https://jrdes.znu.ac.ir/ Journal of Rural Development and Extension Studies en daily 1 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0330 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0330 https://jrdes.znu.ac.ir/article_733275.html Ecotourism business is one of the most effective ways to economically develop coastal areas. The aim of this research is to strategically evaluate ecotourism businesses on Qeshm Island using the SWOT approach. Initially, ecotourism businesses were identified in five selected tourism villages including Souza, Ramkan, Salkh, Soheili, and Tabl on Qeshm Island, and then, from the statistical population (ecotourism lodge business owners) to produce the required data, sampling was carried out using full network method, and 17 valid questionnaires were completed and used for data analysis. Strategies to improve the current status of the ecotourism business in SO strategies, strengthening the ecotourism brand with an emphasis on natural attractions and local culture, and developing educational and cultural tours in cooperation with universities and local organizations, In WO strategies, upgrading communication and transportation infrastructure by attracting support from the government and local institutions and training the local workforce in the field of tourism services using educational tours and government support, ST strategies include creating local cooperative networks to sell local products, supporting nomadic businesses, and developing accommodation services while maintaining authenticity and utilizing traditional architecture to compete with luxury hotels. And in WT strategies, targeted financial planning and marketing have been proposed to deal with economic fluctuations and financial problems of resorts and to create supportive frameworks and local laws for environmental protection and sustainable development of ecotourism. These strategies provide a suitable platform for the development and sustainability of ecotourism businesses in the tourist villages of Qeshm Island. https://jrdes.znu.ac.ir/article_729349.html The amount of agricultural and horticultural product waste in third world countries is higher than in industrialized countries, so the increasing trend of waste has become one of the serious challenges for developing countries. The present study aimed to model grape waste management behavior using a combination of social exchange theory and environmentally responsible behavior. The statistical population of the study was 1105 vine growers in Sarpolzahab County, of which 285 were selected using stratified random sampling with proportional assignment based on the Krejci and Morgan table. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect data. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed using cronbach's alpha coefficient and composite reliability. The overall reliability of the questionnaire was 0.81. The validity of the questionnaire was also confirmed using convergent validity. Data analysis was performed using SPSS and Smart-PLS software.Based on the findings, the tendency towards waste management behavior among vine growers was above the average level and the tendency towards behavior was at a more appropriate level than waste management behavior. Based on the results of structural equation modeling, the variables of practical skill, knowledge of action strategy, knowledge about the +problem, locus of control, satisfaction, attitude and personal responsibility explained 0.88 of the variance of the tendency towards behavior variable, with the greatest effect related to the variable of personal responsibility (0.36) and knowledge of action strategy (0.24).Also, two variables of tendency to behavior and situational factors explained 0.60 of the variance of the waste management behavior variable. It is suggested that in order to improve waste management behavior among vine growers, the most attention should be paid to promoting individual responsibility and increasing their knowledge of action strategies. https://jrdes.znu.ac.ir/article_728361.html Today, in many rural areas in developing countries, agricultural activities alone are not able to provide employment for residents. So that non-agricultural job opportunities can help reduce the income gap between urban and rural residents and maintain the population. Therefore, the policy of industrializing villages as one of the strategies for diversifying the rural economy plays an important role in rural development. The aim of this research is to investigate the role of rural industries related to the wooden home appliance manufacturing industry in rural development through diversifying economic activities. The present research is of an applied type and the method used is of an analytical-descriptive type. The statistical population of the research includes households living in Dahmala rural district in Shahrood city, of which 214 were selected as a sample from 632 households using the Cochran formula and the questionnaire was distributed by simple random sampling. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by a group of experts and by conducting a pre-test, the reliability of the items was calculated to be 0.781 using the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. For data analysis, one-sample t-test, one-way variance and Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests were used. , especially in the field of wood products and the manufacture of wooden household appliances and various types of furniture in the villages of the study area in the form of small-scale workshops, has been effective in improving the diversification indicators of the rural economy, especially in the components of diversification and increasing non-agricultural income, diversifying job opportunities https://jrdes.znu.ac.ir/article_729632.html Rural housing reflects the quality of use of the place, the environment, and the impact of the economy, livelihood, traditions, and lifestyle changes of the villagers. The aim of the present study is to determine the factors affecting the changes in the rural housing pattern of Fouman County, with an emphasis on lifestyle changes. This study is applied in terms of its purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of its implementation method. Data collection was done by documentary and field methods, and the statistical population of the study was the heads of households in villages with more than 20 households in Foman County. The sample size was calculated using the Cochran formula and 375 heads of households were selected as samples and distributed and completed among 12 villages with three types of settlement: plains, plains, and foothills. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The findings show that there is a significant relationship of 0.519 between changes in rural housing patterns and lifestyle changes, and as the lifestyle of rural households becomes more urban, acceptance of the new housing pattern increases. According to the research findings regarding the income of rural households and its relationship to housing developments, the results show that there is a direct and significant relationship between social, environmental, physical, cultural, and economic indicators and changes in the rural housing pattern, meaning that households with high incomes are more likely to enjoy a new lifestyle and accept changes in the rural housing pattern. https://jrdes.znu.ac.ir/article_733264.html This study evaluated the nutritional quality of rural households in Iran in 2023 using household income-expenditure data and the nutritional performance matrix to identify dietary patterns. The Mean Adequacy Ratio (MAR) and one-sample t-test were used to assess food security across provinces. The results revealed that calcium intake was below the minimum requirement nationwide, while carbohydrate consumption among adults was two to three times higher than recommended. Iron intake was adequate in most provinces, except for North Khorasan, Tehran, Mazandaran, Gilan, West Azerbaijan, Semnan, and Golestan. Protein intake exceeded the required threshold in most provinces, except for Gilan, Hormozgan, and West Azerbaijan. In terms of vitamins, only residents of Markazi and Fars met the minimum requirement for vitamin A, while those in Markazi, Mazandaran, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, and Bushehr met the requirement for vitamin C. Other provinces showed varying degrees of deficiency. Based on calorie criteria, 22 out of 31 provinces were considered food secure. However, MAR results indicated that rural areas in all provinces remained food insecure. Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, South Khorasan, Fars, Kurdistan, and Bushehr were closer to food security, while West Azerbaijan, Gilan, Golestan, Hormozgan, and Sistan and Baluchestan faced the greatest challenges. The one-sample t-test also revealed significant differences in provincial food security indices compared to the national average: 14 provinces were above, 14 below, and 3 showed no significant difference. These findings highlight the urgent need for region-specific policies to improve nutritional security in rural Iran. https://jrdes.znu.ac.ir/article_733265.html The New Agricultural Extension System Plan implemented in 2016 as a national program by the Ministry of Agriculture-Jahad in Iran. One of the most important pillars of this plan was the zoning of production areas. The objective of zoning was to divide the area covered by each agricultural jahad center into several zones and assign a dedicated extension agent to each zone. Despite the initial well-defined goals, the implementation phase faced several challenges due to the lack of consideration for scientific and standardized criteria. Therefore, the primary objective of this research is to develop a set of standardized and appropriate indicators for the zoning of production areas covered by agricultural jahad centers. The population under study encompassed the entire workforce employed within the agricultural extension network of Iran, totaling 8097 individuals. To determine the sample size, Cochran's formula employed, and stratified random sampling utilized to determine the sample size for each province. The necessary data collected through a questionnaire, with the participation of 410 experts and managers from the agricultural extension network. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, one-sample t-test, and the EDAS method, used for the validation and prioritization of indicators. Based on the research findings, 20 indicators identified and prioritized as suitable criteria for the zoning of production areas. These indicators can serve as a scientific basis for developing national zoning guidelines, optimizing the allocation of resources in agricultural extension centers, monitoring changes, and strengthening evidence-based policymaking in rural and agricultural development programs. https://jrdes.znu.ac.ir/article_733266.html Food security has always been one of the fundamental challenges facing nations. Due to its critical importance, numerous studies over the past three decades have investigated the status of food diversity and security among urban and rural households worldwide. The present study aims to assess the level of food security and identify its determining factors among rural households in Sabzevar County. To measure food security, the Berry Index and Food Group Count were employed, and a logistic regression model was used to analyze influencing variables. Data were collected through 100 standardized food security questionnaires distributed among rural households in Sabzevar County during the summer of 2022. The findings indicated that food security is at a moderate and relatively favorable level, with both indices produced consistent results. Furthermore, income, housing status, and the type of household head were identified as the most significant factors affecting food security, all showing positive and statistically significant relationships. Based on the results, it is recommended to develop complementary occupations such as rural tourism alongside agriculture to reduce unemployment and enhance household food security. Additionally, further studies using alternative statistical and econometric approaches are suggested. https://jrdes.znu.ac.ir/article_733268.html Over recent decades, the Zanjanrud River has faced a sharp decline in water resources due to reduced rainfall, well drilling, and excessive groundwater use. This situation has caused challenges such as the abandonment of villages and reduced resilience among local communities. Given the serious threat of this crisis to farmers’ livelihood security and regional food security, the study aimed to identify and analyze factors influencing the development of farmers’ resilience capacity in the Zanjanrud watershed under water scarcity conditions.The research population included farmers in the watershed (N = 21,651). Using Bartlett et al.’s table and stratified proportional sampling, 400 farmers were selected. Data were collected through a questionnaire, with validity confirmed by convergent and discriminant tests (AVE and Fornell – Larcker criterion) and reliability supported by Cronbach’s alpha and Composite Reliability (CR). Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with path analysis was applied to assess resilience and its determinants. Findings showed that only 7.7% of farmers had strong resilience, while 92.3% demonstrated medium to weak levels. Political–institutional factors exerted the greatest influence on resilience (β = 0.361). Altogether, the investigated factors explained 84.5% of the variance in resilience capacity. The study concludes that strengthening educational and extension services, alongside reforming cropping patterns, can significantly enhance farmers’ resilience to water scarcity. https://jrdes.znu.ac.ir/article_733270.html In recent years, water resources and the agricultural sector have been affected by climate change, which has caused water insecurity in agricultural farming units. Accordingly, any action to explore strategies to improve water security in agricultural farming units in Hamedan province is important. Therefore, the present study was conducted to solutions to improve water security from the experts' perspective in agricultural farming units of Hamedan province during the years 2022-2023. The statistical population of the study was 100 experts from the Hamedan Provincial Regional Water Joint Stock Company, agricultural Jihad organizations, and rural cooperatives in Hamedan Province. The main research instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire, the validity of which was confirmed by a group of agricultural experts and faculty members of the departments of agricultural extension and education and agricultural management and development at Tarbiat Modares and Tehran Universities, and its reliability was confirmed through Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Data analysis was performed using PLS SMART and SPSS software. The results showed that the socio-managerial indicator (farmers' training on coping and adaptation strategies during drought periods) with a coefficient of 0.955 played the greatest role in explaining solutions to improve water security in agricultural farming units of Hamedan province, while the technical-infrastructural indicators (using forestry to protect water resources) and economic-financial indicators (gradual rationalization of water prices in the agricultural sector and risk management) ranked second and third with coefficients of 0.941 and 0.914, respectively. https://jrdes.znu.ac.ir/article_733271.html Today, the technological revolution has contributed to the development and advancement of biofertilizers, which have important benefits for the agricultural sector worldwide. This study aimed to analyze the barriers and components of the development of the use of biofertilizers and organic fertilizers in agricultural exploitation units of Nazarabad County, Alborz Province, using a descriptive-correlation method. The statistical population of the study was 2951 agricultural users in Nazarabad County, Alborz Province. The study villages and members of the statistical sample were selected using stratified sampling with proportional assignment and simple random sampling. To determine the sample size, Daniel's limited population correction formula was used, taking into account a 5% error rate; 228 people were determined. The main tool for data collection was a questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to analyze the data. The results showed that infrastructure-technological barriers (0.830) are the most important barriers to the use of bio- and organic fertilizers in Nazarabad County, followed by economic-market barriers (0.780) in second priority, and socio-cultural and institutional barriers (0.699) in third priority. The results also showed that the economic-market mechanism (0.886) is the most important mechanism for the development of the use of bio- and organic fertilizers in Nazarabad County, followed by educational-promotional mechanism (0.841) in second priority, and socio-cultural and institutional mechanism (0.825) in third priority In order to develop the use of biological and organic fertilizers in Nazarabad County, the Agricultural Jihad Organization should provide appropriate educational and extension services according to the age and education of farmers. https://jrdes.znu.ac.ir/article_733272.html The objective of this research is to examine the factors influencing the consumption of chemical pesticides among orchardists, with an emphasis on environmental ethics in agriculture. A survey method and a researcher-designed questionnaire were used to collect the necessary data. The target population included 2,329 orchardists from the Golestan County, out of which 320 orchardists were selected as a sample using cluster sampling methods. Path analysis was utilized to understand the direct and indirect effects of independent variables on the final dependent variable, pesticide consumption. The results of the pesticide consumption pattern analysis indicated that the respondents exhibit a significant reliance on various types of chemical pesticides for pest control and utilize a diverse range of pesticides. The path analysis results showed that the most substantial negative impacts on pesticide consumption were associated with the independent variables of determining pesticide quantity based on expert recommendations, the overall safety index (use of personal protective equipment), possession of environmental ethics in agriculture, education level, determining pesticide quantity according to factory guidelines, participation in related training and extension programs, concern about the effects of pesticides on human health, concern about environmental impacts, and determining pesticide quantity based on the size of the orchard. Conversely, the independent variables with the most significant positive impacts on pesticide consumption included orchard size, farming experience, total production, income, age, non-orchard income, place of residence, and determining pesticide quantity based on recommendations from other farmers. https://jrdes.znu.ac.ir/article_733273.html The present study aimed to identify energy-saving behaviors among rural residents of Ilam Province using a qualitative approach. The research population consisted of 46 individuals, including rural residents and energy experts, selected through a mixed purposive sampling. Data were collected via 21 semi-structured individual interviews and three focus group sessions involving 25 participants. The analysis was conducted using qualitative content analysis through three coding stages—open coding, axial coding, and selective coding—in the MAXQDA software package. Based on the findings, seven main categories of energy-saving behavior were identified among rural households in the province: construction challenges (poor construction quality, design issues, inadequate monitoring, and technical limitations), economic and technological barriers (high costs and lack of optimal technologies), Energy-efficient behaviors (pertaining to the management of lighting, electrical appliances, heating, cooling, and daylighting), energy awareness and knowledge (consumption monitoring, bill analysis, and training), safety in energy use (gas and electricity supply systems), smart technologies (smart monitoring and smart home appliances), and sociocultural barriers. https://jrdes.znu.ac.ir/article_721872.html Agricultural cooperatives were established with the aim of integrating agricultural lands, improving the living conditions of farmers, rural development and agricultural development after the land reforms of the forties and after going through many ups and downs, now as one of the interest systems. Almost successful operation has been proposed at the level of the country. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze the attitude of farmers towards the formation of walnut growers' cooperative. The statistical population of the research includes Walnut farmers (N=5720). The statistical sample is determined according to the table of Karjesi and Morgan, equivalent to 210 people. to select the sample size, stratified random sampling method was used. This research is a descriptive-correlation type of research. In order to analyze the data, SPSS 18 software was used and descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, frequency, percentage, cumulative percentage and inferential statistics including correlation test and regression analysis were used. The findings showed that the attitude of farmers towards the formation of walnut growers' cooperative is "positive" with a mean of 3.70 and a standard deviation of 0.85. Based on the correlation results, there is a negative correlation between the age variable and the attitude towards the formation of walnut growers' cooperative at the five percent level. https://jrdes.znu.ac.ir/article_732579.html This study was conducted to assess the sustainability of rural settlements in Mobarakeh County. Two methods were used to collect data: library (document review and data collection from villages) and field (questionnaire completion). The statistical population of the present study consists of all heads of households in rural settlements. Using the Cochran formula and random sampling method, 365 heads of households in rural settlements were selected as samples. SPSS software (one-sample T-test and Kruskal-Wallis) and Arc GIS were used to analyze and process the collected data. The results of the analysis at the dimension level show that from the perspective of household heads, the physical dimension is the most stable dimension with an average of 3.41, followed by the social dimension with an average of 3.13, which is in the next stage of stability, and the economic and environmental dimensions are not of good desirability because their numerical averages are lower than the desired number (3). Based on the results of the one-sample T-test and Kruskal-Wallis, the most stable village among the rural settlements in the studied area is Abro village with an average of 3.80, and Brouzad village is at the lowest level of instability among the rural settlements in the studied area with an average of 2.44. https://jrdes.znu.ac.ir/article_732691.html This study aims to identify the positive and negative impacts of housing bank loans in the rural areas of the Khoshkebijar District, Rasht County. In this regard, the research is applied in purpose and exploratory in nature, and methodologically falls within the category of qualitative research. The statistical population of this research consisted of local informed individuals and knowledgeable experts, including Islamic Councils and village administrators of the studied rural areas. Using theoretical sampling and reaching theoretical saturation, a total of 30 individuals were selected as the final sample. Due to their professional positions and residence in the region, these individuals possessed comprehensive awareness of the issues related to housing banking facilities and their consequences in the villages of Khoshkebijar District. The required qualitative data were extracted through interviews with these local experts.For data analysis, the Grounded Theory model along with FBMW and FAHP models were employed. The findings indicate that the positive outcomes of housing bank loans include: securing property ownership and sanitation for rural housing, promoting selected patterns of rural architecture, supporting local livelihoods, Theory model regarding the negative impacts of housing bank loans reveal that, from the experts’ perspective, the main drawbacks include: the time-consuming nature of rural housing construction, disruption of traditional rural livelihoods, disturbance of the socio-administrative environment, and the spread of so-called urban values into rural housing structures. Of these, the transformation of rural livelihood patterns was considered the most critical, with a weight of 0.354. https://jrdes.znu.ac.ir/article_733269.html Given the importance of the strategic pistachio crop and the necessity of developing pistachio growers’ knowledge, attitude, and skills, the project of timely management for pistachio orchards has been implemented by the Educationand Extension Departmentof the AREEOin 13 pistachio-growing provincesby creating comprehensivemodel sites. Considering theimportance and continuity of thisplan, evaluating its effectivenessis crucial. Accordingly, inspiredby the Kirkpatrick model, thisquantitative research was conducted toevaluate theeffectiveness of model sites in changing the behavior ofpistachio growers. Thestatistical population of the researchwas 31 model sites from which28 model sites completed thequestionnaires. Validity of the questionnairewas verified by a panel of experts and computingAVE, and its reliability wasconfirmed by Cronbach'salpha and composite reliability.Data was analyzed usingSPSSwin26 and Smart PLS3 software.The findings revealed that themean score of the instructions in termsof process characteristics (relevancyto theneeds of gardeners, feasibility, and financial feasibility) is 4.10 out of 5. The mean score of the instructions application in the fieldwas equal to 3.92. Reducing farmers' mistakes, making more appropriate decisions, and increasing the yieldwere theitems with the most behavioral change. In the contextof project other agricultural impacts, optimal pesticide consumption, the pesticides consumption reduction of and chemical fertilizers optimal application, and in the context of other social and extension impacts, improving the attitude of gardeners towards scientific gardening, improved interaction between gardeners, extension agents and researchers and improving the attitude of gardeners towards extension agents had the highest averages. The sites was successful in the diffusion of the instructions, with a mean score of 3.93 out of 5. https://jrdes.znu.ac.ir/article_733907.html Today, about a quarter of rural employment in developing countries is related to non-agricultural activities. The structural transformation from an economy based on traditional agriculture to an economy based on industry and services is considered by some development theorists as a development process. In the present study, the obstacles facing this type of rural development have been examined. The research method was a descriptive-survey with the statistical population of the residents of the Marhamat Abad region, the central part of Miandoab county, which according to the statistics obtained is equal to 11,746 people. The statistical sample was 382 people selected using random sampling method according to the Morgan table. To collect data, a 25-question questionnaire developed by the researcher from the literature was used with validity confirmation (primary validation) through the approval of 5 experts in the field of agriculture and rural areas. The reliability of the questionnaire was also obtained through Cronbach's alpha equal to 0.848. For data analysis, Pearson's correlation test and structural equations were used, and Friedman's test was used in PLS and Spss software to prioritize the obstacles to rural development. The results showed that the variables of natural factors, economic-management factors, infrastructure factors, educational factors, and cultural factors are obstacles to rural development in the statistical population. Among these, the economic-management factor has the greatest impact and the cultural factor has the least impact on rural development in Miandoab County in the Marhamat Abad region