Volume 12, Issue 43 (Spring 2023 2023)
2023, 12(43): 131-150 |
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Amininejad G, Zendehboudi Y, Norouzi M. Analysis of the role of agriculture in rural development with emphasis on tobacco production(Ahram Rural District, Bushehr Province). SPACE ECONOMY & RURAL DEVELOPMENT 2023; 12 (43) :131-150
URL: http://serd.khu.ac.ir/article-1-3914-en.html
URL: http://serd.khu.ac.ir/article-1-3914-en.html
1- Assistant Professor of Geography and Rural Planning, Payam Noor University, Bushehr, Iran.
2- Master of Geography and Urban Planning, Payam Noor University, Bushehr, Iran. , yaser.z63@yahoo.com
3- Master student of Geography and Urban Planning, Payam Noor University, Bushehr, Iran.
2- Master of Geography and Urban Planning, Payam Noor University, Bushehr, Iran. , yaser.z63@yahoo.com
3- Master student of Geography and Urban Planning, Payam Noor University, Bushehr, Iran.
Abstract: (1016 Views)
Introduction
The beginning of settlements can be traced back to the practice of agriculture. The earliest civilizations in history were established in regions where agriculture was feasible due to favorable geographical and environmental factors. After the service sector, the agricultural sector in Iran is the largest economic sector. Focusing on agriculture can contribute to sustainable rural development, as well as help to mitigate social issues such as unemployment and migration. The agricultural sector is vital for achieving independence and sustainable development in Iran's national economy. Agricultural activities make up approximately 11.2% of the country's size. The majority of our villages are focused on agriculture and nearly half of the workers in rural areas are involved in this industry.The poverty in rural areas is due to the inefficiency of the rural economy, particularly in agriculture. This results in a lack of employment opportunities, income, and poor living standards. Therefore, there is an increasing need to focus on agriculture and rural development simultaneously. Agricultural and rural development are crucial for sustainable industrial growth. Without them, industrial growth will either fail or create serious internal imbalances in the economy, leading to issues such as widespread poverty, inequality, and unemployment. Tangestan County boasts great potential in agriculture, despite a shortage of potable and agricultural water. The fertile soil creates a conducive environment for agricultural activities, leading many locals to engage in farming. As a result, the county is regarded as a significant hub for agriculture. Regrettably, the agricultural sector in this city has received minimal attention in the development plans and economic policies. Consequently, farmers, particularly those in rural areas, are encountering significant challenges. This research aims to examine the role of the agricultural sector in the sustainable development of the villages of Mahmoud Ahmadi region and provide solutions to improve the agricultural situation by emphasizing tobacco production and increasing the amount of production per unit area, increasing their income and improving their standard of living.
Methodology
This study is descriptive and analytical, with a survey as its primary purpose. The library research method established the theoretical basis and identified existing components. The research approach used is a cross-sectional survey. For this research, the study area was the Ahram Rural District of Tangestan County, with a statistical population of 8,612 rural residents. Using Cochran's formula, a sample size of 330 people was determined and selected randomly. Because the questionnaires were research-made, the questions were matched with the research hypotheses and presented to professors and experts. After checking and confirming, 35 questions were selected for the implementation of the research and its validity. The reliability of the questionnaire was controlled and evaluated using Cronbach's alpha method (0.79). SPSS software was used to analyze data and information. According to the measurement level of variables, appropriate tests such as Pearson's correlation coefficient test have been used to examine the relationship between independent and dependent variables.
Discussion and conclusion
Based on the Pearson correlation coefficient test conducted in rural areas, it was found that there is a significant relationship (at p<0.05 level) between several factors: 1) agricultural development and sustainable rural development (coefficient of 0.451); 2) increased agricultural production and longer life expectancy (coefficient of 0.369); 3) the contribution of women to sustainable rural development (coefficient of 0.394); and 4) agricultural prosperity and social development (coefficient of 0.298). These findings were significant at a p-value of less than 0.05. In this study, it was determined that agriculture played an influential role in the development of the villages of the Mahmoud Ahmadi region, and the cultivation of tobacco as a strategic product was influential in creating employment for families and eliminating unemployment in the region. Additionally, it facilitated opportunities for women to enter the workforce. On the other hand, the results showed that with the prosperity of agriculture in the Mahmoud Ahmadi region, social problems and harms are reduced, and social development takes place, which seems that the results of this study can be used in other regions of the country. Tobacco is a popular product among Iranians, and it has been cultivated in Bushehr province, particularly in this region, for a considerable period. This could be a factor in persuading villagers to stay put and avoid migration to urban areas. If there is more planting and harvesting, employment will increase, and young people will have a greater desire to persevere. In general, agriculture in the Mahmoud Ahmadi region can be effective in the development and prosperity of villages in the region due to its favorable characteristics. These findings confirm that the planning and managing of rural development components is a trans-sectoral activity that requires a comprehensive approach and the coordination of different related sectors. Agriculture improves livelihoods, reduces unemployment, and promotes social development. Based on the results obtained, it is suggested to implement the following measures: 1) Offer incentive packages like guaranteed product purchase and identification of tobacco export markets, 2) Allocate funds and provide necessary facilities to launch irrigation methods and new agricultural techniques for enhancing production, 3) Encourage women's influential involvement in the economy through media and virtual space, 4) Identify economic activities carried out by rural women and organize them, 5) Establish a training and empowerment center in Ahram village to utilize their potential for rural development, and 6) Create processing and transformation industries for packaging of manufactured goods.
The beginning of settlements can be traced back to the practice of agriculture. The earliest civilizations in history were established in regions where agriculture was feasible due to favorable geographical and environmental factors. After the service sector, the agricultural sector in Iran is the largest economic sector. Focusing on agriculture can contribute to sustainable rural development, as well as help to mitigate social issues such as unemployment and migration. The agricultural sector is vital for achieving independence and sustainable development in Iran's national economy. Agricultural activities make up approximately 11.2% of the country's size. The majority of our villages are focused on agriculture and nearly half of the workers in rural areas are involved in this industry.The poverty in rural areas is due to the inefficiency of the rural economy, particularly in agriculture. This results in a lack of employment opportunities, income, and poor living standards. Therefore, there is an increasing need to focus on agriculture and rural development simultaneously. Agricultural and rural development are crucial for sustainable industrial growth. Without them, industrial growth will either fail or create serious internal imbalances in the economy, leading to issues such as widespread poverty, inequality, and unemployment. Tangestan County boasts great potential in agriculture, despite a shortage of potable and agricultural water. The fertile soil creates a conducive environment for agricultural activities, leading many locals to engage in farming. As a result, the county is regarded as a significant hub for agriculture. Regrettably, the agricultural sector in this city has received minimal attention in the development plans and economic policies. Consequently, farmers, particularly those in rural areas, are encountering significant challenges. This research aims to examine the role of the agricultural sector in the sustainable development of the villages of Mahmoud Ahmadi region and provide solutions to improve the agricultural situation by emphasizing tobacco production and increasing the amount of production per unit area, increasing their income and improving their standard of living.
Methodology
This study is descriptive and analytical, with a survey as its primary purpose. The library research method established the theoretical basis and identified existing components. The research approach used is a cross-sectional survey. For this research, the study area was the Ahram Rural District of Tangestan County, with a statistical population of 8,612 rural residents. Using Cochran's formula, a sample size of 330 people was determined and selected randomly. Because the questionnaires were research-made, the questions were matched with the research hypotheses and presented to professors and experts. After checking and confirming, 35 questions were selected for the implementation of the research and its validity. The reliability of the questionnaire was controlled and evaluated using Cronbach's alpha method (0.79). SPSS software was used to analyze data and information. According to the measurement level of variables, appropriate tests such as Pearson's correlation coefficient test have been used to examine the relationship between independent and dependent variables.
Discussion and conclusion
Based on the Pearson correlation coefficient test conducted in rural areas, it was found that there is a significant relationship (at p<0.05 level) between several factors: 1) agricultural development and sustainable rural development (coefficient of 0.451); 2) increased agricultural production and longer life expectancy (coefficient of 0.369); 3) the contribution of women to sustainable rural development (coefficient of 0.394); and 4) agricultural prosperity and social development (coefficient of 0.298). These findings were significant at a p-value of less than 0.05. In this study, it was determined that agriculture played an influential role in the development of the villages of the Mahmoud Ahmadi region, and the cultivation of tobacco as a strategic product was influential in creating employment for families and eliminating unemployment in the region. Additionally, it facilitated opportunities for women to enter the workforce. On the other hand, the results showed that with the prosperity of agriculture in the Mahmoud Ahmadi region, social problems and harms are reduced, and social development takes place, which seems that the results of this study can be used in other regions of the country. Tobacco is a popular product among Iranians, and it has been cultivated in Bushehr province, particularly in this region, for a considerable period. This could be a factor in persuading villagers to stay put and avoid migration to urban areas. If there is more planting and harvesting, employment will increase, and young people will have a greater desire to persevere. In general, agriculture in the Mahmoud Ahmadi region can be effective in the development and prosperity of villages in the region due to its favorable characteristics. These findings confirm that the planning and managing of rural development components is a trans-sectoral activity that requires a comprehensive approach and the coordination of different related sectors. Agriculture improves livelihoods, reduces unemployment, and promotes social development. Based on the results obtained, it is suggested to implement the following measures: 1) Offer incentive packages like guaranteed product purchase and identification of tobacco export markets, 2) Allocate funds and provide necessary facilities to launch irrigation methods and new agricultural techniques for enhancing production, 3) Encourage women's influential involvement in the economy through media and virtual space, 4) Identify economic activities carried out by rural women and organize them, 5) Establish a training and empowerment center in Ahram village to utilize their potential for rural development, and 6) Create processing and transformation industries for packaging of manufactured goods.
Keywords: Rural development, agricultural products, tobacco, Mahmoud Ahmadi region, Ahram Rural District
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