Mohammad Hossein Zarei Abyaneh, Mohammad Salmani, Mojtaba Ghadiri Masoum, Alireza Darban Astane, Zahra Torkashvand,
Volume 14, Issue 51 (6-2025)
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this research is to spatially analyze the economic impacts of reverse migration in rural areas, focusing on Natanz County.
Methods: This study employed a survey-based research method. A sample of 381 individuals was selected from 24 villages in Natanz County using stratified sampling and Cochran’s formula. Data were collected through literature reviews, field observations, in-depth interviews, and questionnaires. For data analysis, one-sample T-tests and Kriging interpolation in ArcGIS software were used.
Results: In terms of investment, the southern half of Natanz County—especially the villages of Ooreh and Goodarzan—showed higher levels of investment, with a mean score of 3.75. For infrastructure development, the central and southern areas had the highest levels, with mean scores of 4.8 and 4.0 respectively. Regarding demand for services, the highest scores were observed in both the northern and parts of the southern villages (mean score: 4), while the eastern and western regions showed the lowest levels of development in this regard (mean score: 2.47). In terms of income generation, the southern villages had a higher average score (3.5) than their northern counterparts.
Conclusions: Given the attractiveness of certain villages in Natanz County—especially those with advantages such as proximity and easy access to urban centers, closeness to tourism hubs, suitable elevation, and moderate climate—a substantial wave of migration to these areas seems likely in the future.
