The role of rural guide plans in the sustainability of the physical system of rural settlements (Case study: Abdanan County, West of Iran)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD student of Geography and Rural Planning, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor of Geography Department, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran.

3 Associate Professor, Department of Geography, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran.

Abstract

Purpose: Rural guide plans are extensive rural physical plans in Iran that mainly focus on the physical texture of villages. These projects need evaluation and examination to be sustained and improved. The current research investigated the role of rural guide plans in the sustainability of the physical system of rural settlements of Abdanan County in the west of Iran.
Methodology: This study used a descriptive and analytical method. The statistical research population is rural settlements where the Rural Guide Plans have been implemented. Data collected through library studies, interviews, surveys of experts and officials and field observations. ArcGIS and SPSS software and Prescott-Allen’s sustainability measurement model method were used to analyze the data.
Findings: The study used the barometric method for the level of physical-spatial sustainability Rural Guide Plans. The results on housing indicators showed that the villages of Shahrak-e Hezarani, Haft Cheshme and Posht Ghale have a good level of sustainability with values of 0.763, 0.714 and 0.614, respectively. However, Hungeh Village is at an unsustainable level with a value of 0.189. The effect of Rural Guide Plans on road network indicators was at the highest point in the villages of Shahrak-e Hezarani, Haft Cheshme, and Posht Ghale are in good sustainability levels with sustainability values of 0.782, 0.756 and 0.689, respectively. In this regard, Hungeh Village was at an unsustainable level with a value of 0.162. For the land use and service indicators, the villages of Shahrak-e Hezarani and Haft Cheshme are at the level of good sustainability with sustainability levels of 0.659 and 0.636, respectively. For this indicator, Hungeh Village is unsustainable, with a value of 0.112. Finally, the lowest sustainability indicators are in the land use and service components, with an average value of 0.348.
Discussion: In conclusion, Rural Guide Plans impacted the dimensions of physical-spatial sustainability in the studied villages, and the highest impact was for the housing and participation dimension.

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