Journal of Research and Rural Planning -پژوهش و برنامه ریزی روستایی

Purpose- Rural tourism has various effects on the economic and social aspects of rural households. Considering the significant impact of tourism on the economic and social development of local communities, this research aims to investigate the economic and social effects of rural tourism in Baft County.Design/methodology/approach- The statistical population consists of 2512 households in the rural of Baft Township, out of which 333 households were selected through simple random sampling based on Cochran's; formula. The primary tool for data collection was a questionnaire, the validity of which was examined through content and structural validity, and its reliability was assessed using composite reliability and Cronbach's; alpha (α = 0.90). Data analysis was performed using SPSS and LISREL software. To examine the fit of the measurement model of economic and social effects on rural tourism; the collected data were analyzed using LISREL software and second-order confirmatory factor analysis.Findings- The research findings indicate that the most significant impact is on the economic dimension, including employment and income, investment, and satisfaction. Moreover, the most prominent effects in the social dimension include social participation, protection of intangible heritage, sense of place, heritage and tradition preservation, tourist satisfaction, education and awareness, and ultimately, cultural elevation. The research findings also revealed that the absolute fit indices (AGFI = 0.91, GFI = 0.94), comparative fit indices (NNFI = 0.92, CFI = 0.95), and parsimonious fit indices (RMSEA = 0.054, X2/df = 2.63) confirm the excellent fit of the measurement model of economic and social effects on rural tourism with the observed data. Furthermore, the structural equation modelling results indicate that the most signicant impacts are in the economic dimension of employment and income and the social dimension of social participation.

Purpose- The widespread use of virtual platforms has become a common practice in present management, and rural areas are identified as a sector that can greatly benefit from this technology. Statistic data in the field of communication and information technology exhibit a significant increase in internet access in rural areas, a trend that is on the rise globally. The successful implementation of smart village initiatives in Asia shows a promising way to improve life in rural areas, overcome existing challenges, prevent the collapse of social structures, and counteract the problem of rural exodus. It can be argued that by advancing information technology and smart village initiatives, life quality in rural areas can be positively impacted.Design/methodology/approach- The research population comprised the entire statistical community of four districts in Kalar County. Three villages were randomly selected from each district, resulting in a total of 150 samples from 262 households, using the Cochran formula with a 5% error rate. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed through content validity and Cronbach's alpha.Finding- The results of this study indicated that the existing infrastructure for smart village development in the rural areas of Kalar County is in an unsatisfactory condition. Additionally, the level of knowledge and information of residents regarding the smartification process in the study area is insufficient. Moreover, the effectiveness of this emerging process in improving the life quality for the local population was not as impactful as expected. The driving and inhibiting factors affecting the development of smart villages in Kalar County do not align with optimistic expectations hindering the desired outcomes.

Purpose- The groundwater system is subject to drastic changes. Nonlinear changes in the groundwater system and management have made it difficult.  There has been no study on groundwater dynamics assessment and most studies have examined the variables of salinity control, pollution, water volume and water demand. In addition to filling the study gap, the difference of the research is that it has studied the capacity and the elements of the groundwater system as indicators in the groundwater dynamics.Design/methodology/approach- In this study, using studies and literature on the groundwater Social-Ecological System (SES), a framework for evaluating groundwater SES dynamics by combining the groundwater adaptive cycle is presented. SES Groundwater consists of three subsystems: the aquifer, natural environment, and community. The elements of these three subsystems move in a four-stage adaptive cycle of exploitation, protection, release, and reorganization, in which potential change, connections, and adaptive capacity make the system dynamic.Findings - In assessing the dynamics of the groundwater system, the threshold of concern is an important concept for indicators for which capacity can not be defined or when and where the indicators change.Originality/value - The groundwater system dynamics assessment framework can be useful for proper management and timely actions to protect water and aquifer services in different areas.

Purpose- Undoubtedly, the correct performance of any activity and the successful performance of any role in the field of handicrafts depends on the interest and motivation of the workers to get familiar with its skills and methods and to use the special methods of that technique in the production of products. Baghlan province which is located in the northeast of Afghanistan, about 50% of the population of this province is women, and recently, most of the rural women of this province have turned to the handicraft industry of Balochi to improve their income. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the production status of the handicraft industry of Balochi women and the role of motivating factors of job performance and job satisfaction on the development of the handicraft industry of Balochi.Design/methodology/approach- The main research tool was a questionnaire the validity of which was confirmed by the lecturers of the agricultural extension and economics and the department of sociology of Baghlan university, and Cronbach's alpha confirmed its reliability. The statistical population was all the rural women working in the handicraft industry of Baghlan province, which was selected by purposive sampling (192) samples.Finding- Results showed that all three independent variables, motivational factors, job performance and job satisfaction have a positive and significant effect on the development of the handicraft industry of Balochi women, and explained 59% of the changes in the dependent variable. So, with confidence, it can be said that increasing motivation, job performance and job satisfaction lead to the development of the needlework industry among rural women.Originality/value– The results of this study, especially concerning due to the lack of sufficient and appropriate empirical literature in Afghanistan, can play a major role in providing correct insight to the rural development officials, job creation and poverty reduction in Afghanistan.

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. 

Purpose- The agricultural insurance fund plays a crucial role in rural areas and agricultural sector. Evaluating the performance of this fund can better identify its effectiveness and challenges. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the agricultural insurance fund in the development of rural areas in Shiraz County.Design/methodology/approach- This descriptive-analytical research is based on data collection through a survey. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by experts, and its reliability was verified with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient greater than 0.70. The statistical population consisted of rural residents totaling 55323 individuals. Based on Cochran’s formula, the sample size was determined to be 382 individuals.Findings- The test results, at a significance level less than 0.05, indicated that the Agricultural Insurance Fund had poor efficiency in rural development from the perspective of rural residents. The average test result of 2.404 also confirms this finding. Despite its poor performance, the fund’s highest effectiveness and efficiency were related to promoting social justice with an average score of 2.609. Furthermore, analysis of variance showed no significant difference between rural areas regarding the performance status of the Agricultural Insurance fund at a level greater than 0.05 but equal to 0.774. It is also predicted that the Agricultural Insurance Fund may have an impact on the situation of rural areas. According to the regression results, support for the expansion of greenhouse cultivation with a beta value of 0.349 has been the most important factor in the effectiveness of the fund.Research limitations/implications- challenges related to data collection access and significant costs complicated this research endeavor. To mitigate these negative impacts, villages with larger populations were prioritized for inclusion.Practical implications- Sustainable rural development in agriculture hinges on various forms of managerial support from entities like the Agricultural Insurance Fund. Dynamism in this area can expedite development.Originality/value- Despite being relatively overlooked, evaluating the performance of Agricultural Insurance Funds can highlight positive aspects for managers and specialists due to their importance. The villages within the research scope also provide value and authenticity to this study.