Analyzing The Attitude of Key Actors on The Factors Affecting the Instability of Rural Housing Development (Case: Villages In Zayanderood River Basin Villages)

Introduction:
Housing is not just a physical structure; it is a fundamental aspect of human well-being and social stability. In rural areas, housing conditions are closely linked to various socio-economic factors, including income levels, employment opportunities, access to services, and community cohesion. Housing is a cornerstone of sustainable development and a critical determinant of quality of life. In Iran, rural housing has been a focal point of rural development initiatives for several decades, particularly since the establishment of a centralized rural development system. These initiatives have been implemented through various rural executive plans. Despite these efforts, rural housing in Iran is undergoing significant changes and irregularities. In the other words, rural housing has been a critical component of national development policies, reflecting the government's commitment to improving living standards in rural areas. However, the effectiveness of these policies has been mixed, with many rural communities still facing significant challenges related to housing stability and quality. Understanding the factors contributing to housing instability is essential for developing a logical understanding and analysis of sustainable rural housing dynamics. This knowledge is invaluable for housing managers and planners to predict future trends and manage housing efficiently. Previous studies have not sufficiently explored the attitudes of local actors regarding the challenges of rural housing. This study aims to identify and analyze the underlying factors of housing instability in rural areas from the perspective of local experts and rural elites in the villages along the Zayandeh River in Flowerjan County.
 
Methodology:
This research employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative techniques. The study's participants include local experts and rural elites from 20 villages in the Zayandeh River basin, within Flowerjan County in Isfahan province. Participants were selected using a purposeful sampling method, achieving theoretical saturation with 30 individuals. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews, allowing for an in-depth exploration of the factors influencing housing instability. This approach ensured a comprehensive understanding of the various perspectives and experiences of the participants.
The mixed-methods approach is particularly well-suited for this study because it allows for the triangulation of data, enhancing the validity and reliability of the findings. By combining quantitative and qualitative data, the research can capture the complexity of housing instability and provide a more nuanced understanding of the underlying factors. The semi-structured interviews were designed to elicit detailed responses from participants, enabling the researchers to explore the nuances of their experiences and perspectives.
The collected data were meticulously refined and categorized, resulting in the identification of 37 key factors contributing to housing instability. These factors were prioritized using the Q method, a technique that allows for the systematic study of subjectivity. The data were then analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and varimax rotation within the Q Methodology software. This analytical process helped to distill the complex data into clear, actionable insights. The Q method is particularly useful for this type of research because it allows for the identification of distinct viewpoints among participants. By prioritizing the factors contributing to housing instability, the researchers were able to identify common themes and patterns in the data. The use of PCA and varimax rotation further refined the analysis, ensuring that the findings were robust and reliable.
 
Findings:
The analysis revealed four distinct perspectives on the factors affecting rural housing instability:
Academic Perspective: Predominantly held by faculty members, this group emphasized issues related to bureaucratic governance in accessing facilities and services, and the weak foundation for quality assurance in the construction industry. They highlighted the need for more robust regulatory frameworks and better enforcement of construction standards to ensure the durability and safety of rural housing. This perspective underscores the importance of institutional support and effective governance in addressing housing instability.
Executive Experts' Perspective: Comprised mainly of educated individuals, this group highlighted the increasing costs of housing construction as a significant factor. They pointed out that inflation and rising material costs are making it increasingly difficult for rural residents to afford new housing or maintain existing structures. This perspective draws attention to the economic challenges faced by rural communities and the need for targeted interventions to address these issues.
Local Community and Researchers' Perspective: This group, including diploma holders, stressed the excessive rise in housing construction costs. They also noted the impact of economic instability on housing affordability and the challenges faced by rural families in securing financing for housing projects. This perspective highlights the broader economic context in which housing instability occurs and the need for comprehensive economic policies to support rural development.
Educated Local Community's Perspective: This group pointed to the prolonged service delivery times by trustees and the escalating costs of housing construction as critical issues. They emphasized the need for more efficient service delivery and better support systems to help rural residents navigate the complexities of housing construction and maintenance. This perspective underscores the importance of effective service delivery and the role of local institutions in supporting housing stability.

 
Discussion and Conclusion:
The study concludes that the increasing cost of rural residence in the study area is the main challenge to rural housing stability, as highlighted by all local actors. To address this issue, the study recommends facilitating access to low-cost construction materials and improving access to rural housing services and infrastructure. These interventions are essential for improving rural housing conditions and supporting sustainable rural development. By addressing the economic and bureaucratic barriers to housing stability, policymakers can help ensure that rural communities have access to safe, affordable, and sustainable housing options.
In conclusion, the findings of this study provide valuable insights into the factors contributing to housing instability in rural Iran. By highlighting the perspectives of local experts and rural elites, the research underscores the importance of addressing both economic and institutional challenges to improve housing stability. The recommendations provided in this study can serve as a basis for developing targeted interventions to support rural housing development and enhance the quality of life for rural residents. Future research should continue to explore the dynamics of rural housing and the effectiveness of different policy interventions in promoting sustainable development.