JOURNAL OF RURAL RESEARCH
Year:2017 | Volume:7 | Issue:4|Papers Count:10

Because of the great importance of the agricultural sector, governments have always tried to provide pervasive insurance programs to help and deliver a secure platform for farmers to produce more and better on the one hand and provide social justice on the other hand; however, rural communities resist acceptance of agricultural insurance. This qualitative research aimed to find problems of agricultural insurance system and prioritize its problems in Kermanshah City from the perspective of insurance experts.The present study was conducted using grounded theory. The study population comprised experts working in the agricultural insurance system in Kermanshah that 25 of them were chosen by theoretical sampling. Data were collected by in-depth interviews and focus group discussions through three methods: open coding, axial, and selective analysis. Finally, 11 problems in the agricultural insurance system were identified. In the second step, the experts ranked these problems using appropriate tests. Based on the findings, lack of job security and policy experts, inappropriate administrators to the level (as the highest priority), problems of credit access, poor services provided by insurance system, incomprehensive insurance laws, using outdated technologies, low levels of institutional partnerships, as well as 5 other problems were detected in the agricultural insurance system.

This study examined the role of Carbon Sequestration Project (CSP) in improving the social capital of local people in Shahdad area of Kerman Province. The statistical population consisted of the members of the development groups of 6 rural districts with 456 people, as well as the local people of 6 rural districts outside of the project with 1428 people. The sample size was determined as 218 people based on Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) table. For the purpose of comparison, a similar number of local people that lived out of project area were selected. The samples were chosen using stratified random sampling method. Questionnaire was the main tool for collecting data. The agricultural extension and education specialists, as well as experts of CSP in the Forest, Range and Watershed Management Organization confirmed content validity of the questionnaire. The Cronbach α coefficient was calculated for determining the reliability of the questionnaire and its value for different parts were between 0.70 and 0.90. According to the results, there were significant differences between the local people’s social capital that covered by the project before and after the implementation of the project. In addition, there were significant differences between local people’s social capital under and out of coverage of the project. Finally, based on research results, some suggestions were presented for further strengthening of social capital and development of CSP.

Given the potential role of social capital in reducing poverty and enhancing sustainable development, there have been many attempts to design assessment tools for it. Social capital is a complex concept with multiple measures. This feature requires a set of indicators to compare its different aspects. In this context, the question is what the localization process indicators of social capital are in rural areas of Iran.The scientific solution to the problem needs an appropriate set of indicators to measure social capital in rural areas of Iran. The present paper used cross-surveys and feedback from experts, and academics. We also used the Delphi method to provide appropriate indicators and criteria which have been localized.For data analysis, statistical methods such as mean and variance were calculated using Excel and SPSS.Based on the findings in the total number of 9 components, 18 indexes and 53 indicators were selected that are compatible with rural areas of Iran. Moreover, by localization of social capital indicators in sustainable rural development, it is possible to select the indicators that are consistent and comply with Iranian villages, operational aspects, and applicable to these components. Also indexes and indicators in sustainable rural development programs will be considered.

People’s increasing demand for outdoor recreation, particularly those who live in metropolis and industrial cities, has created appropriate opportunity for income generation through agritourism by villagers.However, it may cause problems regarding the change of agricultural land use, should poor management practices be applied. One of the most important factors affecting income generation through agritourism is the recognition of tourism market and motivations of tourists. This study analyzed motives of tourists affecting the choice of agritourism destination. This study was a descriptive-analytical type of quantitative research conducted by a survey. The study population consisted of 18 years and older tourists visited the East Alamut region in summer. The sample size (n=255) was determined based on tourists’motives and factor analysis perquisites. Convenience sampling method was employed because of lack of appropriate sampling frame. Respondents determined their highest priorities and motivations such as benefit from clean air, contact with nature, relaxation, and having a good time with family in a calm atmosphere. Also this study indicated that factors such as “being with family”, “learning and spending less”, and “self-actualization and change” were the most important factors in the choice of agritourism destination by tourists.

Providing sustainable food security in rural societies is one of the main objective of rural development programs. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the sustainable food security of rural households. The study design is descriptive-analytical with practical applications. The study population was rural households in Zanjan Township. In 2011, Zanjan Township comprised 97225 rural people, 26429 households, 13 districts and 248 villages. A total of 54 villages were selected as study villages.Library and field research (questionnaire) were used for data collection. For data analysis, descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (1-sample t test and linear regression) were used. Results indicated that sustainable food security of rural households was not optimum. The economic factors were the most important factors in food security of sustainable rural households. According to the research findings, suggestions, such as expanding and strengthening consumer stores, offering a basket of food commodities were provided to families covered by social institutions.

Three main components to measure the effectiveness of environmental education are knowledge, interest and behavior. Environmental knowledge and interest are known as affecting factors on environmental behaviors and actions. So, the measurement of environmental knowledge and interests are the tools that could be helpful for analyzing the consistent behavior with the nature. Nowadays, environmental concepts are tried to put in the memory of the audience using modified elementary school textbooks.Therefore, the need for performance measurement of this issue is considered to do with this research.This research investigates the knowledge and the interest of Torghabeh and Shandiz elementary students.This research was conducted by the descriptive, analytical method and questionnaire was used as the ideal data collection technique. In this study, six girls’ schools were selected by cluster sampling which included 100 elementary schools. The results indicate that independent variables of parents' education and students' educational level bear no relation to dependent variables of students' environmental knowledge and awareness. Independent variables of parents' level of education, students' education and access to the green space bear no relation to the dependent variable of their compatible toward nature. There is a significant relationship between the independent variable, environmental knowledge, and the dependent variables, interest and environmentally friendly interest.

Agriculture has determining and fundamental roles in the fate of the rural society in Iran. Also, it is unlikely that rural development can be achieved without having a logical and established solution for rural agriculture. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between sustainable agriculture and sustainable development in rural regions of Fasa County. The research method of the study is descriptive-analytical, and the data collection is based on survey method (completing questionnaire). The study population comprised all heads of households living in Fasa villages. Using the Cochran formula, the sample size was estimated as 285 participants who were selected randomly and questionnaires were distributed among them. To measure the reliability of the questionnaire, the Cronbach α was used. In the study, the statistical model of SEM and the first order confirmatory factor analysis were used for analyzing data. The results indicate the validity of both models of measurement of rural development and sustainable agriculture as well as the first order two-factor model for the relationship between rural sustainable development and sustainable agriculture as well as their goodness of fit with the collected data. According to this analysis, indicators of sustainable agriculture have generally more significant direct effects on rural sustainable development than the reverse conditions in this relationship.

Participatory need measurement is a process based on community-based management approach, which focuses on different aspects of local communities’ needs. The project of Iranian model for participation and empowerment of local communities with social networks approach is a step towards developing an action plan in Bozijan Village, Mahallat District, Markazi Province. Priorities and needs assessment of problems and challenges is one of the most important principles in rural planning. For this purpose, using qualitative methods such as group discussion and brainstorming, we defined the challenges of participatory activities and then using AHP method, we prioritized rural development issues in view of local stakeholders. The results showed that on the basis of AHP in men and women groups, no range license to take advantage of the rangeland and lack of suitable employment of women, with the highest priority, 15% of men’s needs and 29% of women’s needs had highest priority. In this study all problems from the perspective of local stakeholders (men and women) were identified and prioritized, which can be the basis for planning and policy making to achieve comprehensive development in rural areas.

Identity expression from local residents` view is related to social representation theory taken from local discourse. Dareh Moradbeig is a village 3 km far from Hamedan city center which has evolved through urban outward flows using urban facilities. This village was recreational place for urban residents. Regarding the development plan of village, how is the village identity formed under the recent transformations.How do the residents consider the place identity? Based on Henry Lufor’s theory, space is a political and social factor the place identity of which is influenced by internal and external forces. Halfkari regards the village identity originating from village situation, formal representations and villagers` every day life. The results show that to respond residents` needs, the civil development and urban amenities must be combined to provide identity in rural housing pattern, public spaces of neighborhood center and cultural natural potentials of Alousjerd river and increase of social capital with organization.

Dominant social, economic and political conditions could be barriers of women’s participation. One instrument to economic equity is micro credit funds. Micro credit funds in Iran and other developing countries provide a range of economic services for rural women. evaluation of micro credit funds clients’satisfaction is essential for both internal and external reasons. In light of these facts, the aim of this paper is to measure women’ satisfaction with micro credit funds in Iran. The study population consisted of women who participate in the two micro credit funds in Fars and Khuzestan Province of Iran (N-800). The sample is selected using simple random quota sampling method (n=200) based on a list of names from the Funds. The face validity of the questionnaire was approved by a group of experts. Furthermore, the Cronbach's alpha sufficient coefficients used to evaluate the reliability of questions (0.7 to 0.9). the t-test analysis revealed that participants in Fars and Khuzestan significantly differ from each other regarding their loyalty to funds. The mean score of Fars participants was higher than that of Khuzestan participants.The regression analysis revealed that expectation from funds and perceived quality explained 27% of the variance in participant perceived value. While, expectation, perceived value and perceived quality explained 67% of the variance in participant satisfaction. Finally,, expectation, perceived value, perceived image and satisfaction explained 42% of the variance in participant loyalty regarding micro credit funds.