درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

Purpose- This study explores cross-cultural differences in the assessment of rural landscapes among landscape architecture experts in Iran and Sweden. The research focuses on three key indicators of landscape aesthetics: diversity, naturalness, and sense of place, aiming to understand how cultural background influences the perception and valuation of these elements in rural environments. Design/methodology/approach- A quantitative survey approach was employed using a structured questionnaire based on a 7-point Likert scale. The sample included 31 landscape architecture experts—18 from Iran and 13 from Sweden—who were selected purposively and responded via email. To analyze the data, non-parametric statistical methods were used, including the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test for normality and the Mann–Whitney U test for comparing group differences. Findings-The results revealed that both groups valued vegetation diversity similarly, indicating a shared professional appreciation for diverse plant types. However, a significant divergence was noted in perceptions of naturalness: Iranian experts tended to associate cultivated and managed vegetation with higher natural value, while Swedish experts favored more untouched, wild natural elements. Regarding the sense of place, particularly the activity subcomponent, Iranian experts gave more weight to cultural infrastructure and traditional or religious events, reflecting the socio-cultural importance of communal and ritual activities in Iran. Practical Implications- These findings can guide rural landscape planning and design processes that are sensitive to cultural context, providing a basis for cross-cultural assessment tools tailored to differing aesthetic values. Originality/Value- The study contributes to the underexplored area of non-Western landscape perception research, offering fresh insights into how cultural frameworks shape aesthetic evaluations across distinct environmental and social settings.

Purpose- Fish farming is an important source of Livelihood and nutrition for several people involved in fishing activities in Nigeria. This study aims to assess the Livelihood characteristics of the fish farmers in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.Design/methodology/approach- The study was carried-out in Ilorin Kwara State, Nigeria. Ilorin is the Capital of Kwara State. The Research involved a 3-stage sampling procedure. The first stage involved a purposive selection of two (Ilorin East and Ilorin West) Local Government Areas in Ilorin due to the prevalence of fishing activities in the area. The second stage involved a purposive selection of five fishing settlements along the river bank in each of the two local Government Areas and the third stage involved the random selection of ten fish farmers within the fishing settlements. A total of 150 fish farmers were randomly selected for this research work. Descriptive statistics such as frequency count, percentage, and mean were employed to analyze the data. The questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection.Findings Findings: The findings showed that involvement in other income-generating activities (mean=3.81) was the highest-ranked financial asset. Owned/leased fish ponds (mean=3.51) was the highest-ranked physical asset. The ability to network with the extension agents/experts for fish production (mean=3.61) was the highest-ranked social asset. Physically fit to carry out the fish production activities (mean=3.73) was the highest-ranked human asset. Access to water for fish production (mean=3.70) was the highest-ranked natural asset. The overall Livelihood status of the fish farmers was High (mean=3.38).Originality/value: This study is important as it would provide up-to-date information on the livelihoods of fish farmers which would drive the governments’ policy and interventions towards the fish farmers in Nigeria.  Also, the Agricultural extension programme aimed to improve fish farmers’ livelihood outcomes in fish production in Kwara State, Nigeria should improve their skills and information on areas of need which include pond water treatment, construction, and maintenance were the leading information needed by fish farmers, and to help the fish farmers overcome the factors limiting their production.