درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

Purpose- This study aims to examine the delivery and quality of rural tourism services from the perspective of managers of eco-lodges in Guilan Province, Iran. It also seeks to identify the key reasons behind the lack of adoption of service quality standards by these managers. The significance of the topic lies in its contribution to sustainable tourism development, enhancement of rural residents’ quality of life, and improvement of tourist satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach- This applied research employed a descriptive-analytical approach. Data were collected through both library and field methods. The statistical population included all licensed eco-lodges in Guilan Province (126 units), which were studied using a census method. Data collection was carried out using the standard SERVQUAL questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 through descriptive statistics, one-sample t-tests, factor analysis, and the Friedman test. Findings- The results revealed a significant gap between the current quality of services and the desired standards in the eco-lodges of Guilan. Most managers perceived the official service quality standards as inefficient or impractical. The primary reasons cited included inadequate infrastructure, insufficient training, and weak supervisory systems. Research limitations/implications- The study is limited to a single province and reflects solely the managers’ viewpoints. Future research is recommended to include the perspectives of tourists and regulatory authorities. Additionally, developing and localizing service quality assessment models tailored to the characteristics of rural accommodations is suggested. Practical implications- To enhance service quality, the study recommends providing training programs for managers, improving tourism infrastructure, revising service quality indicators, and strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems. Showcasing successful models from other regions can also help increase the efficiency of eco-lodges. Originality/ value- By focusing on the perspectives of service providers as key stakeholders, this study offers a novel contribution and can serve as a reference for policymakers, tourism practitioners, and investors aiming to improve rural tourism service quality.

Purpose- The ongoing research endeavors to identify and critically analyze the paradigmatic rural development model embedded within Iran's spatial planning frameworks. As innovative philosophical perspectives in rural development emerge, the necessity of examining and understanding the foundational principles guiding these initiatives has become increasingly vital. This importance is recognized from a theoretical perspective and in practical efficiency and effectiveness, particularly relevant for geographers engaged in spatial analysis. Design/methodology/approach- The research aims to contribute valuable insights to enhance rural development strategies and inform effective spatial planning in Iran by exploring these dimensions. The research strategy uses a mixed-methods approach, allowing for the selection of various methods that are aligned with the overall research objectives. Initially, the qualitative content analysis method was employed. Data collection utilized several tools, including observation, document analysis, and questionnaires. A non-probability sampling technique was applied, and one document was selected from each of the nine study areas. Researchers needed to consider multiple criteria during judgmental sampling, such as clustering levels, time units, geographic units, and the number of document samples, alongside consultations with academic experts. The document analysis, grounded in qualitative content analysis, aimed to objectify findings. Findings- The research revealed that critical characteristics of the paradigmatic model for rural development in the provincial SSP include "objective ontology," "positivism epistemology," "Separate praxis," and "ethics." The findings indicate that the degree of alignment between the selected SPP and the paradigmatic model of retrogressive rural development is rated at 3.73. This score suggests that the retrogressive perspective remains dominant despite advancements in "ideological" and "institutional" reforms. Originality/value- Consequently, the characteristics associated with the paradigmatic elements of rural development have regressed within the SPP framework.

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.

Purpose-Various factors influence changes in rural lifestyles, with one of the most important being rural-urban linkages. The aim of this paper is to examine the role of rural-urban linkages in changing the lifestyle of rural households across three dimensions: social, economic, and cultural. Design/methodology/approach- The research method is descriptive-analytical, and data collection was conducted through library research for theoretical studies and via questionnaires for the field study. The statistical population includes the villages of the Lasht Nesha district in Rasht County. A sample of 360 respondents was selected using Cochran's formula and a simple random sampling method. Data were analyzed using linear regression and multivariate regression tests. Finding- The research findings regarding the linear relationship between rural-urban linkages and changes in rural household lifestyles revealed a significant relationship between these two variables. Additionally, the results showed that the most significant impacts of rural-urban linkages were in the cultural, social, and economic dimensions, respectively. Specifically, in the cultural dimension, consumerism and cultural and linguistic changes were most prominent; in the social dimension, changes in clothing and behavior; and in the economic dimension, materialism, wealth accumulation, and income generation experienced the greatest changes.

Purpose- This research examines the impact of social factors on the sustainability and success of rural entrepreneurship in the eastern border of Zayandeh River, Isfahan, Iran. Design/methodology/approach- Using a qualitative grounded theory approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 40 key stakeholders, including rural entrepreneurs, local managers, agricultural jihad managers and experts, entrepreneurship experts, and rural development specialists. MAXQDA software was used for data analysis. Findings- The findings of this research show that trust, support, social participation and teamwork are very important for the success and sustainability of rural entrepreneurship. Mutual trust between entrepreneurs and communities, active participation in economic initiatives and joint efforts, increases innovation, productivity and adaptability in rural businesses. In addition, cultural norms and local power dynamics significantly influence entrepreneurial behaviors. Practical implications- Policymakers should prioritize strengthening local financial institutions, fostering entrepreneurial culture, and adopting participatory methods for designing and implementing entrepreneurship programs. These measures can help to increase the economic capabilities of rural communities. Creating equal opportunities for all members of society and rebuilding trust between rural communities and government institutions is necessary and mandatory. This trust can lead to improved collaborations and effective partnerships. Also, strategies to remove the cultural barriers of entrepreneurship are also necessary to create a suitable environment for innovation and growth and to encourage more people to engage in entrepreneurial activities. Originality/value- This study contributes to the existing literature by providing an integrated conceptual model of social factors affecting the sustainability of rural entrepreneurship. It enhances understanding of the social dynamics that shape entrepreneurial ecosystems in rural areas, particularly areas facing environmental and economic challenges. The obtained insights can provide effective policies and interventions aimed at promoting sustainable rural entrepreneurship in similar contexts.