دانشگاه بیرجند روستا و توسعه پایدار فضا 2717-350X 7 1 2026 04 21 Examining the Effects of Rural Women’s Empowerment on Quality of Life in the Villages of Pol-e Dokhtar County بررسی اثرات توانمندسازی زنان روستایی بر کیفیت زندگی در روستاهای شهرستان پلدختر 1 20 3688 10.22077/vssd.2025.9020.1306 FA سجاد بازوند عضوهیات علمی بخش تحقیقات اقتصادی اجتماعی، مرکز تحقیقات و آموزش کشاورزی و منابع طبیعی استان لرستان، سازمان تحقیقات، آموزش و ترویج محمدکریم رئیسی عضو هیات علمی دانشگاه پیام نور، جغرافیا و برنامه ریزی روستایی، نیکشهر، سیستان و بلوچستان، ایران. Journal Article 2025 02 26 <strong>Introduction</strong><br />Rural women often face greater socio‑economic challenges than both rural men and urban populations. Economic crises tend to disproportionately affect rural women, exacerbating existing inequalities. Numerous studies indicate that women are more vulnerable to poverty and gender discrimination than men, largely due to limited access to resources, opportunities, and institutional support needed to enhance their capabilities. In recent decades, empowerment—particularly the empowerment of rural women—has emerged as one of the most important strategies discussed in rural development literature. Women's empowerment is a multidimensional process that strengthens their capacity to participate in economic, social, and decision‑making activities. Depending on the prevailing power structures, empowerment may manifest as either passive participation or active engagement in community affairs. Inequitable distribution of power often leads to imbalances in decision‑making processes related to management and development planning. Therefore, restructuring power relations in favor of greater local participation can enhance the empowerment of rural communities and contribute to their self‑reliance in local governance and development initiatives.<br /> <br /><br /><strong> Methodology</strong><br /><br />This study is applied in terms of purpose and employs a descriptive–analytical research design. The statistical population consists of households residing in the rural areas of Pol‑e‑Dokhtar County. According to the 2016 national census of population and housing, the rural population of the study area comprised 7,358 households. The sample size was determined using Cochran’s formula, resulting in a sample of 365 households. Data were collected using a researcher‑designed questionnaire. The face and content validity of the questionnaire were confirmed by academic experts, and its reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The reliability coefficient for the empowerment component was 0.79, for the quality‑of‑life component 0.81, and for the overall questionnaire 0.80, indicating acceptable reliability. The empowerment variable was measured using five indicators, while quality of life was measured using six indicators. Data analysis was conducted using inferential statistical methods, including the one‑sample t‑test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multivariate regression analysis.<br /> <br /><br /><strong> Findings</strong><br /><br />The descriptive findings indicate that 68% of respondents were male and 32% were female. In terms of marital status, 74% of respondents were married, while 24% were single. Regarding age distribution, the highest proportion of respondents (27%) belonged to the 41–50 age group, while the lowest proportion (8%) was in the age group above 60 years. In terms of educational attainment, the largest share of respondents (32%) had education below the diploma level, whereas the smallest proportion (14%) held a master’s degree or higher. Regarding employment status, the largest group (27%) consisted of self‑employed individuals, while retirees represented the smallest group (7%).<br /> <br /><br /><strong> Discussion and Conclusion</strong><br /><br />Women constitute nearly half of the rural population and have traditionally played a significant role in rural livelihoods. In addition to household responsibilities, rural women actively participate in agricultural activities, livestock production, carpet weaving, and various handicrafts, contributing substantially to household economies and rural production systems. Consequently, empowering rural women can significantly enhance household economic stability and improve overall family well‑being. In the broader perspective, such empowerment contributes to improving the quality of life in rural communities and ultimately supports rural development. This study examined the impact of rural women’s empowerment on the quality of life in the villages of Pol‑e‑Dokhtar County. The overall findings suggest that strengthening women’s empowerment requires reducing restrictive social attitudes toward women’s participation in social and economic activities and increasing family support for women’s engagement in such activities. In addition, institutions responsible for entrepreneurship and rural development should provide targeted training programs to enable rural women to acquire practical skills and establish small‑scale businesses within a relatively short period. The findings also indicate that improvements in rural quality of life are closely linked to the empowerment of rural women and the effective utilization of their latent capacities. Without enhancing women’s capabilities and participation, sustainable improvements in rural living conditions are unlikely to occur. Empowering rural women can therefore serve as an important strategy for promoting sustainable rural development and reducing rural‑to‑urban migration. A review of previous studies suggests that most existing research has examined either the determinants of women’s empowerment or the quality of life of rural residents separately. Few studies have directly investigated the relationship between rural women’s empowerment and the quality of life of rural communities. In this regard, the present study contributes a relatively novel perspective. Overall, the results indicate that the quality of life in the villages under study is at an acceptable level, which is consistent with the findings of Adami et al. (2020). The results are also in line with the findings of Mohammadi et al. (2021), who reported a moderate level of quality of life in the studied rural areas, as well as with the results of Ghasemi et al. (2024), which indicated favorable quality‑of‑life conditions in the villages of Khairudkenar, Tusktek, Teshe‑Abad, and Shariat‑Abad across multiple indicators. توانمندسازی زنان روستایی موضوعی است که می­تواند موجبات رشد و شکوفایی را در جوامع روستایی به دنبال داشته باشد و باعث ارتقای کیفیت زندگی روستاییان شود. هدف پژوهش حاضر ارزیابی تأثیر توانمندسازی زنان روستایی بر کیفیت زندگی است. این پژوهش از نظر هدف پژوهش کاربردی است که از نظر شیوه اجرا به‌صورت توصیفی انجام گردیده است. جامعه آماری تحقیق را زنان بالای 18 سال روستاهای شهرستان پلدختر تشکیل داده است که بر اساس سرشماری عمومی نفوس و مسکن در سال 1395 برابر با 7385 زن بوده است. به منظور مشخص نمودن تعداد نمونه از فرمول کوکران استفاده شده است که بر طبق آن تعداد 365 نفر به‌عنوان نمونه انتخاب شد. به منظور گردآوری اطلاعات و داده­های تحقیق از پرسشنامه محقق ساخته استفاده شده است که روایی صوری و محتوایی آن بوسیله اساتید و متخصصان مورد تایید قرار گرفت و پایایی آن نیز به وسیله آلفای کرونباخ برای مؤلفه توانمندسازی به مقدار 79/0 و برای مؤلفه کیفیت زندگی به مقدار 81/0 و کل پرسشنامه به مقدار 80/0 به دست آمد که نشان دهنده پایایی مناسب پرسشنامه است. به منظور تجزیه و تحلیل یافته­های تحقیق از آزمون تی­تک نمونه­ای، ضریب همبستگی اسپیرمن و تحلیل رگرسیون چندمتغیره استفاده شده است. نتایج پژوهش نشان داد که وضعیت توانمندی زنان روستایی با میانگین 107/3 مناسب است و وضعیت کیفیت زندگی روستاهای مورد مطالعه با میانگین 096/3 نیز مناسب ارزیابی شده است. نتایج بررسی رابطه بین توانمندسازی زنان و کیفیت زندگی روستاییان (بامقدار همبستگی 269/0) نشان داد که رابطه مستقیم و معنادار میان آن­ها برقرار است. نتایج بررسی اثرات توانمندسازی زنان بر کیفیت زندگی روستایی نشان داد که بیش­ترین تأثیر را بر متغیر اقتصادی کیفیت زندگی با مقدار ضریب بتای 368/0 داشته است و همچنین بر متغیر اجتماعی با مقدار ضریب بتای 311/0، بر متغیر کالبدی فضایی با مقدار ضریب بتای 254/0، بر متغیر سلامت و بهزیستی با مقدار ضریب بتای 198/0 و بر متغیر زیست محیطی نیز با مقدار ضریب بتای 152/0 تأثیرگذار است. https://vssd.birjand.ac.ir/article_3688_5547995220dfd1a6389cdfb2e099b501.pdf

دانشگاه بیرجند روستا و توسعه پایدار فضا 2717-350X 7 1 2026 04 21 Investigating Ways to Enhance the Effectiveness of Border Residents’ Cooperatives and Their Impact on the Development of Border Villages (Case Study: Ardabil Province) بررسی راه‌های افزایش اثربخشی شرکت‌های تعاونی مرزنشینان و اثرات آن بر رشد روستاهای مرزی (مطالعه موردی: استان اردبیل) 21 48 3689 10.22077/vssd.2025.8900.1303 FA امیر علی فرهنگ دانشیار، گروه اقتصاد، دانشگاه پیام نور، تهران، ایران اسمعیل دلیر مربی، گروه جغرافیا و برنامه ریزی شهری، دانشگاه پیام نور، تهران، ایران Journal Article 2025 02 05 <strong>Introduction</strong><br />Border areas are inherently human and socio‑spatial phenomena that constitute an important field of inquiry in geography. In recent decades, increasing attention has been devoted to regions located along international borders, as these areas can foster economic interaction, cooperation, and regional integration between neighboring countries. Historically, cross‑border exchanges among residents of border regions existed long before the establishment of formal legal frameworks governing international trade and border management. Such interactions have traditionally played a significant role in sustaining local livelihoods and promoting socio‑economic connectivity across borders. Scholars have highlighted the importance of institutional mechanisms to address the structural challenges often faced by border regions, including poverty, marginalization, and limited economic opportunities. For example, Melia Martin and colleagues emphasize that the establishment of cross‑border cooperatives can help mitigate deprivation and stimulate local development, while Varz argues that border‑resident cooperatives are essential for sustainable cross‑border participation and economic integration. In Iran, border‑resident cooperatives have a long history; they have operated informally since 1965 and have gradually developed into more organized institutions. Ardabil Province, which shares an international border with the Republic of Azerbaijan, holds particular strategic significance in this regard. Accordingly, the present study examines strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of border‑resident cooperatives through several key dimensions, including managerial, governmental, economic, social and cultural, educational, and participatory factors. In addition, the study evaluates the impacts of these cooperatives on the development of border areas in Ardabil Province, focusing on production, exports, employment generation, and income growth.<br /> <br /><br /><strong> Methodology</strong><br /><br />This study is applied in terms of purpose and adopts a descriptive–analytical design. A mixed‑methods approach was employed to collect and analyze data. Preliminary information was obtained through a review of relevant literature and documentary sources, while primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire designed to assess strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of border‑resident cooperatives in promoting the development and prosperity of border areas. The statistical population consisted of all border‑resident cooperatives in Ardabil Province, comprising 14 cooperative companies with a total membership of 173,364 individuals. Using Cochran’s formula, a sample size of 383 respondents was determined. Participants were selected through simple random sampling. The research instrument included 44 items measured on a Likert scale. Inferential statistical methods were employed to test the study hypotheses and achieve the research objectives. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was used to assess data normality. Pearson correlation analysis and one‑sample t‑tests were applied to examine relationships between variables and compare mean values. In addition, regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the influence of border‑resident cooperatives on key regional development indicators, including income generation, employment, exports, and production, and to determine the relative contribution of each variable to the growth and prosperity of the province’s border areas.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><br /><strong> Findings</strong><br /><br />The regression results indicate that several factors influence the performance of border‑resident cooperatives. In descending order of impact, the most influential factors were the governmental factor (β = 1.442), the economic factor (β = 1.230), the managerial factor (β = 1.074), the educational factor (β = 0.955), the social factor (β = 0.214), and the participatory factor (β = 0.084). Regarding the impact of border cooperatives on regional development indicators, the results of Spearman’s correlation analysis demonstrate strong positive relationships between cooperative performance and several development outcomes. The strongest correlations were observed for employment generation in border areas (r = 0.832), income growth among border residents (r = 0.829), border exports (r = 0.811), and regional production (r = 0.805). These findings indicate a substantial association between the effective functioning of border‑resident cooperatives and improvements in socio‑economic conditions in border regions.<br /> <br /><br /><strong> Discussion and Conclusion</strong><br /><br />The findings suggest that the effectiveness of border‑resident cooperatives—particularly in promoting employment—is strongly associated with governmental support and policy interventions. More effective governmental planning, supportive policies, and appropriate regulatory frameworks can significantly strengthen cooperative performance and stimulate job creation in border areas. In addition to governmental support, economic policies and financial mechanisms play an important role in enhancing income generation among border residents. Furthermore, improvements in export capacity and production levels appear to depend on higher levels of awareness, education, and community participation. Overall, strengthening institutional support, improving managerial and educational capacities, and encouraging local participation can enhance the effectiveness of border‑resident cooperatives and contribute to sustainable socio‑economic development in border regions. در مناطق مرزی سازوکار مبادلات تجاری باتوجه‌به حساسیت این مناطق از اهمیت بالایی برخوردار است؛ بنابراین در چارچوب عدالت، تعاونی­های مرزنشینان می­توانند بهترین نقش را ایفا کنند. در این راستا، این پژوهش ابتدا به بررسی راهکارهای افزایش اثربخشی شرکت­های تعاونی مرزنشینان از طریق عوامل مدیریتی، دولتی، اقتصادی، اجتماعی، آموزشی و مشارکتی که به واسطه مبانی نظری و پیشینه تحقیق به‌دست‌آمده بود، پرداخت و سپس اثرات این شرکت­ها بر رشد مناطق مرزی استان اردبیل در زمینه­های: تولید، صادرات، اشتغال، درآمد مورد بررسی قرار گرفت. این پژوهش از نوع توصیفی تحلیلی بوده و جامعه آماری آن را 14 شرکت‌تعاونی مرزنشینان در بر می­گیرد. حجم نمونه آماری طبق فرمول کوکران 383 نفر از اعضای شرکت­های تعاونی یاد شده، بود.پرسش‌نامهه بر اساس مقیاس طیف لیکرت به‌صورت تصادفی ساده بین نمونه آماری توزیع گردید. برای آزمون سؤالات پژوهش، از آزمون­های t، رگرسیون و اسپیرمن از طریق نرم‌افزار  SPSSاستفاده شد. نتایج نشان داد که در مؤلفه‌های اثربخشی بر شرکت­های تعاونی­های مرزنشینیان، به ترتیب عامل دولتی، اقتصادی، مدیریتی، آموزشی، اجتماعی و مشارکتی، بیشترین تا کمترین تأثیر را بر اثربخشی تعاونی­های مرزنشینان داشتند و به هر اندازه تعاونی­های مرزنشینان از طریق عوامل مؤثر (دولتی، اقتصادی - اجتماعی، مدیریتی، آموزشی، مشارکتی) تقویت گردند، به همان میزان نیز روستاها در زمینه­های تولید، اشتغال، درآمد و صادرات فعال­تر خواهند بود. https://vssd.birjand.ac.ir/article_3689_38044b6ef2a5543109ac510b50270bc8.pdf

دانشگاه بیرجند روستا و توسعه پایدار فضا 2717-350X 7 1 2026 04 21 Microcredit Fund and Empowerment of Rural Women (Case Study: Marvdasht County) صندوق اعتبارات خرد و توانمندسازی زنان روستایی (مورد مطالعه: شهرستان مرودشت) 49 68 3690 10.22077/vssd.2025.8182.1275 FA محمد صادق ابراهیمی دانشیار گروه توسعه روستایی، دانشکده کشاورزی، دانشگاه صنعتی اصفهان، اصفهان، ایران. علیرضا رنجبری دانش آموخته کارشناسی ارشد توسعه روستایی، دانشکده کشاورزی، دانشگاه صنعتی اصفهان، اصفهان، ایران. Journal Article 2024 12 26 <strong>Introduction</strong> Empowerment extends beyond the mere capacity to make choices; it encompasses profound behavioral transformation alongside the cultivation of respect, confidence, and trust within familial and societal structures. In many developing nations, women constitute one of the most economically vulnerable demographics. Consequently, development paradigms must integrate targeted strategies designed to augment women’s capacities and socio-economic opportunities. This imperative has been codified as a central objective within both the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Conceptually, women’s empowerment is a multidimensional and strategic process that bolsters self-confidence, autonomy, and capability across diverse life domains. It facilitates access to critical resources and opportunities, thereby enabling women to exercise their rights, participate meaningfully in decision-making, and assert greater control over their trajectories. At its core, empowerment necessitates raising awareness of inherent capacities and aspirations while fostering the self-efficacy required to actualize them. Because female poverty in many societies transcends economic deprivation—encompassing psychological, social, and cultural dimensions—empowerment is increasingly operationalized as a holistic process of capacity building. Within this framework, economic empowerment is particularly pivotal. Bolstering financial capacity elevates economic self-confidence and expands women’s influence in household and communal decision-making. Such economic agency can disrupt existing power asymmetries, ultimately driving prosperity and self-reliance. Rural women frequently face dual challenges of low savings and restricted access to formal credit. Self-help groups and microcredit initiatives have proven highly effective in mitigating these barriers, alleviating poverty, and elevating social status by generating income, incentivizing savings, and reducing financial vulnerability. Without adequate access to microfinance, rural women often remain entrenched in multidimensional cycles of deprivation. In developing contexts, microcredit has emerged as a robust mechanism for poverty alleviation and empowerment, facilitating small-enterprise creation, enhancing household welfare, and fortifying rural livelihoods. By mobilizing financial resources toward productive activities, these programs promote local entrepreneurship and elevate rural living standards. Beyond tangible economic gains, microfinance elevates social standing, instills self-confidence, and catalyzes active civic participation. Although the financial capital disbursed is often modest, its effective utilization significantly amplifies women’s intra-household bargaining power, decision-making authority, and overall self-esteem.   <strong> Methodology</strong> This study primarily aimed to evaluate the efficacy of rural microcredit funds in catalyzing women’s empowerment. The research utilized a survey-based correlational design underpinned by a mixed-methods (dominant/less-dominant) paradigm. The statistical population comprised female members of rural microcredit funds in Marvdasht County, Fars Province. Notably, Iranian rural microcredit initiatives are heavily modeled on the Bangladeshi Grameen Bank framework, with Marvdasht County serving as the pioneering implementation site for these programs in Iran. According to data from the Fars Province Agricultural Jihad Organization, the target population consisted of approximately 2000 enrolled women. Utilizing Cochran’s formula, a sample size of 200 participants was drawn via simple random sampling. Primary data were gathered using a structured questionnaire. The instrument’s face and content validity were corroborated by a panel of academic experts, while its internal consistency was validated by a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient exceeding 0.80. <strong> </strong> <strong> Findings</strong> Statistical analysis revealed a discrepancy between the calculated empowerment index and the self-reported empowerment levels of the respondents, with the former being notably lower. Furthermore, approximately 68% of the disbursed loans necessitated formal collateral, such as promissory notes or banking checks. This indicates a structural deviation from traditional, collateral-free microfinance models, potentially constraining the programmatic efficacy of these funds in fostering genuine empowerment. Interestingly, participants capable of providing formal collateral exhibited significantly higher baseline levels of financial literacy, social capital, and financial acumen. Given that financial inclusion serves as a critical proxy for socio-economic well-being, individuals possessing the capacity to navigate formal banking instruments inherently display elevated financial capability and social standing prior to intervention. Consistent with the core objectives of microfinance institutions, approximately 70% of the allocated credit was reinvested into business development or commercial enterprises. The analysis further identified a statistically significant variance in empowerment trajectories based on insurance status; women benefiting from insurance coverage demonstrated substantially higher mean empowerment scores compared to their uninsured counterparts. These findings suggest that expanding specialized vocational training, executing inclusive development paradigms, recalibrating the collateral-dependent disbursement structure, and broadening insurance coverage are critical interventions for optimizing women’s empowerment and advancing local communal development.   <strong> Discussion and Conclusion</strong> The empirical evidence underscores that empowerment is most effectively cultivated through collective and institutionalized mechanisms. Group-based financial architectures, such as microcredit funds, serve as pivotal catalysts in fortifying both the economic and social capacities of rural women. However, the successful proliferation of such organizations demands meticulous, empirically driven planning that accurately reflects the idiosyncratic socio-cultural contexts of the target demographics. By actively supporting cooperative initiatives, provisioning institutional safety nets for marginalized cohorts, reforming restrictive credit disbursement mechanisms, and ensuring equitable access to insurance, policymakers can substantially accelerate women’s empowerment. Ultimately, these structural reforms are essential for driving sustainable rural development and ensuring the long-term socio-economic advancement of localized communities. توانمندسازی زنان به‌عنوان یکی از اهداف اساسی در برنامه‌های توسعه جهانی، به‌ویژه اهداف توسعه هزاره و اهداف توسعه پایدار، همواره موردتأکید قرار گرفته است و به همین دلیل از مهم‌ترین محورهای سیاست‌های توسعه‌ای به شمار می‌آید. براین‌اساس، پژوهش حاضر باهدف بررسی نقش صندوق‌های اعتبارات خرد زنان روستایی در توانمندسازی آنان انجام شد. جامعه آماری پژوهش را زنان عضو صندوق‌های اعتبارات خرد در شهرستان مرودشت تشکیل دادند که بر اساس اطلاعات سازمان جهاد کشاورزی استان فارس تعداد آن‌ها 2000 نفر بود. از میان این افراد، با استفاده از فرمول کوکران و به روش نمونه‌گیری تصادفی ساده، 200 نفر به‌عنوان نمونه آماری انتخاب شدند. ابزار اصلی گردآوری داده‌ها پرسشنامه بود که روایی آن با نظر اساتید و کارشناسان تأیید شد و پایایی آن نیز با استفاده از ضریب آلفای کرونباخ بالاتر از 8/0مورد تأیید قرار گرفت. نتایج پژوهش نشان داد که شاخص توانمندی محاسبه‌شده برای افراد نمونه کمتر از میزان توانمندی خوداظهارشده توسط آنان است. همچنین یافته‌ها نشان داد که حدود 68 درصد از وام‌های دریافتی زنان روستایی از طریق سفته یا چک ضمانت شده است که بیانگر الگوبرداری ناقص در ایجاد صندوق‌های اعتبارات خرد در ایران بوده و تأثیر نامطلوبی بر روند توانمندسازی زنان روستایی داشته است. افزون بر این، حدود 70 درصد از تسهیلات دریافتی توسط زنان برای بهبود کسب‌وکار و خرید نهاده‌ها مورد استفاده قرار گرفته است که با اهداف و فلسفه اصلی تشکیل این صندوق‌ها همخوانی دارد. نتایج همچنین نشان داد که بین سطح توانمندی زنان دارای سابقه بیمه و زنان فاقد سابقه بیمه تفاوت معناداری وجود دارد، به‌گونه‌ای که زنان دارای سابقه بیمه از میانگین توانمندی بالاتری نسبت به زنان بدون سابقه بیمه برخوردار بودند. https://vssd.birjand.ac.ir/article_3690_40efb7ee2932dc9bd31be35a2da9604c.pdf

دانشگاه بیرجند روستا و توسعه پایدار فضا 2717-350X 7 1 2026 04 21 Evaluation of Socio-Economic Components of Sustainability in Rural Areas (Case Study: Ilam Province) ارزیابی مؤلفه‌های اقتصادی - اجتماعی پایداری در مناطق روستایی (مطالعه موردی: استان ایلام) 69 94 3811 10.22077/vssd.2025.9602.1319 FA سکینه کرمشاهی دانشکده علوم جغرافیایی و برنامه ریزی، دانشگاه اصفهان سیداسکندر صیدایی دانشکده علوم جغرافیایی و برنامه ریزی دانشگاه اصفهان فرزاد کرمی دانشکده علوم جغرافیایی و برنامه ریزی دانشگاه اصفهان Journal Article 2025 06 14 <strong>Introduction</strong> Socio‑economic sustainability, as one of the principal pillars of sustainable development, plays a crucial role in ensuring the long‑term well‑being of societies and maintaining a balance between economic growth and social equity. This concept addresses the complex interactions between economic factors—such as income generation, employment opportunities, and productivity—and social factors, including equitable resource distribution, poverty reduction, and community participation. Evaluating these components enables policymakers to design more comprehensive development programs and contributes to achieving broader sustainable development goals such as reducing inequality and improving quality of life. In many developing countries, however, rural settlements face significant challenges related to socio‑economic sustainability. Despite its systematic relationship with environmental sustainability, the socio‑economic dimension has often been overshadowed by environmental concerns and has received less independent conceptualization and scholarly attention. These two dimensions are closely linked to the instability of many rural settlements and highlight the importance of intergenerational justice. Sustainable development should address both present and future needs; therefore, ongoing deprivation—manifested in premature mortality, disease, malnutrition, illiteracy, and poverty—reflects the failure to provide equal opportunities for all members of society.   <strong> Methodology</strong> The present study aims to evaluate the socio‑economic components of sustainability in rural areas. Accordingly, the research is applied in purpose and adopts a descriptive–analytical approach. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software, employing the one‑sample <em>t</em>-test to assess the significance of the socio‑economic indicators. In addition, the COPRAS technique was applied to evaluate and rank rural settlements based on socio‑economic sustainability indicators. The statistical population consisted of 378 villages with more than 20 households. Using a Geographic Information System (GIS), 37 villages were selected as the study sample. A total of 250 questionnaires were completed by rural residents during the period 2019–2020. The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha in SPSS, yielding a coefficient of 0.928 for both economic and social indicators, which indicates a high level of internal consistency and reliability. <strong> Findings</strong> The results of the one‑sample <em>t</em>-test indicate that socio‑economic factors significantly influence the sustainability of rural areas. Analysis of the mean values derived from questionnaire data shows that several social factors—including social participation (mean = 3.1646), social cohesion (mean = 3.1737), and social security (mean = 3.3575)—are above the average threshold and thus positively influence rural sustainability. Other variables, such as social trust and economic indicators including rural investment and the cost–income balance of rural households, fall within the average range, suggesting a moderate level of influence. However, many other indicators recorded mean values below the benchmark value of 3, indicating relatively weak performance. At a statistically significant level, the difference between the observed means and the desired benchmark for most components was evaluated as negative. Furthermore, the COPRAS multi‑criteria decision‑making model was employed to assess the socio‑economic sustainability status of the rural settlements. According to the calculated Q values, villages with higher scores demonstrate more favorable socio‑economic conditions. Based on this analysis, the studied villages were categorized into three levels: favorable, relatively favorable, and unfavorable in terms of socio‑economic sustainability.   <strong> Discussion and Conclusion</strong> The findings indicate that strengthening socio‑economic sustainability in rural areas requires improving key indicators and underlying factors that enhance the social and economic capacities of rural communities. Such improvements enable rural residents to utilize natural, social, and economic resources more effectively in pursuit of sustainable development. The first research objective was to assess the status of rural settlements in the study area regarding socio‑economic sustainability. The COPRAS ranking results revealed that among the 37 villages studied, only five villages—Zarangosh, Chamab, Shahrak, Nabuwat, Kalan, and Jafarabad—exhibited relatively favorable conditions in terms of overall socio‑economic indicators. Nevertheless, the differences between these villages and the others were not substantial, and most villages fell into the relatively favorable or unfavorable categories. Overall, the results suggest that social sustainability in the study area is relatively stronger, whereas economic sustainability remains weak and below the expected level. Previous studies similarly indicate that rural areas in the country generally face challenges regarding economic sustainability. Therefore, improving key economic indicators—such as employment opportunities, production capacity, and income generation—is essential to reduce instability and establish more sustainable living conditions in rural regions. The second research objective sought to identify the most significant socio‑economic factors influencing sustainability in order to improve rural living standards and reduce rural–urban disparities. The results of the one‑sample <em>t</em>-test demonstrate that while several socio‑economic factors influence regional sustainability, social factors—particularly those related to social capital—exert a stronger than average effect, whereas economic factors remain comparatively weak and below the desired level. امروزه، با توجه به نقش و جایگاه روستایی در توسعه متوازن کشور و همچنین با عنایت به مسائل و مشکلاتی که جامعه روستایی با آن مواجه است، اهتمام بر توسعه پایدار روستایی امری ضروری به نظر می‌رسد. پایداری در زمینه اقتصادی، اجتماعی و فرهنگی هر منطقه­ای در انتخاب شاخص­های خاص در هر برنامه­ریزی توسعه بسیار مؤثر است. ارزیابی پایداری اقتصادی - اجتماعی به تصمیم گیران و سیاست‌گذاران یاری می­رساند تا تصمیمات و برنامه­هایی را اتخاذ نمایند که ضمن توسعه در بخش­های اقتصادی و اجتماعی، منافع فرهنگی و زیست­محیطی جامعه را به خطر نیندازد؛ لذا هدف از انجام این پژوهش، ارزیابی مؤلفه‌های اقتصادی - اجتماعی پایداری در مناطق روستایی استان ایلام است که با استفاده از نمونه‌گیری طبقه‌بندی‌شده و سیستم اطلاعات جغرافیایی، از بین ۳۷۸ روستای بالای ۲۰ خانوار، ۳۷ روستا به‌عنوان نمونه انتخاب و ۲۵۰ پرسشنامه توسط روستاییان تکمیل‌شده است. روش تحقیق، توصیفی - تحلیلی است و جهت گردآوری اطلاعات از دو روش کتابخانه‌ای و میدانی استفاده شده است. همچنین جهت تجزیه‌وتحلیل اطلاعات از تکنیک کوپراس، آزمون t تک نمونه‌ای استفاده شده است. نتایج تکنیک کوپراس جهت بررسی وضعیت سکونتگاه‌های روستایی به لحاظ پایداری اقتصادی - اجتماعی نشان داد که در رتبه‌بندی نهایی 5 روستای زرانگوش، چماب، جعفرآباد، کلان، شهرک نبوت به لحاظ شاخص‌های مورد بررسی در وضعیت پایدار و 6 روستای دشت آباد سفلی، قلعه جوق، ابهر پایین، تلخاب، جانجان، انجیره و تیشه کند در وضعیت ناپایدار و سایر روستاها در وضعیت نیمه پایداری قرار دارند. بر اساس نظر متخصصان توسعه و مردم روستایی مشخص شد که میزان تأثیر معیارهای اجتماعی نسبت به معیارهای اقتصادی بر پایداری سکونتگاه‌های روستایی ضعیف‌تر ارزیابی شده است. نتایج آزمون تی تک نمونه‌ای نشان داد که عوامل اجتماعی مانند امنیت، انسجام و مشارکت اجتماعی و عوامل اقتصادی مانند سرمایه‌گذاری روستاییان، مهم‌ترین عواملی هستند که بر پایداری منطقه موردمطالعه تأثیر می‌گذارند. https://vssd.birjand.ac.ir/article_3811_666dbcd6a36d9e57f8cad36764f2138e.pdf

دانشگاه بیرجند روستا و توسعه پایدار فضا 2717-350X 7 1 2026 04 21 The Role of Second-Home Tourism in Crisis Management from a Resilience Perspective: A Case Study of Earthquake-Affected Villages in Avaj County نقش گردشگری خانه‌های دوم در مدیریت بحران با رویکرد تاب‌آوری (مطالعه موردی: روستاهای زلزله‌زده شهرستان آوج) 95 118 3820 10.22077/vssd.2025.9671.1322 FA اعظم بیگدلی دانشجوی دکتری جغرافیا و برنامه ریزی روستایی، گروه آموزشی جغرافیا، دانشکده علوم انسانی، دانشگاه زنجان، زنجان، ایران بهروز محمدی یگانه دانشیار جغرافیا و برنامه ریزی روستایی، گروه آموزشی جغرافیا، دانشکده علوم انسانی، دانشگاه زنجان، زنجان، ایران جمشید عینالی دانشیار جغرافیا و برنامه ریزی روستایی، گروه آموزشی جغرافیا، دانشکده علوم انسانی، دانشگاه زنجان، زنجان، ایران مهدی چراغی استادیار جغرافیا و برنامه ریزی روستایی، گروه آموزشی جغرافیا، دانشکده علوم انسانی، دانشگاه زنجان، زنجان، ایران Journal Article 2025 07 02 <strong>Introduction</strong> Tourism, as a location‑based socio‑economic activity, is among the economic sectors most vulnerable to natural disasters and the crises that follow them. Rural tourism, in particular, is generally classified by scholars as a small‑ and medium‑scale economic activity that is highly sensitive to environmental and social changes. Due to the close interaction between rural communities and their surrounding natural environment, rural tourism destinations are especially susceptible to both natural and human‑induced hazards. At the same time, a growing body of research suggests that the tourism sector and its associated infrastructure can function as an effective tool for disaster management. Tourism facilities may serve as strategic resources for reconstruction, recovery, and resilience in destinations affected by disasters. Accordingly, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) identifies tourism as one of the key industries capable of supporting disaster risk reduction and facilitating post‑disaster recovery and community development. In this context, tourism infrastructure and facilities can play an important role during crises by supporting emergency response operations and relief management in affected rural areas. Moreover, rural tourism—characterized by small‑scale enterprises, relatively low investment requirements, and a strong capacity to attract financial resources—can significantly contribute to the resilience of rural destinations during the reconstruction phase by creating employment opportunities and generating income. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate and empirically examine the role of tourism in earthquake disaster management with a particular focus on post‑disaster resilience in rural areas.   <strong> Methodology</strong> This research is applied in terms of purpose and adopts a quantitative approach. The required data were collected through fieldwork, including direct observation and a structured questionnaire. Following a review of the theoretical literature and the identification of relevant indicators, a closed‑ended questionnaire was developed using a five‑point Likert scale. Data analysis was conducted using several statistical techniques, including the one‑sample <em>t</em>-test, Spearman correlation analysis, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The statistical population comprised all villages containing second homes used for tourism purposes located in Avaj Township. Based on field observations and information obtained from local administrators, 16 villages—mainly situated in the mountainous areas of Avaj Township and comprising a total of 4,250 households—were selected as the study sample. At the household level, the sample size was determined using Cochran’s formula with <em>p</em> and <em>q</em> values assumed to be 0.5, resulting in a sample of 352 households. Questionnaires were distributed through simple random sampling with the cooperation of village administrators in the selected villages. <strong> </strong> <strong> Findings</strong> A one‑sample <em>t</em>-test was used to evaluate the desirability of resilience indicators across three dimensions: socio‑cultural, economic, and physical. The results indicate that the mean values of all examined indicators exceed the benchmark value of 3 (representing the expected level of desirability) , and the differences were statistically significant at the 99% confidence level. Among the examined dimensions, the physical dimension of rural resilience demonstrated the highest mean value (4.6103), suggesting that tourism development has had the strongest influence on improvements in physical infrastructure. These findings indicate that the expansion of rural tourism has played a substantial role in enhancing resilience through its positive contribution to the reconstruction and recovery of damaged villages. Furthermore, correlation analysis revealed significant relationships at the 99% confidence level between rural tourism development and the three resilience dimensions. The correlation coefficients were 0.710 for physical resilience, 0.552 for economic resilience, and 0.375 for socio‑cultural resilience. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) results also indicate that tourism exerts positive and statistically significant effects on all three dimensions. Specifically, the path coefficient from tourism to the economic dimension was 0.28 (<em>p</em> < 0.01), indicating a moderate positive effect whereby increased tourism activity improves local economic conditions. The strongest effect was observed in the physical dimension, with a coefficient of 0.35 (<em>p</em> < 0.001), highlighting the prominent role of tourism in infrastructure development. The path from tourism to the socio‑cultural dimension showed a smaller but still significant positive effect (0.20, <em>p</em> < 0.05), suggesting that tourism contributes to strengthening social and cultural interactions within rural communities.   <strong> Discussion and Conclusion</strong> The results of this study demonstrate that tourism development has a statistically significant relationship with rural resilience, with the strongest influence observed in the physical dimension (0.405) and the weakest in the socio‑cultural dimension (0.202). These findings are consistent with the results of Moradkhani et al. (2025) and Ziaei et al. (2021), who emphasize the role of tourism in improving infrastructure and promoting economic diversification in rural areas. Similarly, the SEM results show that physical variables have the highest weight within the resilience model, indicating the direct impact of tourism development on enhancing physical infrastructure. This finding aligns with the study by Goucher et al. (2024), which identifies tourism infrastructure as an important contributor to physical resilience in disaster‑affected areas. In addition, tourism has contributed to the diversification of the rural economy. Correlation analysis indicates a positive relationship between economic variables and tourism development, supporting the findings of Sapatra et al. (2023) and Aithal et al. (2023), who highlight the role of tourism in post‑disaster economic recovery. Overall, the results suggest that tourism plays a meaningful role across different stages of disaster management, particularly in post‑disaster economic reconstruction and livelihood recovery in the study area. Prior to disasters, tourism infrastructure can support community awareness, education, and preparedness. During disasters, tourism facilities such as accommodation units may serve as temporary relief centers, as was observed following the Avaj earthquake. In the post‑disaster phase, tourism contributes to recovery and resilience by attracting investment and creating employment opportunities. These findings are consistent with the work of Nair and Dilip (2020) and Kamaruddin et al. (2020), who identify tourism as an effective instrument for disaster management and community resilience. گردشگری روستایی، به دلیل ماهیت کسب‌وکارهای خرد، نیاز به سرمایه‌گذاری محدود دارد و می‌تواند در توسعه روستایی، مدیریت بحران پس از سوانح طبیعی و ارتقای تاب‌آوری سکونتگاه‌های روستایی نقش مؤثری ایفا کند. این پژوهش باهدف بررسی تأثیر گردشگری مبتنی بر خانه‌های دوم بر مدیریت بحران و تاب‌آوری در 16 روستای زلزله‌زده سال 1381 شهرستان آوج (استان قزوین) انجام شد. مطالعه به دنبال پاسخ به دو سؤال است: 1) رابطه بین توسعه گردشگری و تاب‌آوری سکونتگاه‌های روستایی چیست؟ 2) توسعه گردشگری در کدام بعد تاب‌آوری (کالبدی، اقتصادی، اجتماعی - فرهنگی) بیشترین تأثیر را دارد؟ داده‌ها از طریق پرسشنامه، مشاهده مستقیم و مصاحبه جمع‌آوری و با آزمون‌های t تک‌نمونه‌ای، همبستگی و مدل معادلات ساختاری (SEM) تحلیل شدند. جامعه آماری شامل 4250 خانوار در روستاهای با حداقل 20 درصد خانه‌های دوم گردشگری بود که 352 نمونه به‌صورت تصادفی ساده انتخاب شدند. نتایج نشان داد که توسعه گردشگری در سطح 99 درصد بر تمام ابعاد تاب‌آوری تأثیر معنادار دارد و بیشترین اثر آن در بعد کالبدی با (میانگین 61/4) دیده می­شود. تحلیل معادلات ساختاری نشان داد که شاخص کالبدی (405/0) بیشترین و شاخص اجتماعی - فرهنگی (202/0) کمترین تأثیر را بر تاب‌آوری دارند. این یافته‌ها بر نقش گردشگری در بهبود زیرساخت‌ها، تنوع اقتصادی و انسجام اجتماعی تأکید دارند. پیشنهادات شامل مدیریت مشارکتی گردشگری، نظارت بر حفظ جاذبه‌ها و حمایت مالی از کارآفرینان برای کاهش آسیب‌پذیری و تقویت تاب‌آوری است. گردشگری می‌تواند ابزاری راهبردی برای بازیابی و پایداری جوامع روستایی پس از سوانح باشد. https://vssd.birjand.ac.ir/article_3820_a8e55d3c2623477ccbc02982245413a2.pdf

دانشگاه بیرجند روستا و توسعه پایدار فضا 2717-350X 7 1 2026 04 21 Explaining and Analyzing Brand Equity Components in the Development of Tourism in Mesr Village تبیین و تحلیل مؤلفه‌های ارزش ویژه برند بر توسعه گردشگری روستای مصر 119 144 3823 10.22077/vssd.2025.9893.1329 FA زهرا سلطانی دانشیار گروه جغرافیا و برنامه‌ریزی شهری، دانشگاه شهید چمران اهواز، اهواز، ایران Journal Article 2025 08 06 <strong>Introduction</strong> Destination branding has emerged as one of the most prominent and debated topics in contemporary tourism marketing. Strong and distinctive destination brands play a crucial role in attracting tourists, investment, and reputable tourism enterprises. As a result, many tourism destinations have strategically organized their marketing efforts to strengthen and promote their destination brands. This issue has gained increasing importance as tourism policymakers and industry practitioners have recognized that many destinations capture attention primarily through the initial mental image they create in potential visitors’ minds. Building and reinforcing a destination brand is therefore essential for achieving long‑term competitiveness and sustainability. Consequently, destination marketing experts and tourism managers seek to create and strengthen destination brands in order to increase their share of the revenues and broader benefits generated by the rapidly expanding global tourism industry. A well‑developed destination brand provides prospective tourists with information prior to their travel, helping them identify and differentiate the destination from competing locations while shaping their expectations about the experiences they will encounter.   <strong> Methodology</strong> The present study is applied in terms of its objective and adopts a descriptive–analytical approach. In terms of data collection and analysis, the research employs a mixed‑methods design (qualitative and quantitative). In the qualitative phase, content analysis of previous studies, combined with unstructured expert interviews, was conducted to identify the principal components influencing brand equity in the development of tourism in Mesr Village. In the quantitative phase, the status of the identified indicators was evaluated in the study area using a structured questionnaire as the primary research instrument. The statistical population consisted of tourists and tourism stakeholders in Mesr Village. Data were collected through both documentary and field methods. Documentary sources included books, academic theses, scholarly articles, and relevant national and international websites. Field data were gathered through interviews and questionnaires using a five‑point Likert scale. Based on Klein’s (1990) recommendation, the minimum acceptable sample size for structural equation modeling is 200 observations, while descriptive survey studies typically require at least 100 completed questionnaires. To improve the robustness and accuracy of the analysis, a sample size of 360 respondents was selected, and questionnaires were distributed among tourists and tourism stakeholders in Mesr Village. After coding the data, statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25 and AMOS version 24, which are widely used for structural equation modeling. <strong> </strong> <strong> Findings</strong> Numerous studies in the fields of branding and tourism—particularly those focusing on rural destinations—have demonstrated that brand equity components significantly influence tourist attraction and tourism development. In this context, destination branding in rural areas is widely regarded as a strategic tool for strengthening local economies and attracting tourists. The present study specifically examines and explains the role of brand equity components in the tourism development of Mesr Village. The findings identify several key components of brand equity, including brand awareness, brand image, service quality, and brand loyalty. Each of these factors directly or indirectly affects tourist attraction and tourism development in the village. Brand awareness and brand image are frequently highlighted in previous research as fundamental components of destination branding. These elements not only enhance a destination’s recognition among tourists but also shape their emotional attachment and cognitive perceptions of the destination. In the case of Mesr Village, strengthening these components through continuous brand promotion in media platforms and through effective advertising strategies can significantly increase tourist visits. Service quality and tourist satisfaction were also identified as critical elements in the development of tourism in Mesr Village. The findings suggest that delivering high‑quality services and meeting tourists’ expectations contribute to greater tourist satisfaction and, ultimately, to stronger brand loyalty. Tourist satisfaction not only encourages repeat visits but also attracts new visitors through word‑of‑mouth communication. Brand loyalty was another important component identified in this study. Consistent with previous research, the findings indicate that brand loyalty plays a significant role in encouraging repeat visits. Positive and consistent tourist experiences in Mesr Village can strengthen brand loyalty and foster long‑term relationships between tourists and the destination. Compared with previous studies, this research places particular emphasis on the indigenous and local characteristics of Mesr Village as tools for strengthening the destination’s brand. Utilizing the region’s distinctive natural and cultural features—such as historical heritage, cultural traditions, and natural attractions—can differentiate the village’s brand and attract a larger number of tourists. While many previous studies have focused primarily on general branding components, this study highlights the importance of the village’s unique characteristics as a means of creating differentiation in the tourism market. Overall, the findings underscore the significant role of brand equity components in attracting tourists and promoting tourism development in Mesr Village. They also reveal both similarities and differences compared with previous studies, particularly in the context of branding rural versus urban tourism destinations.   <strong> Discussion and Conclusion</strong> The results of this study indicate that successful branding of Mesr Village and the attraction of more tourists require strengthening key brand equity components, including brand awareness, brand image, service quality, and brand loyalty. Furthermore, emphasizing the village’s unique local and indigenous characteristics can play a particularly important role in enhancing brand identity and attracting new visitors. Accordingly, policymakers and tourism authorities in Mesr Village are encouraged to design and implement strategic action plans aimed at strengthening these components. Such plans should include initiatives to improve service quality, enhance brand awareness, and create a positive and appealing image of Mesr Village in the minds of tourists. Overall, focusing on brand equity components in the development of tourism in Mesr Village can serve as an effective strategy for increasing tourist attraction and strengthening the local economy. In addition to examining general branding components, this study highlights the importance of leveraging the village’s unique and indigenous features as tools for successful destination branding—an aspect that has received relatively limited attention in many previous studies. ایجاد و تقویت برند برای مقاصد گردشگری اهمیت زیادی در موفقیت بلندمدت آن‌ها دارد. ازاین‌رو متخصصان و مدیران بازاریابی مقاصد گردشگری باید تلاش کنند تا با ایجاد برند برای مقاصد و تقویت آن، سهم خود را از درآمدها و سایر مزایای این صنعت در حال گسترش جهانی افزایش دهند. برند مقاصد گردشگری اطلاعاتی را قبل از سفر به گردشگری می‌دهد تا مقصد را شناسایی و تعیین هویت کند، آن‌ها را از رقابت متمایز کند و انتظارات گردشگر را از سفر پیش روی شکل دهد. به همین منظور، پژوهش حاضر به تحلیل مؤلفه‌های ارزش ویژه برند بر توسعه گردشگری روستای مصر پرداخته است. روش‌شناسی تحقیق شامل دو بخش کیفی و کمی است. در بخش کیفی، با تحلیل محتوای مطالعات پیشین و مصاحبه‌های ساختار نیافته با خبرگان، مؤلفه‌های مؤثر در ارزش ویژه برند شناسایی شد. در بخش کمی، به سنجش وضعیت این مؤلفه‌ها با استفاده از پرسش‌نامه میان گردشگران و فعالان حوزه گردشگری روستای مصر پرداخته شده است. داده‌های تحقیق به‌وسیله نرم‌افزارهای SPSS و AMOS تحلیل شد. نتایج نشان داد که مؤلفه‌هایی چون کیفیت ادراک‌شده، هویت برند، تصویر برند، وفاداری به برند و آگاهی از برند، تأثیر بسزایی در ایجاد و تقویت ارزش ویژه برند گردشگری روستای مصر دارند. تحلیل‌های آماری شامل تحلیل عاملی تأییدی و مدل‌سازی معادلات ساختاری، به تأیید پایایی و روایی این مؤلفه‌ها پرداخته و نشان داد که این شاخص‌ها از شاخص‌های مناسب و معناداری برخوردار هستند. یافته‌ها همچنین تأکید بر اهمیت ارتقای این مؤلفه‌ها به‌منظور توسعه گردشگری در این منطقه دارند. https://vssd.birjand.ac.ir/article_3823_6b88e8eba4750089d0fda1f581d70c79.pdf

دانشگاه بیرجند روستا و توسعه پایدار فضا 2717-350X 7 1 2026 04 21 Flood Risk Assessment Using Geographic Information Systems: A Novel Approach to Crisis Management (Case Study: Villages of Neyshabur County) ارزیابی خطر سیلاب با استفاده از سیستم اطلاعات جغرافیایی رویکردی نوین در مدیریت بحران (موردمطالعه: روستاهای شهرستان نیشابور) 145 166 3826 10.22077/vssd.2025.9526.1317 FA سیدهادی طیب نیا دانشیار جغرافیا و برنامه ریزی روستایی، دانشگاه سیستان و بلوچستان، زاهدان، ایران 0000-0002-4689-0550 ایمان شهنوازی دانشجوی کارشناسی ارشد، گروه جغرافیا و برنامه ریزی روستایی، دانشگاه سیستان و بلوچستان، زاهدان، ایران Journal Article 2025 06 01 <strong>Introduction</strong><br /><br /> Hydro-meteorological hazards, particularly floods, constitute a profound threat to rural environments, disproportionately affecting agricultural livelihoods, infrastructure, and human life. In the context of disaster risk reduction (DRR) and rural spatial planning, accurate flood susceptibility mapping is an imperative prerequisite for mitigating vulnerabilities. Neyshabur County, characterized by a complex topographic configuration and intricate hydrological networks, frequently experiences catastrophic inundations. Despite the escalating frequency of extreme precipitation events driven by climate variability, micro-level hazard zoning for the county’s rural settlements remains critically underdeveloped. Consequently, existing crisis management frameworks lack the granular spatial intelligence required for proactive intervention. To bridge this epistemological and operational gap, this study introduces a robust methodological framework integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with advanced ensemble machine learning—specifically the Gradient Boosting (GB) algorithm. By localizing multi-criteria evaluation metrics to the geomorphological realities of Neyshabur, this research aims to precisely delineate flood-prone rural territories, thereby providing empirical foundations for sustainable rural planning, spatial resilience, and strategic crisis management.   <strong> Methodology</strong> This research adopts an applied, descriptive-analytical paradigm, synthesizing extensive documentary, geospatial, and empirical field data. The methodological architecture is predicated on evaluating spatial vulnerability across rural settlements using seven geo-environmental and hydrological indicators: elevation, slope, aspect, precipitation distribution, proximity to waterways, geological formations, and land-use typologies. High-resolution spatial datasets were procured from diverse authoritative sources, including Digital Elevation Models (DEM) derived from ALOS PALSAR, multispectral satellite imagery from Sentinel-2, empirical data from regional meteorological stations, and standard geological maps. To model flood susceptibility, the Gradient Boosting algorithm was selected due to its exceptional predictive accuracy in handling non-linear, multi-dimensional spatial datasets. The computational workflow commenced with rigorous data normalization, followed by partitioning the dataset into a 70% training subset and a 30% validation subset. Hyperparameter optimization was systematically executed utilizing a Grid Search cross-validation technique to maximize model generalization. The predictive efficacy and robust classification capabilities of the algorithm were empirically evaluated using standardized metrics, including Precision, Recall, Cohen’s Kappa coefficient, and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). Furthermore, a Feature Importance analysis was embedded within the model to quantify the hierarchical influence of the localized independent variables on flood occurrence. <strong> </strong> <strong> Findings</strong> The spatial application of the Gradient Boosting model yielded highly precise flood hazard zonations across the study area. Predictive performance metrics validated the model’s exceptional reliability, registering a Kappa coefficient of 0.91and an RMSE of 0.19. The vulnerability assessment of rural settlements revealed alarming exposure levels: out of the analyzed settlements, 80 villages (comprising 20% of the total) are situated in “critical” hazard zones, while an additional 140 villages (35%) are located in “high-risk” zones. Consequently, a staggering 55% of the rural settlements in Neyshabur County are critically exposed to severe flood threats. Spatial correlations extracted from the model demonstrated that settlements situated within a <200 meter radius of primary waterways historically sustained the most devastating structural and economic damages due to rapid inundation. The Feature Importance analysis elucidated that topographical attributes (specifically elevation and slope) and precipitation intensity are the primary causative drivers of flood susceptibility. Anthropogenic land-use configurations and proximity to the hydrological network ranked as the most significant secondary determinants, highlighting the detrimental impact of unregulated rural encroachment into natural floodplains.   <strong> Discussion and Conclusion</strong> The findings of this study unequivocally demonstrate that the convergence of topographical predisposition and unsustainable land-use practices has drastically amplified flood risks in the rural landscapes of Neyshabur County. The hybrid GIS and Gradient Boosting approach proved highly efficacious in identifying spatial vulnerabilities, offering a paradigm shift from reactive to proactive disaster management. The concentration of 55% of rural settlements in high to critical hazard zones necessitates immediate recalibration of regional rural planning policies. From a spatial planning perspective, it is evident that historical expansion patterns have severely encroached upon riparian buffer zones. To foster systemic resilience, it is strongly recommended that a statutory, non-negotiable safety buffer of at least 500 meters from major rivers and ephemeral waterways be institutionalized for all future rural development, infrastructure provisioning, and post-disaster reconstruction efforts. Furthermore, policymakers must prioritize the 80 critical-class villages for immediate structural interventions, including the construction of hydrological retention systems, ecological restoration of upstream watersheds, and the implementation of community-based early warning systems. Ultimately, integrating localized machine learning predictions into municipal master plans will empower rural planners to optimize land-use allocation, mitigate environmental hazards, and safeguard the socio-economic fabric of vulnerable rural communities. سیلاب به‌عنوان یکی از مخرب‌ترین بلایای طبیعی، سالانه خسارات جانی و مالی قابل‌توجهی به ۴۰۰ روستای دارای سکنه شهرستان نیشابور وارد می‌کند. این شهرستان به دلیل موقعیت جغرافیایی خاص، توپوگرافی متنوع و تغییرات کاربری اراضی، همواره در معرض خطر سیلاب‌های ویرانگر قرار داشته است. این پژوهش با هدف ارزیابی خطر سیلاب در سطح روستاهای منطقه، از تلفیق سیستم اطلاعات جغرافیایی (GIS) و الگوریتم گرادیان بوستینگ استفاده کرده است. داده‌های مورد بررسی شامل هفت شاخص اصلی (ارتفاع، شیب، جهت شیب، بارش، فاصله از آبراهه، زمین‌شناسی و کاربری اراضی) بودند که از منابع مختلفی همچون مدل رقومی ارتفاع (DEM)، تصاویر ماهواره‌ای و داده‌های هواشناسی استخراج شدند. نتایج نشان داد که عوامل توپوگرافی (با ۷۷ درصد اهمیت) و بارش (۶۱ درصد) بیشترین تأثیر را در مدل پیش‌بینی خطر سیلاب در میان روستاها داشته‌اند. همچنین، پهنه‌بندی خطر سیلاب در پنج کلاس انجام شد که حدود ۲۰ درصد از روستاهای شهرستان (۸۰ روستا) در کلاس خطر "بحرانی" قرار گرفتند. این روستاها عمدتاً در ارتفاعات کم، نزدیک به آبراهه‌ها و با پوشش گیاهی ضعیف واقع شده‌اند. ارزیابی عملکرد مدل نیز با معیارهای ضریب کاپا 91/0و خطای مربعات 19/0 نشان‌دهنده دقت بالای مدل در پیش‌بینی روستاهای پرخطر بود. یافته‌های این مطالعه می‌تواند به برنامه‌ریزان و مدیران کمک کند تا با شناسایی ۲۲۰ روستای واقع در کلاس‌های بحرانی و پرخطر، تدوین برنامه‌های کاهش ریسک و مدیریت بهینه کاربری اراضی، خسارات ناشی از سیلاب را به حداقل برسانند. این پژوهش همچنین اثربخشی روش‌های ترکیبی یادگیری ماشین و GIS را در ارزیابی مخاطرات طبیعی در سطح روستاهای شهرستان نیشابور نشان می‌دهد. https://vssd.birjand.ac.ir/article_3826_351a7723a23491f48aa6feb64e2ece3e.pdf

دانشگاه بیرجند روستا و توسعه پایدار فضا 2717-350X 7 1 2026 04 21 An Examination of Local Community Perceptions Regarding the Effects of Tourism Development and Expansion: A Case Study of the World Heritage Village of Meymand تبیین ادراکات جامعه محلی از اثرات رشد و توسعه گردشگری (مطالعه موردی: روستای جهانی میمند) 167 190 3875 10.22077/vssd.2026.9208.1309 FA محمد علیزاده استادیار گروه ایران شناسی، دانشگاه ولیعصر (عج) رفسنجان، رفسنجان، ایران زهرا باقی آبادی گروه جغرافیا، دانشکده جغرافیا، دانشگاه یزد، یزد، ایران سعیده اسماعیلی گروه مدیریت گردشگری، دانشکدگان مدیریت، دانشگاه تهران، تهران، ایران Journal Article 2025 04 14 <strong>Introduction</strong> In recent years, tourism development has increasingly been recognized as a strategic approach for empowering local communities and improving the quality of life in rural areas. Advances in transportation, communication technologies, and infrastructure have expanded access to remote and less-developed settlements, including rural regions, thereby creating new opportunities for economic diversification and local development. Within this context, the active participation of local communities is widely acknowledged by scholars and policymakers as a fundamental principle of sustainable tourism development. Local residents serve not only as service providers and cultural hosts, but their perceptions and attitudes toward tourism also play a decisive role in the success or failure of tourism development initiatives. Consequently, tourism planning that overlooks the perspectives of host communities is unlikely to achieve sustainable outcomes. Tourism development can have both positive and negative consequences for host communities, influencing local lifestyles, value systems, and social behaviors. Therefore, understanding residents’ perceptions and attitudes toward tourism is an essential prerequisite for sustainable tourism planning. Previous studies have identified several key factors shaping local perceptions of tourism development, including perceived economic benefits, improvements in quality of life, interactions between residents and tourists, place attachment, local control over tourism processes, and cultural identity. The historical village of Meymand, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, represents one of the oldest continuously inhabited troglodytic settlements in the world and a distinctive rural tourism destination in Iran. Its unique architectural morphology, rich historical heritage, and distinctive cultural traditions have made it an important tourist attraction. However, tourism development in such a culturally and environmentally sensitive context requires a comprehensive understanding of how local residents perceive the economic, sociocultural, environmental, and physical–spatial consequences of tourism growth. Accordingly, the primary objective of this study is to examine local residents’ perceptions of the impacts of tourism development in the World Heritage village of Meymand, focusing on four key dimensions: economic, sociocultural, environmental, and physical impacts of tourism from the perspective of the host community.   <strong> Methodology</strong> This study adopts a descriptive–analytical approach and is classified as applied research. From a philosophical standpoint, the research follows a positivist paradigm and employs a survey-based research strategy. The study uses a quantitative method, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire. The statistical population consisted of local residents, tourism stakeholders, tour guides, and tourism professionals in the World Heritage village of Meymand, located in Shahr‑e Babak County, Kerman Province, Iran. Due to the limited number of knowledgeable respondents, a census (full enumeration) approach was adopted, resulting in 30 completed questionnaires. The conceptual framework of the study considers “destination tourism characteristics” as a higher‑order construct composed of five dimensions: local residents’ compatibility with tourists (11 items), economic capacity of tourism (5 items), tourists’ sense of responsibility (5 items), positive impacts of tourism (5 items), and negative impacts of tourism (36 items). Additionally, two constructs were examined as outcome variables: local community satisfaction (6 items) and local community commitment (6 items). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) through Smart‑PLS software, which enabled the assessment of both measurement and structural models. The geographical context of the research is the historical village of Meymand, situated at an altitude of approximately 2,220 meters above sea level on the southern slope of the extinct Massahim volcano. The village is carved into volcanic tuff rocks, forming a distinctive troglodytic settlement comprising approximately 340 hand‑excavated residential units arranged in five tiers. These rock dwellings are resistant to environmental conditions such as wind, rain, and fire, while maintaining relatively stable internal temperatures. Meymand’s cultural landscape reflects a long-standing human–environment interaction system spanning several millennia and characterized by a three‑stage seasonal migration pattern. The winter settlement consists of hand‑carved residential caves known as “Kiches,” while summer pastures and transitional spring and autumn settlements occupy distinct ecological zones, demonstrating adaptive architectural and livelihood strategies. The settlement also includes communal structures such as mosques, bathhouses, and Husayniyyahs. This integrated and sustainable relationship between humans and nature highlights the importance of understanding local perceptions of tourism development, particularly given the increasing number of tourist arrivals and the village’s unique cultural and environmental context. <strong> </strong> <strong> Findings</strong> The analysis of demographic characteristics revealed that the majority of respondents were male and most belonged to the 20–30 age group. In terms of educational attainment, the largest proportion of respondents held a bachelor’s degree, indicating that the sample represented a relatively young and educated segment of the local population. Descriptive statistical analysis showed that the mean values for most questionnaire items exceeded 3 on the Likert scale, indicating a generally positive perception of tourism-related impacts among respondents. Skewness and kurtosis statistics confirmed that the data followed a normal distribution and were appropriate for further statistical modeling. The evaluation of the measurement model indicated that all factor loadings were greater than 0.5. Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability values for all constructs exceeded the acceptable threshold of 0.7, confirming the internal consistency and reliability of the measurement instrument. Furthermore, the average variance extracted (AVE) values for most constructs were above 0.5, supporting convergent validity. Discriminant validity, assessed using the Fornell–Larcker criterion, confirmed that all constructs were empirically distinct from one another. In the structural model analysis, path coefficients and t-values were examined to test the relationships among the study variables. The results indicated that local residents’ perceptions of the economic impacts of tourism had a significant positive influence on their acceptance of tourism development, with t-values exceeding the critical threshold of 1.96. Similarly, sociocultural impacts demonstrated a positive and statistically significant relationship with overall attitudes toward tourism development. In contrast, environmental impacts, although exhibiting acceptable factor loadings, did not show a statistically significant influence on residents’ overall perceptions. Overall, the structural model demonstrated satisfactory fit, and the results largely supported the proposed research hypotheses.   <strong> Discussion and Conclusion</strong> The findings indicate that local perceptions of tourism development in Meymand encompass both positive and negative perspectives. On the one hand, residents acknowledge the economic benefits and development opportunities generated by tourism. On the other hand, they remain concerned about potential threats to the cultural, social, and environmental integrity of the village. These results suggest that tourism development in Meymand must be carefully planned with sensitivity to both cultural heritage and environmental sustainability. Active involvement of the local community in tourism planning and decision‑making processes is essential for ensuring balanced and sustainable development. Establishing effective communication channels between local residents, planners, and governmental authorities, providing educational programs to enhance residents’ capacity for interacting with tourists, and promoting the responsible and sustainable use of local resources are among the key strategies recommended for sustainable tourism management. Overall, this study highlights the critical importance of incorporating host community perceptions into tourism policymaking and destination management, particularly in rural areas with World Heritage status, where cultural authenticity and environmental sustainability are central to long‑term tourism viability. اصول گردشگری پایدار بر این امر تأکید دارد که لازم است ادراکات جامعه محلی به خوبی درک شود زیرا ارزش‌های جامعه محلی، سبک زندگی آنها و هنجارهای جامعه به شدت از تغییرات اجتماعی و اقتصادی متأثر می‌گردد. در این پژوهش، تأثیرات گردشگری بر جامعه محلی روستای جهانی میمند بررسی شده است. ابزار گردآوری داده‌ها مبتنی بر مصاحبه‌های نیمه ساختار یافته از مردم محلی و فعالان گردشگری روستا بوده است و ابزار تحلیل داده‌ها با استفاده از معادلات ساختاری و نرم افزار SMART-PLS است. یافته‌ها نشان می‌دهد که گردشگری هم آثار مثبت و هم پیامدهای منفی بر این جامعه دارد. از جنبه‌های مثبت، رونق اقتصادی، افزایش فروش محصولات محلی، توسعه زیرساخت‌ها و ارتقای امنیت گردشگران را می‌توان برشمرد. همچنین، تداوم حضور گردشگران موجب حفظ معماری دستکند شده است. بااین‌حال، برخی چالش‌های گردشگری نیز شناسایی شد، از جمله تخریب معماری سنتی، آسیب به باغات، آلودگی صوتی، و بروز ناهنجاری‌های اجتماعی ناشی از رفتار نامناسب برخی گردشگران. نتایج این پژوهش نشان می‌دهد که برای دستیابی به توسعه پایدار گردشگری، مدیریت رفتار گردشگران، بهبود تعامل میان جامعه محلی و بازدیدکنندگان، و اجرای سیاست‌های نظارتی و حفاظتی ضروری است. همچنین، پیشنهاد می‌شود که اقدامات اجرایی نظیر مدیریت ورود خودروها، آموزش راهنمایان گردشگری و پیشگیری از متروکه ماندن خانه‌های تاریخی موردتوجه قرار گیرد. یافته‌های تحقیق با مطالعات پیشین همسو بوده و بر ضرورت برنامه‌ریزی اصولی جهت کاهش پیامدهای منفی و تقویت مزایای گردشگری در جوامع محلی تأکید دارد. https://vssd.birjand.ac.ir/article_3875_55a451868e0e0a18ed5406a902612098.pdf

دانشگاه بیرجند روستا و توسعه پایدار فضا 2717-350X 7 1 2026 04 21 Modeling the Barriers to Rural Micro-Entrepreneurship Development طراحی مدل موانع توسعه کارآفرینی خرد روستایی 191 212 3884 10.22077/vssd.2026.10367.1338 FA محمد علی مدانلو کارشناسی ارشد کارآفرینی و نوآوری، گروه ترویج و آموزش کشاورزی، دانشکده علوم زراعی، دانشگاه علوم کشاورزی و منابع طبیعی ساری، ساری، ایران فاطمه رزاقی بورخانی استادیار، گروه ترویج و آموزش کشاورزی، دانشکده علوم زراعی، دانشگاه علوم کشاورزی و منابع طبیعی ساری، ساری طاهر عزیزی خالخیلی دانشیار گروه ترویج و آموزش کشاورزی، دانشکده علوم زراعی، دانشگاه علوم کشاورزی و منابع طبیعی ساری، ساری، ایران Journal Article 2025 10 31 <strong>Introduction</strong> Entrepreneurship and the development of micro‑businesses are widely recognized as fundamental strategies for diversifying rural livelihoods, reducing unemployment, and preventing rural out‑migration. Handicrafts represent one of the most effective forms of rural entrepreneurship and, as an important category of home‑based businesses, play a significant role in contributing to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Moreover, handicrafts function as a catalyst for local trade and directly contribute to poverty reduction in rural areas by generating income and employment opportunities. Creating sustainable employment and promoting economic development in Mazandaran Province—an important agricultural region currently facing climate‑related challenges and a declining share of employment in agriculture—is therefore of particular importance. Despite the province’s rich indigenous resources and cultural potential, the growth and development of handicraft businesses face numerous structural, economic, and institutional constraints that require careful identification and analysis. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to identify and present a model of the barriers and limitations affecting the development of micro‑entrepreneurship in rural handicraft units in Mazandaran Province.   <strong> Methodology</strong> This study is applied in terms of its objective and adopts a descriptive–analytical research design using a survey method. The statistical population consisted of 2,690 rural handicraft entrepreneurs in Mazandaran Province. The sample size was determined using G‑Power software and calculated to be 246 respondents. A multi‑stage stratified random sampling method with proportional allocation was employed to select the sample. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The reliability of the instrument was confirmed through the calculation of Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The face and content validity of the questionnaire were also verified based on the opinions of experts and specialists in entrepreneurship and rural development, as well as university faculty members. Data analysis was conducted using second‑order confirmatory factor analysis with SmartPLS version 3 software. <strong> </strong> <strong> Findings</strong> The results of the study identified six major categories of barriers to the development of entrepreneurship in rural handicrafts. Based on the path coefficients obtained from the structural model, the most significant barriers were identified as follows: individual–psychological barriers (0.838), managerial–structural barriers (0.822), educational–communicational barriers (0.820), technological–technical barriers (0.754), support–economic barriers (0.662), and political–institutional barriers (0.552). Among the variables related to managerial–structural barriers, the most influential factors were identified as the lack of managerial competencies among business owners and the inefficiency of traditional methods used to guide and support businesses in improving their productivity and performance.   <strong> Discussion and Conclusion</strong> The findings indicate that the development of micro‑entrepreneurship in rural handicrafts in Mazandaran Province is a multidimensional issue influenced by a wide range of internal and external factors. From the perspective of entrepreneurs, the most significant limitations were external barriers, particularly political and institutional constraints. However, the structural analysis of the proposed model reveals that internal weaknesses—especially managerial‑structural deficiencies and gaps in knowledge and technical infrastructure (educational–communicational and technological barriers)—represent the most critical factors hindering the development of rural handicraft entrepreneurship. Based on these findings, the study recommends adopting a comprehensive and multidimensional approach to promote sustainable entrepreneurship in rural handicrafts in Mazandaran Province. Such an approach should simultaneously address managerial, educational, financial, and institutional challenges. The results of this research can assist planners and policymakers in designing effective support strategies tailored to local conditions through a deeper understanding of the existing barriers. These strategies can contribute not only to job creation and increased rural incomes but also to the preservation and revitalization of local culture and traditional arts. In this regard, several practical measures are recommended. These include providing applied management training and organizing short‑term practical workshops on financial management, marketing, pricing strategies, and human resource management tailored to rural business conditions. In addition, simplifying regulations related to business registration and licensing for rural micro‑enterprises can facilitate entrepreneurial activities. The establishment of agricultural knowledge‑based companies and rural small industries—supported by science and technology parks for rural youth and agricultural graduates—along with tax exemptions and insurance incentives, is also recommended. To address managerial barriers, greater emphasis should be placed on training and empowering local managers, particularly by strengthening the managerial skills of rural women and youth. Organizing specialized workshops for rural women can enhance their role in managing home‑based businesses and rural cooperatives. Furthermore, overcoming structural barriers requires strengthening participatory and local planning systems, enabling decision‑making through local councils and community‑based institutions while encouraging the active participation of women entrepreneurs. Expanding the use of microcredit funds and participatory investment mechanisms can also support entrepreneurial initiatives. Finally, addressing communication barriers requires the development of networking opportunities that facilitate information and experience exchange among entrepreneurs. This can be achieved by expanding communication networks and establishing or supporting online platforms and local networking groups for rural entrepreneurs. کارآفرینی و ایجاد کسب‌وکارهای خرد در حوزه صنایع‌دستی به‌عنوان یک راهبرد حیاتی برای تنوع‌بخشی به معیشت، کاهش بیکاری، و جلوگیری از مهاجرت در مناطق روستایی شناخته می‌شود. این اهمیت به‌ویژه در استان مازندران که بخش کشاورزی آن با چالش‌های اقلیمی و کاهش سهم اشتغال مواجه است، دوچندان می‌شود. هدف اصلی این پژوهش، شناسایی و اولویت‌بندی موانع توسعه کارآفرینی خرد در واحدهای صنایع‌دستی روستایی استان مازندران با استفاده از تحلیل عاملی تأییدی است. این پژوهش از نوع کاربردی بوده و از نظر ماهیت، توصیفی– تحلیلی است که با روش پیمایشی انجام شده است. جامعه آماری پژوهش را ۲۶۹۰ نفر از کارآفرینان دارای مجوز فعال در واحدهای صنایع‌دستی روستایی استان مازندران تشکیل دادند. حجم نمونه با استفاده از نرم‌افزار G-Power  برابر با ۲۴۶ نفر تعیین شد و نمونه‌ها از طریق روش نمونه‌گیری طبقه‌ای تصادفی چندمرحله‌ای با انتساب متناسب انتخاب شدند. ابزار گردآوری داده‌ها پرسشنامه بود که پایایی آن با استفاده از ضریب آلفای کرونباخ تأیید شد. همچنین، روایی صوری و محتوایی پرسشنامه بر اساس نظر جمعی از خبرگان و متخصصان حوزه کارآفرینی و توسعه روستایی و اعضای هیات علمی دانشگاه موردتأیید قرار گرفت. برای تجزیه و تحلیل داده‌ها از نرم‌افزار Smart PLS V.3 استفاده شد یافته‌ها نشان داد که براساس ضریب مسیر و واریانس استخراج شده موانع مدیریتی-ساختاری (با ضریب مسیر 822/0) و موانع آموزشی-ارتباطی (820/0) از مهم‌ترین موانع بوده است. موانع تکنولوژیکی و فنی، موانع حمایتی-اقتصادی، موانع فردی-روانشناختی و موانع سیاسی-نهادی به ترتیب در اولویت‌های بعدی قرار گرفته است. نتایج مطالعه بر ضرورت توجه هم‌زمان به ابعاد مختلف موانع در سیاست‌گذاری‌های مرتبط با توسعه کارآفرینی خرد در صنایع روستایی دلالت دارد. در این راستا اصلاح و ساده‌سازی قوانین و مقررات مربوط به ثبت کسب‌وکار و دریافت مجوز راه‌اندازی کسب‌وکار خرد روستایی، استقرار شرکت دانش بنیان کشاورزی و صنایع خرد روستایی با حمایت پارک‌های علم و فناوری برای جوانان روستایی و فارغ‌التحصیلان کشاورزی همراه با معافیت‌های مالیاتی و تسهیلات بیمه‌ای پیشنهاد می‌شود. https://vssd.birjand.ac.ir/article_3884_1a7a73586247a0c45565ef988d068efb.pdf

دانشگاه بیرجند روستا و توسعه پایدار فضا 2717-350X 7 1 2026 04 21 Evaluation of the Economic Effectiveness of the Timely Management Plan for Pistachio Orchards ارزیابی اثربخشی اقتصادی طرح مدیریت به‌هنگام باغ‌های پسته 213 235 3685 10.22077/vssd.2025.9666.1323 FA محمد عبدالهی عزت آبادی استادیار پژوهش، پژوهشکده پسته، موسسه تحقیقات علوم باغبانی، سازمان تحقیقات، آموزش و ترویج کشاورزی، رفسنجان ایران حسام الدین غلامی استادیار، موسسه آموزش و ترویج کشاورزی، سازمان تحقیقات، آموزش و ترویج کشاورزی، تهران، ایران جواد قاسمی استادیار، دکترای ترویج و آموزش کشاورزی، موسسه آموزش و ترویج کشاورزی، سازمان تحقیقات، آموزش و ترویج کشاورزی، تهران، ایران حسین حکم آبادی استادیار، دکترای باغبانی، موسسه آموزش و ترویج کشاورزی، سازمان تحقیقات، آموزش و ترویج کشاورزی، تهران، ایران Journal Article 2025 07 07 <strong>Introduction</strong> In many parts of the world, agricultural extension services traditionally provide general recommendations to farmers across large geographical areas such as regions or provinces. Such approaches often overlook the heterogeneous biophysical and socioeconomic conditions that characterize smallholder farming systems. In contrast, site‑specific extension provides recommendations tailored to individual farms or local conditions and can therefore improve productivity more effectively than conventional extension methods. Given the increasing complexity of agricultural challenges, stronger interaction among researchers, extension agents, and farmers—along with active farmer participation in decision‑making—has become essential for achieving farmer‑centered extension and empowerment. In response to the need for both site‑specific extension and participatory approaches, comprehensive production–extension model sites have been established in Iran as an important mechanism for disseminating research findings and promoting the adoption of new agricultural technologies. These model sites are implemented in selected farming, horticultural, livestock, and natural resource units where the Ministry of Agricultural Jihad evaluates, demonstrates, and disseminates technical recommendations and research outputs. Previous evaluations of these sites have largely relied on Kirkpatrick’s four‑level evaluation framework—reaction, learning, behavior, and results. However, most studies have focused primarily on the first three levels, while the final level, particularly economic outcomes, has received comparatively little attention. Nevertheless, the ultimate success of extension programs depends largely on their performance outcomes. From an economic perspective, such initiatives are justifiable only if they lead to improved farm profitability. Therefore, this study evaluates the economic effectiveness of pistachio production–extension model sites by comparing member and non‑member farmers in terms of orchard performance and gross profit.   <strong> Methodology</strong> Data were collected from all farmers participating in the main production–extension model sites; therefore, a census approach was initially intended. However, only 21 main‑site members agreed to participate in the survey. Additionally, two farmers were randomly selected from the functional sites associated with each main site, resulting in 41 respondents. To balance the number of participants in the main sites, 19 non‑member farmers were also randomly selected. In total, the sample consisted of 81 pistachio farmers. Data for the economic analysis were gathered using a researcher‑designed questionnaire. To ensure content validity, a preliminary version of the questionnaire was reviewed by several faculty members from the Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, and subsequently revised based on their feedback. Reliability and internal consistency were assessed through a pilot test using Cronbach’s alpha, which yielded a coefficient of 0.75, indicating acceptable reliability. First, gross profit per hectare from pistachio production was compared among three groups—main‑site members, functional‑site members, and non‑members—using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Next, the effect of site membership on gross profit was estimated using a production function model. Finally, the partial budgeting method was applied to assess the economic impacts of the comprehensive production–extension model sites in improving the timely management of pistachio orchards. All statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 26. <strong> </strong> <strong> Findings</strong> The results indicate that farmers affiliated with the main model sites achieved higher yields per hectare compared with the other groups. This occurred despite the fact that production costs were relatively similar across the three groups, with no statistically significant differences observed. In other words, while farmers incur comparable production costs, those participating in the model sites demonstrate better overall production performance. The findings further reveal that pistachios produced by farmers in the main model sites are generally of higher quality and can therefore be sold at higher market prices. Significant differences were also observed among the three groups regarding annual gross profit per hectare. Farmers in the main model sites recorded the highest gross profit per hectare. In contrast, farmers in the functional sites exhibited the lowest gross profit per hectare, while non‑member farmers ranked between the two groups. Although profitability declined in functional‑site orchards, membership in the main model sites significantly increased profitability. This result suggests that the relatively lower profitability observed in functional pistachio orchards warrants further investigation, whereas properly implemented production–extension model sites have the potential to substantially improve farm profitability. In addition, the results of the partial budgeting analysis indicate that these model sites generate positive economic returns and provide net social benefits.   <strong> Discussion and Conclusion </strong> This study employed multivariate regression analysis to control for heterogeneity among farmers and to compare pistachio production profitability across three groups: members of main model sites, functional‑site members, and non‑members. The results demonstrate that production–extension model sites can enhance economic profitability and are therefore economically justifiable. Further analysis shows that farmers participating in the main model sites earn higher profits per hectare than non‑members, whereas farmers in functional sites exhibit lower profitability than non‑members. Two main explanations may account for this outcome. First, structural and contextual differences among farmers can reduce the effectiveness of generalized extension recommendations. The regression results highlight substantial heterogeneity among pistachio farmers in three key areas: the use of traditional inputs (such as animal manure and labor), exposure to climate‑related conditions (including geographic location and the quantity and quality of irrigation water), and differences in pistachio varieties. Ignoring these variations may limit the effectiveness of extension programs. Farmers in functional sites may face structural constraints—such as water scarcity and salinity—that must be addressed before implementing recommendations developed for the relatively problem‑free conditions of the main sites. Second, farm profitability depends on the extent and consistency with which farmers adopt extension recommendations. The findings suggest that modern agricultural practices must be implemented comprehensively in order to improve economic performance. Semi‑traditional and semi‑modern farming systems may reduce production efficiency and profitability. In other words, farmers either need to continue using traditional methods or fully adopt modern practices correctly, since partial adoption may lead to suboptimal outcomes and reduced profitability. نظر به اهمیت پسته به‌عنوان یکی از محصولات مهم باغی کشور و به‌منظور ارتقای سطح دانش فنی و مهارت باغ‎داران، طرح مدیریت به‌هنگام باغ‌های پسته، در قالب سایت‎های جامع الگویی تولیدی- ترویجی و با راهبری معاونت آموزش و ترویج کشاورزی سازمان تات در 13 استان پسته‌خیز کشور به اجرا درآمد. در این بین، بررسی اثرات و پیامدهای اجرای هر فعالیت ترویجی از ابعاد مختلف، به‌ویژه از بعد اقتصادی دارای اهمیت بسیار است. در پژوهش حاضر اثربخشی اقتصادی طرح مدیریت به‌هنگام باغ‌های پسته مورد بررسی قرار گرفت. داده‌های مورد نظر با استفاده از پرسشنامه محقق‌ساخت از 21 کشاورز عضو سایت‎های اصلی، 41 کشاورز عضو واحدهای تابعی و 19 کشاورز غیرعضو در 13 استان پسته‎خیز کشور جمع‎آوری شد. برای تحلیل نتایج از روش تجزیه‎واریانس، بودجه‌بندی جزئی و رگرسیون چندمتغیره استفاده شد. یافته‌های تحقیق نشان داد که عضویت در سایت‎های الگویی باعث افزایش سودآوری تولید پسته تا حدود دو برابر شده و استفاده از این روش دارای توجیه اقتصادی است. همچنین، کشاورزان عضو واحدهای تابعی نسبت به اعضای سایت‌های اصلی از سودآوری کمتری برخوردار بوده‎اند. این موضوع نشان می‌دهد که استفاده از روش‌های مدرن کشاورزی بایستی به طور کامل صورت گیرد تا بتواند پاسخگو بوده و باعث افزایش سودآوری در این بخش شود. دراین‌خصوص دو موضوع وجود زیرساخت‎های فیزیکی و علمی لازم و تراکم دانش کافی بایستی مورد توجه قرار گیرد.   https://vssd.birjand.ac.ir/article_3685_01099b2b41aad5adc6557f275d595f5f.pdf