درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

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.

Purpose – This study examines the barriers to promoting climate-smart agriculture (CSA) in rural areas of the Sistan Plain. Using a qualitative approach and focus group discussions, data were collected from farmers and local experts (54 participants). The discussions were analyzed through inductive content analysis, coding, and classification systems. Findings – The results reveal that barriers to CSA promotion fall into seven main categories: financial, institutional, technical and infrastructural, knowledge gaps, demographic, environmental, and market challenges. Key challenges include high initial costs, weak policies and institutional support, lack of practical knowledge and training, and adverse climatic conditions. Practical recommendations involve conducting specialized training, establishing pilot projects, and strengthening communication infrastructure. From a policy perspective, developing national strategies, providing financial incentives and credit facilities, and fostering collaboration across various sectors are crucial. This study offers comprehensive and integrated solutions to assist policymakers and agricultural practitioners in achieving sustainable development and strengthening CSA resilience. Practical Implications – This study proposes several practical solutions to address the identified challenges, including organizing specialized and operational training programs for farmers and experts, implementing pilot projects to demonstrate CSA effectiveness and benefits, developing communication and technical infrastructure such as high-speed internet access and advanced equipment, formulating national policies to provide financial and institutional support for CSA, and fostering collaboration among governmental, private, and local community sectors. Originality/Value – This research is one of the first comprehensive studies analyzing barriers to CSA promotion in Iran. Given the unique conditions of the Sistan Plain, the findings can serve as a model for other underprivileged regions in Iran and similar countries. The practical solutions and effective policy recommendations presented here mark a significant step toward sustainable development and greater agricultural resilience to climate change.