
Volume 3, Issue 9 (11-2014)
Abstract

Introduction:
Draught is being considered as a climatic reality in arid and semi-arid regions such as Iran. Drought is capable of generating drastic impacts over water and soil resources, vegetation, animals and human beings. Water is a prominent factor as far as agricultural product is concerned specially in arid zones. Draught and its impact on water resources will bear unpleasant consequences namely for rural settlers whose livelihood depend on agricultural pursuit.it is argued that draught will lead to set of complicated environmental, economic and social impacts. Taking into account the frequency of its occurrence, extent and complexity it demands more attention regarding the identification of its impacts. There is not a rigid agreement regarding the definition of this phenomenon. This in turn will lead to some complexities with respect to the assessment of draught. There exist different measures for simulation of rainfalls, water surface run offs as well as other water resources. This helps to come up with clear images of climatic and hydrological draught. There exist different indices for measuring rainfall deviation from average including SPI and SDI. Lack of sufficient knowledge’s and understanding with respect to impacts is being considered as other complexity regarding the inter partition of draught. In spite of high occurrence and the great magnitude of draught, little attention paid to explanation of its impacts. According to the relevant statistics 22 % of economic damages resulted from natural hazard is associated with draught. 33 % of people are being affected by draught. In the countries based on agriculture economy, impact of draught could be evidenced by low surface water supply and underground waters. This in turn, is responsible for reduction in water supply as well as water quality, low level of crops production, productivity, and crisis regarding food an increase in livestock death. On the other hand, drought impacts could exemplify it in economic, social and environmental impacts including decrease in household incomes, reduction in substitute income resources, and increase in both hours and volume work, conflict regarding water utilization, food deficiencies, malnutrition, low level of health, and accessibility to sanitation services, low education possibilities, unequal access to financial supports. Moreover, increase in rural migration, lack of power, low life quality, destruction of natural habitats, low productivity of forests and pastures, increase in temperature as well as evaporation, low soil productivity, reduction in water resources, pollution, increase in fire incidence are among other impacts. Variation in spatial and temporal scale of its draught turns it into a very unique phenomenon. It is argued that draught impacts are result of natural interaction (low rainfall) and the way respondents respond. Most of draught studies predominantly are concentrated at national level. However, well documented information regarding draught impacts is nonexistence. This study aims to investigate draught impacts and its influential responsible factors at rural household level.
Methodology:
The research method is based on descriptive-analytical method. Needed data were obtained through survey in Dodangeh Behbahan. It is located in north-western part of Behbahan. Statistical society includes all of peasant households reside in village with 20 and over households (2865). Cochran formula was used in order to determine the sample size. This led to extraction of 339 peasants which were interviewed. Its viability was determined using relevant expert’s viewpoints. This study further demands application of standard rainfall indices in order to determine the magnitude and continuity of climatic and hydrologic draughts.
Conclusion:
Current wide spread and server drought exerted considerable damage in Dodangeh rural economy. Efforts toward mitigation of economic impacts of draught require the identification of characteristics of this phenomenon. This study suggests that the assessment and evaluation of intensity and continuity of draught would well be done through application of standard rainfall and surface run offs. It further indicates that drought as a complex phenomenon is capable of increasing the vulnerability of the rural households. Certain economic impacts of draught are unexpected. Contrary to other draught studies results, agricultural lands have not been shirked. This has something to do with lack of due information regarding moisture status. The identification of draught risk is prerequisite for mitigation of farmer’s vulnerabilities. This in turn demands the application of sound and influential drought management based on information and relevant knowledge. In as much as agriculture is the most prominent livelihood in the region thus providing non-agricultural occupations help to reduce the level of vulnerability. Therefore, policies and measures for generating non-agricultural jobs in regions with high subjectivity to draught are highly recommended. According to the finding of this study, selling livestock’s and agricultural land are among some strategies for combating against draught taken by farmers. It is recommended that vulnerability of farmers, long run impacts and management issue all need to be considered. Moreover, improvement in extension services through provision of computable mechanism suited with draught condition assists mitigation of draught unpleasant impacts based on regression analysis, the amount of farmers debts, financial ability, age and households expenditure are the major variables as far as households vulnerability to draught is concerned. Furthermore, provision of financial and social support system is highly suggested.

Hamed Ghadermarzi,
Volume 4, Issue 11 (5-2015)
Abstract

Introduction:
Many scholars believe that the creation of job opportunities is being considered as an important prerequisite for development and growth namely in developing countries. Lack of attention to this make societies step in eroding phase rather than thriving one. This in turn will lead to expansion of poverty. It is argued that achievement of sustainable development could be done through creation of employment in different sectors more specifically industrial and service ones. Based on corresponding statistics Javanrood with unemployment rate of 42.8%, 49.3% and 46.9% in 1375, 1385 and 1390 respectively rank the highest compared with 14 cities located in Kermanshah. This study aims to identify deprived rural areas using combination of different criteria and yardsticks. The authors believe that taking into consideration economic, social and environmental capabilities of the study area; one could propose an appropriate and applied strategy with regard to employment.
Research method:
This study based on its nature and objectives possesses applied, descriptive and analytical characters. It deals with documentary as well as survey technique regarding data gathering. The study area is basically composed of 89 villages out of which 57 over 20 households were studied. At first, these villages were prioritized based on chosen indicators and yardsticks corresponding to employment, using TOPSIS technique. Weighing of seven indicators was done by Shannon entropy based on data reference computation. Second phase followed by clustering and grouping the villages into different levels from prosperous to very deprived ones. Clustering analysis and TOPSIS technique led to creation of four groups. Identification of villages based on the level of deprivation and consideration of their capabilities demand preparation of expert questionnaire. This was based on liker five spectrum with level very high (5), high (4), medium (3), low (2) and very low (1). As such 30 questionnaires were compiled. SWOT was applied for proposing appropriate strategy regarding creation of employment in deprived villages.
Discussion and Concluding:
Provision of appropriate job opportunities in accordance with active population’s interests and potentials is being considered as the prime element and component of development. However, many of this active group did not get a chance to have any job or appropriate one. There exists noticeable difference in terms of unemployment rate in the regions. According to the statistics ,Kermanshah ranks among top five in terms of unemployment rate between 1375 90 .Javanrood possesses the highest rate compared with 14 other cities in Kermanshah. This well justified the degree of discrimination level of Javanrood against job offers during past decades. This demands extra attention regarding employment status. This study suggests that there exist a drastic gap with respect to employment indicators among different villages. As such employment coefficient corresponding to Khil-Fataki-Kan village as the most prosperous village is 10 times bigger than Bita-shush village as the most deprived one. One could conclude that some of the villages compared with the others experience some degree of depravation in terms of employment. Based on clustering analysis, Chaman-zar Olya, Dehtout Sofla, Sarab Barhed Zanjir Olya, Guyleh, Chaman-zar Sofla, Bioleh, Kalash Hush, Kulese, Duleta, Ziran, Saroukhan, Kalash ghoo, Kani Gohar, Mazrae Kachal abad, Aliabad Kohne, Sarabs, Ghalaji, Bivand olya, Bivand Sofla, Mele rush, Zilan, Shurineh, Bani Lavan, Sarrood Sofla and Biashush are considered as very deprived villages in terms of employment coefficient. From job opportunities standpoint they are in critical stage. This study further suggests that despite of existence of 25 deprived villages, there exist some opportunities and strengths. These opportunities and strengths well override some existing threats and weaknesses. Based on SWOT analysis competitive – aggressive strategy (so) in which prime emphasis is on internal strengths as well as external threats would be considered as the most appropriate strategy regarding employment in deprived villages of Javanrood. In order to create Job opportunities taking into consideration geographic, economic, social and environmental conditions, the following suggestions are recommended:
- To maintain good relationship with Iraq as a prime destination for exporting food and livestock products.
- Expansion of border markets and makes them accessible for rural settlers.
- Developing ranching livestock activates in the region taking into account appropriate physical condition, ample water resources as well as rich pasture.
- The development of labor – oriented activities including processing and complementary industries and mining activates.
- Encouraging both private and government sectors to invest in rural areas more specifically those located next to border.
- Improvement of roads and routes conditions in order to increase the accessibility of rural settlers to border markets.
Mohamad Hossain Yazdani, Afshar Seyedeyn, Rasoul Tayefe Eisa Khajeloo,
Volume 4, Issue 13 (11-2015)
Abstract

Introduction
Regional development is one of those issues that have attracted lots of attentions by program-makers, especially the regional ones. A study on various levels of the major criterions including those of economic, social, cultural and health, particularly at regional level, is useful to determine the position of different regions, as it requires special considerations in regional level as well as determining conditions of national adaptation and conformity. So, as a country with various levels of development in different provinces, the rate of development of the cities and areas within a province cannot be the same. It may sometimes happen that due to the heterogeneous spatial distribution of development resources and different factors of economic, social and natural areas in rural districts of a province we cannot find any proper process of development. It seems that in the province of Ardabil, inequality and imbalances in optimal distribution of resources has caused the problem of concentration of facilities and services in the city dominated area that will consequently lead to the divergence and development gap among different regions. This is despite the fact that a little number of researches has done to determine the level of development of rural districts using different models and their integration as well as using the latest census results.
Methodology
This paper presents a practical article using descriptive analytical method. In order to collect basic information on the topic of different documentary methods based on library have been used. By documentaries methods collected theoretical principles related to the subject of the research and indexes. In this regard, due to the confronting limitations, we relied on to the determination of 13 indicators and variables in the field of infrastructure development. After collecting and processing information and required data in Excel, development levels of villages was calculated by means of multi-criteria decision making methods of TOPSIS, VIKOR, SAW and composite index of human development (HDI). In the following investigations done, Kapland method was used to achieve a consensus for the classification of rural districts. Finally, the results were illustrated in the form of maps using GIS to enable better analysis of spatial development in the province.
Discussion and conclusion
The study and comparison of rural districts in various aspects of economic, cultural, physical and spatial can significantly help Planners and policy makers in villages to take the right steps in the process of decision making and implementation of appropriate programs to provide them as many chances as possible to reduce regional inequalities. It is noteworthy that, currently, there are several statistical and cartographic methods of micro and macro ranking of rural districts providing different results as outputs. Thus, using new methods, comparing them with each other and choosing the best one is a matter of particular importance. In this study, after examining rural districts of Ardabil Province in terms of its underlying indicators, the following results were obtained. Results from ranking of rural districts in terms of different levels indicate that we should make a cautious use of multi-criteria decision-making methods (MCDM). The mere use of one or more quantitative model cannot reveal the reality of a society. Because, as we have already seen, TOPSIS, VIKOR, SAW, and HDI model have presented different results. For example, the highest level of development in TOPSIS model is dedicated to the rural districts of Mahmudabad, South Vilkij and Palnga. While in other models the highest level of development belongs to (rural districts of Kalkhoran, Eastern Angot and down Brznd in VIKOR), (rural districts of Eastern, southern and western Kishlak in HDI), (rural districts of Eastern Kalkhoran, and Eastern Khandbyl in SAW). Furthermore, using these four models showed different results in final ratings. As, the lowest level of development belongs to (the rural districts of Sabalan, Western Angot and down Brznd in TOPSIS), (the rural districts of Plnga, Kishlak Reza Qoli and low Brznd in VILOR), (the rural eastern districts of Minabad and Kalkhoran in HDI) and (the rural districts of western, eastern and southern Kishlak in SAW). It should be mentioned that the rural district of down Brznd has occupied the final ranking place just in the two models of TOPSIS and VIKOR. Eventually, by the use of the composite model of kapland we have resolved the problem and achieve a final ranking. Results from this model indicate that rural districts of Southern Senjed, Central Arshagh, and Eastern Angot have the highest and Arjestan, Alvarus, and Sabalan have the lowest level of development.

Aliakbar Anabestani, Mehdi Javanshiri,
Volume 4, Issue 14 (2-2016)
Abstract

Introduction
Regarding the fact that economic activities, in particular, and resources and facilities, in general, are poorly concentrated in terms of spatial distribution, every area requires a particular program corresponding to its specific conditions. In this way, before doing everything we need to identify the past and present situation of different regions based on appropriate scientific methods. The inequality between urban and rural areas is mostly originated from the insufficient knowledge of policies applied in these areas as well as policies taken to evaluate the impact of programs on different economic variables including employment. In this article we are trying to recognize deprived and non-deprived areas to help us study current status of employment in rural areas and making a relative balance between all parts of the country. In fact we are going to find the answers to the questions that: What are some comparative advantages of economic activity in rural areas? What is Gini coefficient of economic activities in rural areas than in the country? According to the comparative advantages of employment in the major occupational groups, how can we put different provinces in order?
Methodology
The aim of this article is to examine comparative advantages of rural areas in different provinces for every major economic area and evaluating the amount of regional balance in every economic section. This is an applied study accomplished by the use of descriptive- analytical method. Required data has been taken from the census of 1385 and 1390 in Statistical Center of Iran. Along with data processing and classification, employment status of major occupational groups in rural areas has been accounted using Lorenz curve and the Gini coefficient through Excel software. Moreover, geographical maps of comparative advantage of a variety of major occupational groups were drawn in ARC GIS software. Finally, rural population of different provinces was ranked based on different groups of economic activities, through the models of Standard factor, Topsis, factor analysis and clustering. The followings major occupational groups have been selected as Indicators for determining comparative advantage and regional balance to calculate the amount of employment in the provinces and rural areas.
Discussion and conclusion
We have selected 85 and 90 series as samples for the spatial analysis of the employment status in rural areas. Then, we have tried some working indicators on this group and analyzed its results. Results include some spatial patterns of working indicators in rural areas of Iran. In other words, it shows that almost in all major occupational parts of the country, there is no regional balance in the distribution of working population in rural areas: This type of inequality is more observable in the two sections of "Hospitality and catering" and "Real estate, renting and business activities "."Agriculture" is the only section containing comparative balance within different provinces.
Comparing Gini coefficient of rural population to the total number of employers of different provinces in major occupational groups, it is understood that this indicator exceeds its total number in rural areas and it's still increasing. Only in "agriculture" sector of rural areas Gini coefficient is less than its total which implies giving less attention to rural areas of the country and poor investment in rural areas comparing to the rate of investment in the entire provinces over the recent years.
Studying comparative advantages of different provinces in major occupational groups in rural population reveals the fact that there is a relatively observable advantage in 8 parts of Tehran province. After Tehran, there are the two provinces of Mazandaran and Kermanshah in 5 and 4 parts, respectively, and then Yazd, Booshehr, and Kohgilouye and Boyer-Ahmed in 3 parts of highly comparative advantages.
Among the entire provinces, Tehran and Booshehr contains the least amount of comparative advantage of employment only in "agriculture" sector.
Some provinces including Kerman in all its occupational groups, Sistan- Baloochestan in 8 parts, Kordestan in 5 parts, and Lorestan in 4 major occupational parts are among the deprived provinces in terms of job creation in major occupational groups.
 Based on the results of the study, despite of lots of experimental and theoretical studies on geographical distribution of unemployment and regional employment which have been recently doing by researchers, there is still some regional inequalities. It can be deduced that Gini coefficient in rural areas has been rising from 1385 to 1390. In fact, regional differences of job creation are increasing in rural areas. Studying comparative advantages of major occupational groups in rural district of Tehran, Booshehr, Yazd, Esfahan, Khorasan-Razavi, Fars, Mazandaran, and Gilan shows observable comparative advantage of employment in these areas. Although, there is an inappropriate condition of employment in some provinces including Sistan-Baloochestan, Hormozgan, and Kohgilouye Boyer-Ahmed.

Tahereh Sadeghloo, Hamdollah Sojasi Ghidari, Vahid Riahi,
Volume 5, Issue 15 (5-2016)
Abstract

Introduction
Rural industrialization has been greatly discussed by researchers in recent studies of rural planning and development. It is due to its positive effects of economic, social and infrastructural factors. Moreover, researches are looking for ways to analyzed approaches to reduce harmful environmental impacts of industrial projects, as destructive life factors of geographical territory, in rural areas. For example, according to Misra and Chyvta (1990); rural industrialization and the prevalence of non-agricultural activities can seriously affect the increase of social welfare and providing essential goods and services for rural households. Experiences by several countries prove the fact that every structural change that happens because of industrialization, not only has an important economic role in rural areas, but also led to self-repulsive economy, as well. In addition to studying positive economic, social and physical aspects, it is needed to do some preparatory studies on negative eco-environmental effects of rural industrialization for proper siting of such industries to reduce its harmful eco-environmental and human effects and improve spatial planning.
In this study, we have used a new approach to investigate rural industrialization and the
establishment of large mining – extractive industries in rural areas. Todays, thanks to villages forming a wide range of local-spatial area of the country, they have rich mineral resources in their geographical territory which their extraction may cause economic-infrastructure effects as well as other negative eco-environmental effects such as the changing use of agricultural land, soil and water pollution, vegetation loss, and landscape change over time. Two main questions of the research are 1) In terms of sustainability, how is the economic, social and environmental status of surrounding villages of Zanjan cement plant? 2) How is the current situation of ecoenvironmental effects of minning- extractive industry of Zanjan cement factory on surrounding rural areas, according to ICOLD,and Prometea techniques.
Methodology
This study is an analytical explanation using library and field study. Field data have been collected by questionnaires after the identification of variables. Then, the required data have been collected in the intended study area. Samples have been managed in two different social levels: 36 people from local experts (Council and village head assistants) using census method for ICOLD matrices, and 295 individuals from the head of the households selected among local people of villages to assess eco-environmental effects of using Prometea multivariate technique in villages by the use of Cochran formula of Alpha= 0.05. The already designed questionnaires have been modified in ICOLD matrices covering several factors of physio-chemical, biological, socio-economic, and cultural infrastructure environments that include 41sub criteria, totally. Collected data have been finally analyzed by ICOLD environmental assessment method and Promote multivariate techniques.
Discussion and conclusion
One of the new challenges facing rural planning when it is getting applied, is the presence of two viewpoints: environmentalism, and rural industrialization. Villages are accumulation points of environmental resources that, according to the theory of Sustainable Development, it is essential to protect them. In addition, we aim at diversifying economic sector by supporting rural industrial projects. Integration of the two approaches needs the evaluation of environmental effects of industrial activities to help moderate the intensity of environmental effects of industrial projects in rural areas. In this research, we are intended to study industrial mining extractive project of Zanjan cement factory, located and operated in a rural district, to analyze its eco-environmental effects on rural areas. Results from ICOLD demonstrates that its eco-environmental effects vary by distance, i.e., the nearer the villages are, the more they will be threatened by these effects, or vice versa.
Results from promote technic confirm the same. Since, villages in disturbed areas within the distance of less than 5 kilometers from the factory or less than 1 kilometer from the communication route to raw stone mining site, show the highest level of eco-environmental instability. These villages include; Majid Abad (rated at 81%), Zarand (rated as 73%) and Mazidabad (rated at 67%), respectively. These villages are close to the factory and to the passage of vehicles carrying raw stone. Much of the physical area of the factory is located in agricultural land of two villages of Majid Abad and Mazidabad. Moreover, wind direction of the area mostly causes much of the pollution from factory dust distributes in other agricultural areas of MajidAbad. Another village which its eco-environment has been recently affected is Zarand, located in a foothill area near to the raw stone mining site. Dust from loading raw stones, noise pollution caused by the breakage of the rock, animals and wildlife breaking out of the area, and destruction of crops and plants are among the major environmental damage in this area. Thus, we suggest to reduce environmental pollution from factories in rural areas by reviewing some ways of factory activities such as transportation of raw materials, methods used for the extraction of raw stones, development of appropriate transport infrastructures, installation of air pollution controlling systems, increase in the plantation of more green spaces within the margins of the factory, good management of wastewater and their disposal system.

Marzieh Keshavarz,
Volume 9, Issue 34 (2-2021)
Abstract

Introduction
For decades, various policy initiatives have been planned to achieve food security. However, the number of malnourished people is growing, especially in rural areas of developing countries. Due to the increase of extreme weather events, such as droughts, and significant depletion of water resources, achieving food security is not an easy task. Therefore, an investigation of rural households’ food security in drought prone areas is of great concern. On the other hand, it has been estimated that at least one third of the produced food would be wasted and half of the food waste originates at household level. However, considerable gaps exist in our understanding of how drought incidents affect the food waste management behaviors of farm families. Thus, addressing the factors influencing household’ food waste reduction efforts is crucial.
 
Methodology
In order to investigate food security and food waste control pattern of the farm families under drought a survey study was implemented on eastern regions of Fars province (i.e.
Kherameh County). Kherameh has suffered from 9 continuous years of meteorological and hydrological droughts. Farm families of Kherameh County were the target population. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select a sample of families who suffered from drought. The formula of Scheaffer et al. (2012) was used to determine the sample size (n= 219). Food security questionnaire which was developed by the United States Department of Agriculture was applied to investigate food security of farm families under drought. Also, household-level food waste questionnaire (van Harpen et al., 2016) was used to assess food waste behaviors of farm families during drought. Moreover, a questionnaire was developed to explore the main determinants of food security and food waste control under drought. Its face validity was confirmed by panel of experts. A pilot study was also conducted to evaluate the instrument.
 
Result and discussion
The findings revealed four different food security groups including 1) food secure (24.6%), 2) food insecure without hunger (22.9%), 3) food insecure with moderate hunger (23.7%) and 4) food insecure with extreme hunger (28.8%). The regression analysis was conducted to determine drivers of food security under drought. The results indicated that the specified variables explained 62% of the total variance in food security. The standardized regression coefficients illustrated that income was the main predictor of farm families’ food security. Families with higher income loss had more problems ensuring food security than the smaller ones. The results indicated that crop yield played an important role in determining food security. It suggested that farm families who experienced crop yield loss consumed lower amounts of food than usual. On the basis of the findings, food prices had a significant effect on food security of farm families. This implies that the cost of food was the major constraint and the majority of food insecure families had to lessen their food quantity and quality at a survival level. The results revealed that employment ratio, water scarcity and financial capital had important influences on food security, too.
The findings illustrated that drought stimulated food waste control. So that, food insecure families with moderate and extreme hunger had significantly reduced their food wastes. Moreover, food waste was significantly related to bread, rice, fresh vegetables and fresh fruit. This is while dairy and meat products’ waste were negligible. Analysis of the Bayesian network and partial least squares (PLS) path model illustrated that attitude exerted the maximum influence on the food waste control. Previous studies confirmed a positive effect of attitude on the food waste control behavior. The results revealed that income was negatively associated with food waste control behavior. Farm families who attempted to develop off-farm income sources and those who earned more money from agriculture were less likely to reduce food waste. Moreover, food waste control of farm families was significantly influenced by perceived food accessibility. This implies that higher access to food supply centers reduces the probability of food waste management. Also, findings illustrated that perceived food quality was associated with food waste control behavior. This shows that food quality was believed to be effective in reducing the food wastes. The results revealed that water scarcity, food prices and knowledge were associated with food waste control behavior, too. Overall, the model explained 34% of the variance in food waste control.
To ensure food security and minimize food waste under drought conditions, development of climate smart agriculture that allow increasing food production while using fewer water resources, promoting drought-risk reduction solutions and knowledge and information systems, and enhancing social, financial and human capitals are imperative. 

Zahra Sharifinia,
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.

Eqbal Vahdani, , Farideh Asadian,
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.

Mojtaba Ghadiri Masom, Mohammad Amin Khorasani, Zahra Torkashvand, Shima Amidi,
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.

Neda Bani Asdi, Davood Samari, Seyed Jamal Farajullah Hosseini, Maryam Omidi Najafabadi,
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.

Somayeh Ashouri Moridani, Mohammad Baset Ghoreyshi, Issa Pourramzan,
Volume 10, Issue 37 (12-2021)
Abstract

Introduction
The limited financial capital in villages and the distance between rural production units and the policy of urban financial institutions have caused the lack of financial resources for villagers.  It should be noted that the low returns of both labor and capital factors has reduced the incentive for financial institutions to invest in agriculture, industry and services. In order to overcome this problem, one of the solutions within the framework of rural development policies is to provide micro-credits. This mechanism, which can eliminate the major problems of the rural economic system, has been widely appreciated in the last decade. Being so successful to a great extent, the United Nations named 2005 the Year of Micro credit.
The various capabilities of Masal County in Gilan Province have caused managers to seek financial funding from the government for various economic, physical and social sectors of villages to reduce rural poverty and boost local productivity. To this end, the credits were granted from the Agricultural Jahad Organization for agriculture (agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry) and the banks for tourism and handicrafts to the villagers.
 
Methodology
According to the purpose, nature and method, this study is considered as an applied and descriptive-analytical research, respectively. A descriptive method was used to identify the current situation in rural areas of Masal County. In this way, the agricultural land capability and the quantitative and qualitative status of agricultural inputs were identified. Documentary research and field studies were used to collect the required data. In the next step, these descriptive findings were evaluated to analyze the role of financial credits in creating agricultural developments using statistical analysis. The statistical population of the study consists of villagers living in rural areas of Masal County. According to the census of the Statistics Center of Iran in 2016, Masal has 94 inhabited villages with 9380 households and 29019 people and 14 uninhabited villages, which includes 55.1% of the total population of Masal County. 15 sample villages were selected, which include 2406 households. Using Cochran's formula, we determine 331 households as the sample size to complete the questionnaire.
 
Discussion and conclusion
63% of the total respondents received loans and financial credits in the agricultural sector. 37.8% of them admitted that the role of these credits in guiding the villagers towards new cultivation methods was moderate. 33.5% believe that the share of financial credits in increasing rural agricultural production has been between 11% and 19%. In other words, we can say: 58.9% of the respondents who used the received credits in the agricultural sector presume the effectiveness of the credits to be less than 20%.
After evaluating and analyzing each of the components related to financial credits for the agricultural developments, each item for the components was scored. The weighted mean of the items shows that the item "role of financial credits in creating new and high-yield crops" with an average of 3.98 in the first place, the item "willingness of villagers to reuse financial credits in the agricultural sector" with an average of 3.72 in the second place, and the item "The effect of financial credits on bringing villagers to provide advanced equipment, tools and machinery in increasing land productivity" with an average of 2.86 is in third place.
Based on this we can say: Granting financial credits to farming villagers has made them more capable of carrying out economic activities in the agricultural sector. By providing suitable inputs such as seeds, seedlings, fertilizers, pesticides, as well as improving agricultural and horticultural lands, and using advanced tools and equipment, they were able to increase the efficiency of their lands. In some cases, they were able to exploit bare lands, and help increase the land use.  After increasing production and the improvement of the living conditions of the villagers, the service sector has greatly decreased. Based on this we can say: Financial credits have been able to bring about changes in the agricultural sector in rural areas of Masal County. Thus, they have a positive effect on them.

Asiey Ghorbani , Milad Joudi Damirchi, Naser Motiei,
Volume 11, Issue 39 (5-2022)
Abstract

Introduction
The first step in spatial planning is the recognition of the environment and its latent capabilities. However, planning for development, especially rural development, should be based on a real understanding of the potential and talents of rural areas. Evidently, a major factor implicated in the failure of rural development planning is the negligence of the environment; indeed, any geographical space has its own potential, capabilities, and facilities for development. Human communities cannot survive apart from economic, social, and physical factors and depend on nature, especially the environment, to meet their basic needs.

Methodology
The research was an applied, non-experimental, library, and document based study with a quantitative paradigm. The statistical population was composed of rural areas in Isfahan Province of Iran. The study was conducted at the county level so that 24 counties in Isfahan Province were investigated in terms of rural economic development. The research had two sets of variables.  a dependent variable, i.e., rural economic development, and independent variables including human resources development, access to infrastructural factors, and environmental capability, which were all quantitative. The data were both quantitative and imagery, collected by the library and document method. The ecological capability section was analyzed by Dr. Makhtoum’s multi-factor evaluation method. The criteria of the ecological capability were assigned with weights using the pairwise comparison technique of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Then, the criteria were integrated using the weighted linear combination method. Ultimately, the final fuzzy map was classified based on the mean and standard deviation (SD) of the value of its pixels in the ENVI5.1 software package. The aggregated index calculation method was employed to estimate other parameters including rural economic development, human resources development, and access to infrastructural factors. Eventually, the multivariate regression method was applied to explore the effect of independent variables on rural economic development. The software packages used in the research included SPSS and MS-excel for statistical analyses and the calculation of aggregated indices, Super Decisions for assigning weights to the environmental capability criteria by the pairwise comparison technique, ENVI5.1 for standardizing information layers of the criteria and categorizing land-uses based on the mean and SD of the pixel values, ArgGIS 10.1 for aggregating and preparing information layers, estimating the areas of each section, and producing the output maps, and SHAZAM for performing the regression analysis and testing the estimator hypotheses of ordinary least squares (OLS).

Discussion and Conclusion
According to the results, Isfahan County had the highest and Semirom County had the lowest rate of economic development in their rural areas. Naeen and Dehaqn Counties showed the highest and lowest levels of human resources development, respectively. The highest and lowest access to the infrastructural factors were related to the counties of Khomeynishahr and Semirom, respectively and Chadegan and Khour-va-Biabanak Counties had the highest and lowest ecological capabilities, respectively. A closer look at the results revealed that although some counties such as Chadegan, Bueen Miyandasht, and Semirom had high ecological potential; however, they were at the lowest level of the economic development of rural areas. In contrast, counties like Isfahan, Ardestan, Aran-va-Bidgol, and Naeen with weaker ecological capabilities were at higher levels of economic development in their rural areas.
Based on the analysis of the effect of variables on economic development with multivariate regression, the coefficient of determination (R2) was estimated at 0.806 for the model. The statistic shows that 80.6% of the variance in rural economic development is accounted for by three variables of ecological capability, human resources development, and infrastructural factors and 19.4% is related to other factors not included in the model. The results of the regression analysis show that the relative importance or effectiveness of the ecological capability is 0.23 whereas the relative importance of the access to infrastructural factors is 0.65 and the relative importance of the human resources development is 0.35. According to the results, rural economic development in Isfahan province is mainly affected by the variable of access to infrastructural factors and least affected by ecological capability. This is an unexpected result because the rural economy is based on ecological resources and capability since most of the people in the rural areas are employed in agriculture and related activities. Also, the results showed that the variances in the three independent variables are not consistent, reflecting the fact that the policies adopted by development planners have not distributed infrastructure endowments in accordance with environmental potential. If they were distributed proportionally, regions with higher environmental capability should have had more infrastructural facilities. Therefore, infrastructure development and credit distribution are influenced by factors other than environmental potential.
In general, if capabilities and facilities are considered for rural economic development, it will be possible to realize economic development in villages and achieve an optimal level of economic development in these areas. It is, therefore, necessary to adopt policies and strategies for rural development that are consistent with environmental potential.

 

Akram Ghanbari, Abdul Reza Rahmani Fazli, Farhad Azizpour,
Volume 11, Issue 39 (5-2022)
Abstract

Introduction
Today, in order to achieve sustainable rural development as well as optimization of local advantages, identifying the factors affecting the utilization of geographical advantages are essential. The villages of the country today are more than ever influenced by the political, economic, social and cultural conditions of their systems as external factors influencing the development of rural settlements. These are factors such as inappropriate government policies at all levels of planning, legislation, management and implementation, bias towards urban areas and large industries, lack of independent civil society organizations, fostering the transformation of villages into cities and so on. Moreover, the internal obstacles of rural communities are such as: low level of awareness of rural stakeholders on their internal and socio-economic capacities, restrictive norms, low power of transformation, and low the power of risk, overcoming traditional approaches to harnessing the potential of rural areas, and the uncertainty and trust between rural communities towards new perspectives and patterns, etc. Both factors are the reasons for neglecting rural areas and lack of  proper operation of the capacity and potential in this area. Rural settlements in Khorramabad county have not seen much growth and are facing instability of rural settlements, despite their high potentials and capacities in the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. In this regard, the present study seeks to answer the following question: What are the factors influencing the role of geographical advantages in achieving sustainable development of rural settlements?

 Methodology
The purpose of this study was to identify the factors affecting the role of geographical advantages in achieving sustainable development in rural settlements of Khorramabad. In this regard, it is a combination (quantitative-qualitative) research method with sequential strategy and exploratory - descriptive research design. Based on this orientation and evaluation, the Q model was selected for problem recognition and analysis. The statistical population of the study is the villages of Khorramabad. The qualitative participants were expert villagers who selected 30 theoretically saturated subjects and data were collected using semi-structured interviews and semi-structured interview card tools. In the quantitative section, we chose village experts. 150 villages out of 647 villages, were selected by simple stratified sampling. Next, one rural mayor or council was selected from each village. In the Q model, Q cards were used to collect data.

Discussion and conclusion
According to rural experts, the lack of role of geographical advantages in the feasibility of sustainable rural development in the study areas is influenced by the following factors: low level of skill and familiarity with modern knowledge, dominance of conservative mindset, lack of creativity and innovation, aging population, dominance of closed cultural beliefs, low income, inflation and uneven distribution of credit resources, market system instability, poor attention to infrastructure and welfare services, rural education and promotion system failure, weak legal-institutional arrangements, lack of system Integrated program for agricultural activities commensurate with domestic and foreign markets, service weakness Production support, low level of security and weakness of processing companies.
Rural experts' perceptions of the inability of geographical advantages to achieve sustainable rural development fall into five categories: economic factors, managerial-institutional factors, socio-cultural factors, human factors, and physical factors, which are economic factors with  25%, managerial-institutional factors with 23.66%, socio-cultural factors with 23.66%, human factors with 20.23% and physical factors with 8.70% had the most influence on the lack of role of geographical advantages in the feasibility of sustainable rural development.
According to the results, meticulous planning in organizing economic, social, political, organizational and managerial and cultural constructions, utilizing the geographical advantages of rural areas is one of the most important prerequisites for achieving sustainable rural development. As a result, planners need to identify and analyze the forces and relationships that make the most of these advantages by influencing shaping forces and processes, help improve the conditions in the geographic advantage process.

 

Hadi Rasti, Faramarz Barimani, Hamid Barghi, Seyed Eskandar Saidai,
Volume 11, Issue 39 (5-2022)
Abstract

 Introduction
Many villagers depened on palm farming, in the date palm tree-growing regions of Iran. Nonetheless, the date markets are facing many challenges for some reasons such as unsanitary, lack of sales market, lack or absence of maintenance industries, long-distance from production to factory, dispersion of villages, low product prices, climate incompatibility, lack of proper access to capital, high waste and sale of low value-added products to market intermidearies. These challenges in Makkoran region, one of the country's date-growing regions, are more than other places due to climatic and environmental constraints and infrastructure deficiencies.
Date palm farming activity in Makkoran region has many problems in terms of marketing, price, exports, and required infrastructure; thus, the date product of this region are exported by middlemen often in bulk and low added value to Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates and large cities in the country.
Therefore, the present study, in response to this need, uses the actor-network theory of Latour, Callon, and Law (1986-2009), aiming to identify the processes of translating actions and the spatial relationships between actors as a theoretical lens because according to Latour view (1987) actors (human and non-human) are negotiating and translating each other's goals to make a connection. Therefore, the present study seeks to answer these questions: What actors are involved in the date market of the Makkoran region, and what are the existing and emerging spatial relationships between these actors? Is there a significant relationship between them? In translation processes which actors and spatial relations need membership, expulsion, or reform?

 Methodology
This research employed an exploratory-sequential mixed-methods research design. The statistical population is 17493 date palm farmers in Makkoran region. Sampling was performed via a purposive-probability sampling method to determine the sample size via the "data saturation" criterion in the qualitative stage, and the "representation" criterion in the quantitative stage. The sample size consisted of 111 date palm farmers and 16 related experts in the qualitative stage and 376 date palm farmers and 32 experts in the quantitative stage. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth semi-structured interviews with date palm farmers and experts, and quantitative data were obtained through a questionnaire from date palm farmers and experts. Then, based on "sequential mixed-methods analysis," qualitative data were processed and analyzed using NVIVO software, and quantitative data were processed and analyzed using SPSS software. According to Latour's argument (1987), the " translation " method made the final analysis and inference.

Discussion and conclusion
Based on research findings, sales status and the price of the date product improves from south to north of Makkoran region. Hence, situational and climatic actors play a crucial role in product sales status and price change, especially Mazafati dates in the south part of the region. These actors may force date palm farmers to harvest early (at the Kharak stage) and reduce product prices. To achieve their goals and interests, human actors (date palm farmers and governments) inevitably align with the tendencies of non-human actors (such as geographical location and climate). Also, according to local date palm cultivars, which almost all of them need refrigeration, and depending on how it is accessed, date palm farmers to the refrigerator and the capital have changed the product's price. These two actors (refrigerator and capital) and date palm farmers have faced severe challenges and obstacles in terms of sales and product prices. Hence, date palm farmers inevitably sell their produce to brokers at low and insignificant prices. Of course, this is not a one-sided situation; but with the constructive support of the government, date palm farmers can play a more constructive and effective role in raising capital and creating the necessary refrigerator. They can reduce the power of the two agents of the refrigerator and capital by changing the palm cultivars (expanding the dry cultivars without the need for a refrigerator) or selling access to the refrigerator so they can sell their product at a reasonable price. This issue causes them to be present in the date market with more power and influence.
Nevertheless, in the current situation, the alliance of these two actors with other actors (space distance, transportation technology, road location) has led to the widespread influence of traders in the date market and has weakened its functions. The capital actor has a more prominent role in this regard, As it has been able to change the tendency of most date palm farmers to use a refrigerator and, to their detriment, to ally with brokers (predominantly local and regional brokers). Of course, the non-use of cold storage is not only related to capital but also situational and climatic actors in the south region. Also, due to a lack of proper access to capital, date palm farmers inevitably accept the rate offered by brokers; Local and regional brokers, in a solid alliance with telephone and capital actors, have prevented both major traders from entering the market and dragged the refrigerator into their network. Hence they have severed or severely shaken possible and necessary links between date palms and date palm farmers with target markets.
Thus, multiple spatial relations between actors (human and non-human) exist. Meanwhile, date brokers have conquered the date market to the detriment of producers by creating a strong network of spatial relations and have found role and agency as the key actors. Often weakness and inefficiency of the main actors (palms and government) and the alliance of capital and cold storage actors with brokers have led to such a detrimental consequence; however, these spatial relations are transformed by the participation of new actors (non-native palms, cold storage, etc.).

 


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