Economy

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Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the role of networking of funds supporting the development of agricultural activities in improving the income level of rural and nomadic women entrepreneurs in Urmia County.
Methods: The statistical population of the research is rural and nomadic women who are members of the microcredit fund in Urmia County. Using the Krejci and Morgan table, 182 of them were selected as the study sample. The required data was obtained by filling out the questionnaire using random sampling method. To achieve the study's goal, according to the nature of the dependent variable, which is defined as a binary variable (one for incomes higher and zero for incomes lower than the average income of the selected sample), the logit model was used. The independent variables of the model include social, educational-promotional, organizational, supra-organizational, psychological, infrastructure and supporting, political-legal, and monitoring factors, which are proposed as networking components. Finally, after estimating the logit model using EVIWES software, the marginal effects and elasticities of each independent variable were calculated using the estimated coefficients of the model.
Results: The results obtained from estimating the logit model showed that the variables of educational-promotional, monitoring, infrastructure and support, organizational, political-legal, psychological and supra-organizational factors as networking components have a significant and positive effect on the income level of women members of support funds, and social factors do not have a significant effect. Based on the calculated elasticities, with a one percent improvement in each of the mentioned factors, the income of women members of the fund will increase by 0.84, 0.9, 0.75, 0.66, 0.43, 0.92, and 0.50 percent, respectively. Also, the marginal effects showed that with a one-unit improvement in the mentioned factors, the income of rural and nomadic women increases with a probability of 0.52, 0.63, 0.44, 0.31, 0.27, 0.50, and 0.39 percent, respectively.
Conclusions: Prioritizing the impact of networking components on increasing the income of women members of support funds in Urmia County based on both elasticity and marginal effects showed that the impact of psychological, monitoring, and educational-promotional factors is greater than other components, and political and legal factors have the least impact. Therefore, efforts to improve these factors through providing educational and promotional services and holding business skill courses can be effective in the financial and economic empowerment of rural and nomadic women.
 

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Objective: This study aims to identify the prerequisites and components related to technological entrepreneurship in the rural areas of the Khaf territorial system. Given the concentration of technological development in urban areas and the deprivation of rural communities from its benefits, this research investigates strategies for promoting technological entrepreneurship as a tool for reducing migration, strengthening the local economy, and improving the quality of life in rural regions.
Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using the grounded theory approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 experts active in the field of rural entrepreneurship. The data were analyzed through open, axial, and selective coding processes.
Results: The results revealed that the factors influencing technological entrepreneurship fall into three categories: (1) individual factors such as motivation, risk tolerance, and technological skills; (2) environmental factors, including access to digital infrastructure, governmental support, and a culture receptive to technology; and (3) structural factors such as supportive policies and inter-institutional cooperation. Major challenges identified include mono-product economies, lack of specialized training, absence of communication infrastructure, and gender inequality. Proposed strategies include identifying local capacities, developing infrastructure, targeted training, and strengthening community participation.
Conclusions: Technological entrepreneurship can contribute to the sustainable development of rural areas by generating new employment opportunities, enhancing productivity, and preserving cultural identity. Developing a coherent framework that emphasizes local conditions and coordination between governmental and private institutions is essential for the success of this approach. The findings of this study provide practical insights for rural development policymakers and planners to design and implement more effective programs based on the key identified factors.
 

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Objective: Technical and vocational education, as one of the fundamental pillars of human and economic development, plays a decisive role in enhancing skills, employability, and workforce productivity. Such training programs -particularly in rural areas- can provide an effective platform for developing practical and entrepreneurial competencies, thereby fostering the formation of dynamic human capital. When rural women are empowered through technical and vocational education, they not only acquire the skills necessary to enter the labor market and establish small or home-based enterprises, but also gain a deeper understanding of the economic potential within their local environment. This process contributes to increased household income, improved living conditions, and greater participation of women in rural economic development. Consequently, the linkage among technical and vocational education, women’s empowerment, and rural economic growth serves as a sustainable driver of poverty reduction, the creation of decent and lasting employment, and balanced development within rural communities.
Methods: The research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of nature and type. The required data were collected using documentary and survey methods. Quantitative techniques such as T-tests and the ARAS decision-making method were used for data analysis.
Results: The results of this study indicate that technical and vocational training generally has a positive impact on the lives of rural women across all four indicators of income, consumption, savings, and production. However, the extent of this impact varied across the county's districts. The Rud Talkh district experienced the most positive impact across all four indicators, while the North Tropical Bahmaei district experienced the least impact from these trainings.
Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of equitable and proportional distribution of technical and vocational training across the county and the necessity of tailoring the content of these trainings to the specific needs of each region.

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Objective: The present study aims to investigate the role of social entrepreneurship based on self-help groups in the economic empowerment of rural women in Topqareh rural district in Khodabandeh County (Zanjan province).
Methods: The present study is of an applied type, and its method is descriptive-analytical. The statistical population of the study is 645 women working in a clothing production workshop, of which 240 were selected as a sample using the Cochran formula. Due to the high participation of the individuals, 271 questionnaires were completed and used as the basis for analysis. A field method based on completing a questionnaire was used to collect data. The collected data were analyzed using one-sample t-tests, Wilcoxon, and Kruskal-Wallis tests.
Results: The results of the one-sample t-test showed that social entrepreneurship has a positive effect on all indicators of rural women's empowerment, and the indicators of participation in household decision-making and promotion of women's personal and social security both had the greatest impact on rural women's empowerment, with a numerical mean of (4.11). Also, the results of the Wilcoxon test showed that there was a significant difference in all research indicators at the 99% level, and the greatest changes were observed in the indicators of socio-economic self-reliance (-11.511) and social freedom and mobility (-11.508).
Conclusions: Social entrepreneurship based on rural women's self-help groups has helped improve the economic indicators of rural women's empowerment.
 

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Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of tourism entrepreneurship on the viability of rural households in the North Banajoi Rural District of Bonab County (North West of IRAN).
Methods: The present study is applied in terms of its purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of its method. The statistical population of the study consists of rural households in the northern Banajoi rural district of Bonab city. According to the results of the 2016 census, 3828 households, equal to 12262 people, live in this rural district, and 349 people were selected as a sample using the Cochran formula. The data and information of the study were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire, the face and content validity of which was confirmed using the opinions of relevant experts and professors. Also, its reliability using the Cochran formula was found to be 0.79 for the tourism entrepreneurship component, 0.77 for the sustainability component, and 0.78 for the entire questionnaire. In order to analyze the research findings, one-sample t-test, multivariate regression analysis, and Pearson correlation coefficient were used.
Results: The results of the one-sample t-test showed that the status of tourism entrepreneurship, with an average of 3.121, and the status of rural household viability, with an average of 3.223, are in a desirable state. The results of the multivariate regression analysis of the effects of tourism entrepreneurship on rural household viability showed that the economic index had the greatest impact on rural household viability, with a beta coefficient of 0.376. The results of the Pearson correlation coefficient showed that the value of the obtained correlation coefficient was equal to 0.376, which indicates a significant relationship between tourism entrepreneurship and rural household viability.
Conclusions: There is a significant relationship between tourism entrepreneurship and the viability of rural households, so that by providing a platform for entrepreneurship and improving tourism economic indicators, the viability indicators of rural households will also improve.
 

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Objective: Food security is a major issue in sustainable development and in improving the quality of life of rural households. Agricultural production plays a crucial role in meeting nutritional needs and enhancing the livelihoods of rural communities. The purpose of this study is to examine the contribution of agricultural production to food security in rural households using a meta-analytic approach based on data extracted from reputable scientific databases.
Methods: The statistical population included studies related to the role of agricultural production in food security among rural households published in scientific databases—SID, Ensani, Noormags, Magiran, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Scopus from 2000 to 2025. Based on the inclusion criteria, 27 studies were selected and analyzed using CMA2 software. In addition, VOSviewer was utilized to construct a thematic network and identify frequently used terms. Keywords were searched in international databases, and data from selected studies were stored in a CSV file for import into VOSviewer. A separate search was conducted for domestic sources, and their information was entered manually. Scientometric indicators were analyzed using VOSviewer. Due to heterogeneity in the data- identified through Q and I² indices- a random-effects model was selected.
Results: The thematic network analysis showed a meaningful relationship between agricultural production and food security in rural households. Begg and Mazumdar’s correlation test confirmed relative symmetry in the included studies, indicating an absence of publication bias. The overall effect size was estimated at 0.507, which, according to Cohen’s criteria, is considered high.
Conclusions: The results demonstrate that increased agricultural productivity leads to long-term improvements in food security among rural households. The vocabulary network analysis also showed that food security is linked to dietary quality and diversity, as well as challenges such as climate change, poverty, and gender issues, highlighting the need for comprehensive and integrated approaches to address these concerns.
 

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Objective: Rural areas in many developing countries are increasingly confronted with economic, social, and environmental challenges that contribute to social exclusion, poverty, and population decline. In this context, the concept of creative settlements has emerged as an innovative approach for revitalizing rural communities and promoting sustainable development. The present study aimed to identify an appropriate model for the formation of creative rural settlements in Rashtkhwar County, located in Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran.
Methods: This research employed a descriptive–analytical methodology. Relevant indicators were identified through documentary studies and preliminary field investigations. Data were collected using field observation forms, expert questionnaires, and household surveys. The collected data were analyzed using Fuzzy DEMATEL and SPSS software. The findings revealed that participation was the most influential component in the formation of creative rural settlements, with a mean score of 4.05. Furthermore, 70.3% of surveyed households reported an increase in the process of creative settlement formation during the last decade, whereas 21.2% perceived a decline.
Results: The results indicate that rural participation, social cohesion, occupational diversification, local leadership capacity, and the promotion of creative ideas significantly contribute to the emergence and development of creative settlements.
Conclusions: The study concludes that the participatory model represents the most effective framework for fostering creative rural settlements in Rashtkhwar County. Strengthening participatory mechanisms can enhance other dimensions of creativity and innovation, thereby accelerating rural development and improving the resilience and sustainability of rural communities.
 

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Objective: As one of the principal social support institutions in Iran, the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee (IKRC) is mandated to facilitate the transition of poor and deprived households out of poverty through an empowerment-oriented approach. This study critically evaluates and diagnoses the effectiveness of the Committee’s empowerment initiatives targeting rural households in Hamun County, located in the Sistan region of southeastern Iran.
Methods: The study adopted a descriptive–analytical research design based on both documentary and field data. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered at two levels: beneficiary households and local experts. The statistical population consisted of household heads covered by the IKRC in rural areas of Hamun County. Using Cochran’s formula, a sample of 369 households was selected. Data analysis was conducted using the Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS) multi-criteria decision-making technique, supported by SPSS and ArcGIS software.
Results: The results indicate that among the economic indicators, self-sufficiency and employment loans demonstrated the lowest effectiveness in promoting economic empowerment. In contrast, indicators such as psychological well-being and life satisfaction achieved the highest scores within the socio-cultural dimension. Friedman test results revealed statistically significant differences among the dimensions of empowerment, with the socio-cultural dimension exhibiting the highest level of effectiveness and the economic dimension the lowest.
Conclusions: Weak monitoring mechanisms and the inefficiency of human resources in achieving program objectives were identified as the principal factors limiting the effectiveness of the Committee’s empowerment initiatives. The findings highlight the need for revising implementation policies, providing specialized staff training, and strengthening process-oriented monitoring systems to enhance the effectiveness of rural empowerment programs.
 

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Objective: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative technology with significant potential to enhance rural development through improving productivity, decision-making processes, and access to information. This study aimed to investigate the role of AI in empowering rural communities, considering the mediating effect of managerial support in the rural areas of Natanz County, Iran.
Methods: The research adopted an applied, descriptive-survey design. The statistical population consisted of all rural residents of Natanz County, from which 371 respondents were selected using Cochran’s sampling formula. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire comprising three dimensions: artificial intelligence (5 items), rural empowerment (19 items), and managerial support (6 items). The validity of the instrument was confirmed through face, content, and construct validity, while reliability was verified using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (0.86). Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in SmartPLS software.
Results: The findings revealed that AI had a significant positive effect on rural empowerment (β = 0.636, T = 12.002) and managerial support (β = 0.392, T = 3.875). Furthermore, managerial support significantly influenced rural empowerment (β = 0.332, T = 5.533). Sobel test results confirmed the mediating role of managerial support in the relationship between AI and rural empowerment (T = 7.678). The results indicate that AI can substantially contribute to rural empowerment by enhancing agricultural productivity, improving access to education and healthcare services, facilitating market connectivity, and supporting informed decision-making. Effective managerial support and appropriate infrastructure are essential for maximizing the developmental benefits of AI in rural communities.
Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of integrating AI technologies into rural development strategies to foster sustainable socio-economic transformation and reduce rural–urban disparities.
 

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Objective: Farming of native poultry at the village level will provide entrepreneurship and employment for rural women, provide needed protein, improve rural income and sustainable rural development. Despite the benefits of native poultry, the acceptance of this rural activity has not received much attention. Therefore, identifying the factors affecting of native poultry farming among villagers in Mazandaran province can provide grounds for improving the villagers' willingness to carry out this native activity.
Methods: The present study is quantitative and descriptive-survey. The statistical population is the total number of native poultry farmers in Mazandaran province, 64725 people. Multi-stage sampling method was used to select the sample. 382 native poultry farmers were randomly selected as samples. The required data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by asking experts and the reliability was confirmed by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficient.
Results: Personal-professional factors and social-environmental factors explain 73% of the changes in perceived usefulness and 36% of the changes in perceived ease of use. Perceived usefulness, attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control explain a total of 74% of the changes in behavioral intention, perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention explain about 64% of the changes in native poultry farming behavior.
Conclusions: The main essence of the proposed model is behavioral intention over behavior, but perceived behavioral control is also an important variable that, along with behavioral intention, affects native poultry farming even more intensely. Increasing the risk-taking power of producers, improving the knowledge and skills of producers, raising public awareness for the consumption of native poultry, expanding the cooperative of native poultry producers, and providing low-interest and targeted bank loans are among the suggestions for the development of native poultry farming in Mazandaran province.
 

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The aim of the current research is to identify spatial processes affecting the development of rural entrepreneurship in order to identify existing and emerging theoretical perspectives. The research method in the current study is applied in terms of purpose and in terms of methodology, it is a combination of systematic review and qualitative content analysis. The statistical population of the research is articles extracted from magazines related to the field of rural entrepreneurship and geography in valid databases. The research population is 113 articles over a period of 22 years from 2000-2023. In the next step, irrelevant articles were removed by screening and finally, 38 Latin scientific articles were analyzed as the research community from the total of studies. For analysis, open, axial and selective coding was used in the software environment (Atlas Ti). Also, the opinions of 5 experts have been used for validation. The research findings included 212 primary codes that were conceptualized in 26 categories and four dimensions and one component (social-spatial). Examining the time distribution of the articles showed that the first articles were published in 2007 and remained stagnant until 2014, and after that, there was an increasing trend until now. Such thematic distribution of articles have been published in social, spatial and economic fields, respectively. The research results showed that rural entrepreneurship is strongly influenced by spatial factors. These studies have been affected by the conceptual evolution of space literature and at the same time as the conceptual evolution of this discourse, its proposed components have also changed and changed from a traditional perspective to a socio-spatial concept. Therefore, space acts as a platform for social interactions and plays an important role in the formation of social and spatial networks that affect the development of rural entrepreneurship

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Objective: The objective of this research is to analyze the phenomenon of rural shrinkage with an emphasis on the role of space commodification and migration.
Methods: This study employs a descriptive-analytical research methodology based on field and documentary observations. The sample size determination for both the expert questionnaire (on factors of space commodification) and the villager questionnaire (on factors influencing migration) utilized theoretical saturation. The sampling method for both the expert and citizen questionnaire sections was purposive non-probability sampling.
Results: 
The findings indicated that the most significant factors influencing rural migration, in order of importance, include: inefficient performance of city officials, family poverty, and inequality in facilities and services between this village and the provincial center and other destination cities, and so on. Based on the DANP model, the most significant factors affecting the commodification of rural space in relation to the phenomenon of urban shrinkage, in order of importance, include: destruction of natural landscapes, sense of alienation from space, change in land use of agricultural lands, sense of privatization of space, unemployment in the village, and so on.
Conclusions: The results demonstrated that rural shrinkage in Saqqez is a victim of the space commodification logic driven by neoliberal capitalism and the inefficiency of local governance. Migration, a key agent in this process, itself perpetuates the vicious cycle of shrinkage.


 

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However, given the numerous weaknesses in the economic, social, environmental-physical, and institutional spheres of rural areas—reflected in the existence of villages and villagers lacking the necessary characteristics for entrepreneurship—it is essential to implement development programs. Among the most important of these, considering the significance of the economic dimension for the sustainability of rural life and livelihoods, is the diversification of the rural economy. This can transform the rural environment into one worthy of activity and the advancement of its inhabitants. This study seeks to examine the effects of this economic diversification on the status of environmental elements and individual characteristics affecting entrepreneurship among villagers in the villages of Marivan County.
This applied research was conducted using a descriptive-analytical method. The statistical population of the study, based on its comparative approach, consisted of two groups: villages benefiting from economic diversification and villages lacking such diversification in Marivan County. After identifying the target villages, the sample size was determined using Cochran's method, and questionnaires were distributed through stratified sampling among the villages and simple random sampling among the villagers. Data analysis was performed using inferential statistical tests (Independent T-test and Path Analysis). The findings revealed that the implemented economic diversification has led to a significant difference in the favorability of the status of environmental elements and individual characteristics affecting entrepreneurship between the two studied rural groups. Furthermore, among the environmental factors, the economic index, and among the individual characteristics, the level of motivation, had the greatest impact on improving the entrepreneurial status of the villages due to their responsiveness to the implemented economic diversification.