https://www.jsrd.ir/ journal of sustainable rural development en daily 1 Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0330 Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0330 https://www.jsrd.ir/article_225757.html Purpose: This research aims to examine and conduct a qualitative meta-analysis of studies on the dimensions of smart villages worldwide.Methods: Through qualitative analysis, 47 research articles published between 2016 and 2024 on “smart villages” were retrieved from academic databases and analyzed using documentary and library-based research methods to meet the study’s objectives. Further, various dimensions such as environmental, governance, economic, social (people), educational, agricultural, and health and well-being were examined.Results: The results showed that stakeholder participation, empirical research, and government intervention are essential for establishing smart villages. Furthermore, the development and expansion of smart villages require collaboration among villagers, government officials, and experts to more effectively identify and address local needs.Conclusion: For the establishment and sustainability of smart villages, modern technologies must be appropriate for the rural context, affordable, efficient, and user-friendly, while also preserving the valuable aspects of rural life and promoting sustainable development. These findings contribute to the enrichment of theoretical studies on smart villages. https://www.jsrd.ir/article_227737.html Purpose: Rural communities often face the challenge of high rates of tobacco use, with both cigarette smoking and hookah consumption being particularly prevalent. Therefore, it is critical to manage and implement measures that effectively eliminate tobacco consumption in these settings. Several villages have implemented measures and achieved zero tobacco use, thereby earning recognition as “tobacco-free villages”. Damagh  Sefid, located in Sarpol-e Zahab, is one such example. Accordingly, the present study seeks to analyze the process and factors influencing the implementation of the tobacco-free initiative in Damagh  Sefid.Methods: This study is an interpretivist approach using a Grounded Theory method. A total of 30 individuals participated, and thus, the sample size was determined through (situational) sampling until data saturation was reached, employing snowball sampling techniques.Results: The results reveal the significant roles of non-governmental organizations and private institutions, alongside influential village figures, such as health officers, clerics, and elders. Visual campaigns, including banners and public lectures, along with active engagement from local broadcast media, particularly the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), successfully raised awareness and motivated residents.. Academically educated youth, particularly university students residing in the area, played a crucial role in encouraging smoking cessation, while schoolchildren served as effective health ambassadors. Furthermore, the schoolchildren served as prominent health ambassadors. Key obstacles include the village’s geographic isolation, visitors disregarding the smoking ban, and decreased shopkeeper earnings due to the cessation of cigarette sales.Conclusion: The involvement of governmental and non-governmental organizations has facilitated the adoption of effective policies to combat tobacco use. Furthermore, the selection of the village as a tobacco-free zone has served as a powerful incentive for maintaining anti-tobacco efforts. However, there are several challenges. Notably, the a lack of recreational and tourism places alongside educational classes to spend their free time. Employment opportunities remain scarce, and tourists sometimes undermine tobacco control efforts. Moreover, persistent unemployment, especially seasonal unemployment, remains a critical challenge despite broad collaboration. https://www.jsrd.ir/article_232889.html Purpose: The study aims to develop a theoretical framework for enhancing rural women’s participation in sustainable rural tourism, addressing the current lack of research that incorporates women’s perspectives. While previous studies acknowledge women’s vital contributions, they often overlook community voices and context-specific solutions.Method: This research employed Critical Communicative Methodology (CCM), engaging participants in five communicative focus group sessions across 14 rural tourist villages. The groups included local women active in tourism, tourism experts, and academic researchers. Data was collected through open-ended discussions, distinguishing between exclusionary dimensions (factors that reproduce inequalities) and transformative dimensions (factors that enable change). Thematic analysis was applied to identify patterns, barriers, and strategies for participation.Results: Results indicated that establishing a thriving local tourism market is key to women’s empowerment. Strategies were identified at three levels: (1) Macro level—policy reforms, accessible loans, and institutional platforms for women’s networking and education; (2) Meso level—integration of educated rural women as mediators between local producers and national/global markets; (3) Micro level—locally tailored training that aligns with cultural norms and builds self-confidence. Communication gaps between educated and non-educated women, the role of empathy, and the importance of bottom-up initiatives were also highlighted.Conclusion: The proposed CCM-based framework demonstrates how communication-led, multi-level strategies can dismantle structural barriers, foster economic empowerment, and promote inclusive rural tourism development. This theoretical contribution extends existing participatory development literature and offers practical guidance for policymakers and practitioners seeking culturally sensitive and sustainable interventions. https://www.jsrd.ir/article_227735.html Purpose: Small-scale agricultural activities represent an important source of supplementary income for rural households. The income generated from these activities plays a crucial role in strengthening both the economic viability and social sustainability of rural communities. Accordingly, the present study aims to explain the socio-economic impacts of small-scale agricultural activities in the villages of Astaneh-ye Ashrafiyeh County.Methods: This research employs a descriptive-analytical method. Data were collected through a combination of documentary research and field surveys. The statistical population consisted of agricultural households in 16 villages with the largest cultivated areas in the Central and Kiashahr districts of Astaneh-ye Ashrafiyeh County. A total of 350 individuals engaged in these small-scale activities were selected using a stratified random sampling method.Results: Small-scale agricultural activities are carried out on a relatively limited scale when compared to villagers’ primary livelihood, namely, rice production. Nevertheless, their economic impacts, such as improvements in household welfare and financial security, as well as their social impacts, including job sustainability and population retention in villages, are significant. These activities have contributed to economic welfare (mean = 4.03), economic security (mean = 4.02), and the quality of household employment (mean = 3.99). There is a statistically significant correlation (r = 0.64, p < 0.05) between economic impacts (measured through welfare and security indicators) and small-scale agricultural activities at a 95% confidence level. Furthermore, a strong and significant correlation (r = 0.76, p < 0.05) was found between social impacts and the expansion of small-scale agricultural activities in the studied villages.Conclusion: The findings indicate that small-scale agricultural activities, such as the cultivation and production of vegetables and herbs, serve as supplementary livelihoods alongside the main economic activities of rural households. These activities yield substantial socio-economic benefits that contribute to community resilience. Therefore, integrating the promotion and support of such activities into rural development planning is essential for achieving long-term sustainability.ple https://www.jsrd.ir/article_228261.html Purpose: In recent decades, architecture has increasingly shifted toward sustainability, driven by climate change, environmental crises, and technological advancements. Among the key approaches in this transformation is biophilic architecture, which emphasizes achieving a balance between humans, nature, and the built environment. This approach is particularly significant in the context of rural housing, where indigenous principles and close interaction with nature often shape architecture. This study examines the current state of rural housing architecture in Zabol County and assesses its alignment with the principles of biophilic architecture to propose strategies for its revitalization.Methods: The research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach and is based on data collected through a survey. The study population consists of residents from five villages in the central district of Zabol County. Using Cochran's formula, a sample size of 347 individuals was determined. Experts confirmed the validity of the questionnaire, and its reliability was verified by administering 30 questionnaires and calculating a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient greater than 0.70.Results: The test results indicated that the principles of biophilic architecture in rural housing were statistically significant at a level below 0.05 (p = 0.000). The direction of significance highlights the absence and lack of adherence to biophilic architecture principles in the region's rural housing. The lowest mean score (1.580) was related to the preservation of vegetation and interaction with nature, while the highest mean (2.435) corresponded to attention to climate and geographical conditions. The overall test means of 2.103 further confirm the weak presence of biophilic architecture principles in the rural housing of the region. To revive and enhance the biophilic approach in rural housing architecture, five key strategies were proposed: (1) support and formulation of indigenous housing legislation, (2) formulation of indigenous housing architecture patterns, (3) utilizing tourism to promote indigenous housing, (4) mandating and monitoring the use of indigenous materials, and (5) using indigenous vegetation in housing spaces.Conclusion: The findings revealed that new rural housing in the Zabol region has largely disregarded biophilic architectural principles. Considering these conditions, several measures must be implemented, including enforcing compliance within local communities through housing construction regulations and strengthening oversight mechanisms to ensure adherence. https://www.jsrd.ir/article_234766.html Purpose: East Azerbaijan Province plays a pivotal role in Iran's food production, yet it still falls short of international food security benchmarks. Therefore, a foresight-based scientific approach is essential to design sustainable future scenarios. This study aims to examine the interrelationships of various factors affecting food security and to develop realistic future scenarios to guide rural policy and planning.Methods: The study employed an impact analysis method and expert-based foresight techniques.  A survey was conducted with 31 experts in the food industry, agriculture, and future studies from the University of Tabriz. A total of 58 influencing factors were identified across four dimensions and organized into a 58 × 58 cross-impact matrix to examine their mutual relationships and potential influence on the future of food security.Results: The results showed that 54% of the factors influenced each other. Additionally, 33 possible states (ranging from optimal to sub-optimal) were designed for 11 key factors. Analysis revealed that 7,894 scenarios were weak and unreliable, while only 2 strong and 81 highly consistent scenarios were considered feasible for future planning.Conclusion: Among the viable scenarios, "Effective Planning to Reduce Food Waste and Loss" was identified as a valuable and most consistent scenario. This suggests that policies targeting waste and loss reduction are critical for enhancing food security in the province. https://www.jsrd.ir/article_239024.html Purpose: This study aims to assess the status and practices of social responsibility (SR) among mines operating in the rural areas of Karani District, Bijar County, while also identifying the key factors influencing its implementation. The research employes a descriptive-analytical methodology. Methods: The statistical population comprised 712 households from 10 villages with active mines in the Karani District. Using Cochran's formula at a 95% confidence level, a sample of 250 households was selected. Data were gathered through documentary research, structured questionnaires, interviews, and field observations. The questionnaires, based on a 5-point Likert scale, were validated for content by a panel of experts, and their reliability was confirmed with a strong Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.86. Results: Data analysis employed both descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (t-test, Spearman's correlation, and regression). The findings indicate that within the economic dimension, variables such as 'contribution to the regional economy' (mean=4.96) and 'job creation' (mean=4.94) received the highest scores. Conversely, in the environmental dimension, 'waste management' (mean=1.13) and 'road rehabilitation' (mean=1.02) scored the lowest. In the social dimension, 'increasing employee satisfaction and motivation' (mean=4.22) was rated highest, while 'transparency and accountability' (mean=1.05) was the lowest. T-test results demonstrated that the economic dimension performed above the standard mean, whereas the social and environmental dimensions fell significantly below it. Furthermore, variables such as mine ownership (r=0.443), mine age (r=0.456), household income (r=0.618), and distance from the village (r=-0.489) were identified as having a significant influence on the level of social responsibility. Conclusion: The study concludes that state-owned and older mines demonstrated a better performance in terms of social responsibility. In contrast, a greater distance from residential villages was correlated with a notable reduction in SR activities. https://www.jsrd.ir/article_222514.html Purpose: In the economies of developing countries, the agricultural and rural sector holds particular significance. Saffron is a high-value crop that not only commands global importance but also aligns well with Iran’s climatic conditions and farming capabilities. This study aims to investigate the impact of globalization on saffron production within the context of Iran's broader rural and agricultural policy framework.Methods: To achieve the research objectives, the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) was employed. The data used in this study spans the period from 1979 to 2023 (corresponding to Iranian calendar years 1358–1402).Results: The VECM analysis revealed a positive long-term relationship between exchange rate fluctuations and saffron production (coefficient = 2.08). As the exchange rate increases, saffron prices rise in importing countries, leading to higher domestic production and increased export volumes. In the short term, the exchange rate with one- and two-year lags shows a direct effect on saffron output—specifically, a 1% increase in the exchange rate leads to more than a 1% increase in saffron production.Conclusion: Given Iran's agricultural and rural development policies, the process of globalization has had a beneficial influence on saffron production. Under globalization, investments in saffron cultivation have increased, while farmers have adopted new and cost-effective technologies and inputs. Moreover, the government plays a significant role in shaping the performance of the saffron sector through various policy areas such as trade regulations, financial systems, exchange rates, banking, foreign investment, insurance, labor laws, competition regulation, corporate governance, domestic industry support, technology transfer, education, health care, and social services. Ultimately, transitioning from a closed economic system to an open economy becomes feasible under these conditions. https://www.jsrd.ir/article_236650.html Urban spaces can serve as powerful bridges for socio-cultural interaction between residents of peri-urban villages and cities. Accordingly, this research aims to identify the factors strengthening socio-cultural participation in peri-urban villages, focusing on urban spaces in Bojnurd. The present study is applied research and, by nature, is mixed-methods (qualitative-quantitative). In terms of strategy, it is survey-based, and its execution is descriptive-analytical. Data were collected through both documentary/library research and field methods (interviews and questionnaires). The statistical population consisted of managers and specialists in Bojnurd city. Using purposive sampling, 25 participants were selected until theoretical saturation was reached. Data analysis was performed using the Grounded Theory method and hybrid models (F-ARAS + F-COPRAS). The findings revealed that human-centered and multi-functional infrastructure design, with a score of 72.65, plays the pivotal role as the most effective causal factor. Among the contextual factors, identifying and addressing barriers such as ethnic dispersion and the lack of quality public spaces, with a score of 72.50, were most significant. Among the intervening factors, governance transparency and trust-building, with a score of 72.69, and sustainable financing of participation, with a score of 72.54, held the highest importance for the success of strategies. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that strengthening participation requires a simultaneous combination of improving the physical quality of public spaces, reforming governance structures, and removing institutional barriers. https://www.jsrd.ir/article_228274.html Purpose: Coastal and marine tourism is one of the most important sectors of the tourism industry, significantly impacting sustainable development dimensions- particularly its social and economic dimensions- in port and coastal regions. Accordingly, this study aims to examine the role of coastal and marine tourism in the socio-economic sustainability of rural areas (Case Study: the coastal areas of Chabahar in southeastern Iran).Methods: This applied research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach. The study population consists of residents of Chabahar County, with a sample size of 384 determined using Cochran's formula. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software, employing regression analysis, t-tests, and Spearman’s correlation.Results: The stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed a significant relationship *(P = 0.05)* between coastal and marine tourism and rural economic development across all indicators, indicating that coastal and marine tourism is a strong predictor of economic development. Additionally, the one-sample t-test results showed that all social indicators had a mean score above 3, reflecting the positive impact of coastal and marine tourism on the social development of rural areas in Chabahar. Finally, Spearman’s correlation analysis confirmed a significant relationship between social development indicators and coastal and marine tourism.Conclusion: The overall results suggest that marine and coastal tourism, as one of the key sectors of the tourism industry in the study area, has substantial impacts on the economic and social sustainability of rural areas. It has provided numerous economic and social opportunities for local communities. https://www.jsrd.ir/article_234643.html Purpose: Given the growing importance of sustainable rural tourism and the critical role of local foods in supporting the cultural identity, economic vitality, and environmental sustainability, understanding the behavioral drivers and barriers that influence tourists’ local food consumption is of particular importance. Accordingly, the present study aimed to analyze the factors influencing rural tourists’ intention to consume local food in Shushtar County, southwest Iran. The theoretical framework for this research was the Health Belief Model (HBM), which is widely used to explain health-related decision-making.Methods: The statistical population consisted of all tourists visiting the rural areas of Shushtar County. Using Krejcie and Morgan’s sampling formula, a total of 385 respondents were selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, the content validity of which was confirmed by a panel of experts, and its reliability was verified using Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability indices. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS and SmartPLS software employing both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques.Results: The results indicated that the Health Belief Model accounted for 50.9% of the variance in tourists’ intention to consume local food. Among the model’s constructs, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, self-efficacy, and cues to action had positive and statistically significant influences on behavioral intention, while perceived barriers showed no significant effect.Conclusion: This study bridges an existing theoretical gap in the field of food-based rural tourism and offers practical implications for policymakers to promote healthy eating behaviors and strengthen the economic sustainability of local communities. https://www.jsrd.ir/article_236434.html Purpose: This study investigates the impact of agritourism on sustainable rural development from the perspectives of both host communities and tourists.Methods: This study is quantitative and applied in purpose, using a descriptive–analytical method with a survey strategy. Data were collected through a researcher-designed questionnaire. The statistical population included two groups: farmers in counties with agritourism potential in Mazandaran Province and agritourists visiting these counties. Based on Cochran’s formula, the sample size was 385 respondents. The questionnaire’s validity was confirmed by subject-matter experts (university professors and specialists from the Agricultural Jihad Organization and the Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Organization). Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, yielding 0.89, which indicates high internal consistency.Results: The regression analysis showed that five dimensions—economic and infrastructural, policy and managerial, natural and climatic, socio-cultural and human, and extension and educational—significantly influence sustainable rural development. Among them, the economic and infrastructural factor had the strongest effect (β = 0.228), followed by policy and managerial (β = 0.212), natural and climatic (β = 0.178), socio-cultural and human (β = 0.136), and extension and educational (β = 0.109).Conclusion: Agritourism exerts a substantial positive influence on sustainable rural development. Key findings highlight: Economic benefits: Opportunities to market local products (traditional clothing, foods, sweets, handicrafts), improving household income and local economic conditions. Socio-cultural benefits: Organization of festivals (harvest and planting celebrations) as the most important factor, generating economic gains while preserving and promoting authentic rural culture. https://www.jsrd.ir/article_238539.html Purpose: Livability refers to the ability of a place to meet the biological needs of residents, both material and immaterial, thereby improving the quality of life and creating a suitable environment for the flourishing of residents' capabilities. This concept is reflected in people's sense of satisfaction with their living environment and is considered a prelude to achieving sustainability and improving the quality of life. Today, the assessment and evaluation of viability in the field of planning and policy-making of rural settlements have received much attention. The purpose of this study is to determine the level of livability of rural settlements around the metropolis of Rasht. Research is applied in nature and employs a descriptive-analytical method. Methods: The statistical population of this study consists of 37 villages around the metropolis of Rasht, which have been studied in full. The Copras method was used to analyze the data. Results: The Findings indicate that the continuity and sense of belonging index, with an average of 18.04, has the highest impact, and the tourism index, with an average of 1.20, has the least impact on the livability of the studied villages. The results of the Copras method show that Kamakel and Pileh Darben villages, with N values ​​of 100 and 98.880, respectively, have the best habitat status, while Klash Talshan and Varazgah villages, with N values of 75.070 and 74.378, respectively, are in the weakest condition. Based on the percentage of importance, the studied villages are classified into three levels: high livability, medium viability, and low viability. Conclusion: The results of this study can pave the way for future planning. With knowledge of the priority villages, the proposed programs can be more targeted and practical, thereby increasing the welfare of residents. https://www.jsrd.ir/article_240619.html Purpose: Sustainable tourism is a comprehensive concept aimed at holistic community development. From this perspective, it requires a strategic and forward-looking approach. The importance of sustainable tourism lies in its potential to serve as a complementary economic indicator at local, national, and transnational levels, promoting development and, through broad and planned processes, advancing a country’s position relative to international competitors. Methods: This study focuses on a small-scale rural community and strategically identifies advantages and indicators of tourism development from the perspectives of both local experts and residents. It is hypothesized that various external and internal factors have hindered the implementation of sustainability approaches in tourism development in Taleqan County. Data were collected using snowball sampling and semi-structured, in-depth interviews with relevant experts and residents of tourism-targeted villages. The research employs the Metaswat methodology, a strategic tool for mapping, identifying potentials, and determining competitive advantages of the studied tourism region. Results: The findings reveal that, despite its substantial ecological, cultural, social, and climatic assets, Taleqan County occupies a relatively weak competitive position compared to neighboring tourism regions. Although the area benefits from a rich historical background and diverse local infrastructures, these resources have not been effectively transformed into sustainable tourism outcomes.. Conclusion: The study concludes that although Taleqan County has rich ecological and cultural capacities, poor management and external challenges, such as wide currency fluctuations and economic instability, have significantly constrained sustainable tourism development in Taleqan County. In contrast, regions with higher competitive advantages, such as Lavasanat and Kordan, were less threatened by these external factors, partly due to greater attention from authorities, increased investment, and inflow of external capital.