Agricultural Planning, Economics and Rural Development Research Institute (APERDRI)Village and Development1563-332218420160220Assessing Rural Youth's Tendency to Rural Residence and its Affective Factors in Villages of Qasr-e Shirin County of IranAssessing Rural Youth's Tendency to Rural Residence and its Affective Factors in Villages of Qasr-e Shirin County of Iran1165944310.30490/rvt.2016.59443FAS. AsaadiMSc. Student, Department of Extension, Communications and Rural Development, Zanjan University, Zanjan, Iran.J. YaghoubiAssociate Professor, Department of Extension, Communications and Rural Development, Zanjan University, Zanjan, IranJournal Article20180314Rural youth are important in improving economic and social conditions of rural families. The purpose of this study was to assess rural youth's tendency to rural residence as well as to identify its affective factors. The statistical population consisted of all the young people aged 15 to 29 living in villages of Qasr-e Shirin cointy of Iran (N=4230). The sample size was determined through Cochran's formula (n=118), and a cluster sampling method was used for selecting samples. Descriptive and correlational research methods were used in this study. Data analysis was carried out by using SPSS 20. The results showed that the mean rank of the rural youth's tendency to rural residence was 3.25 in Likert scale. In addition, multiple regression analysis showed that the two variables of 'self-worth in the village' and 'tendency to employment in the agricultural sector' with positive role and the three variables of 'inadequate government support', 'annual household income from non-agricultural activities' and 'lack of recreational and sport facilities in the village' with negative role explained 59.7 percent of the variance in the dependant variable.Rural youth are important in improving economic and social conditions of rural families. The purpose of this study was to assess rural youth's tendency to rural residence as well as to identify its affective factors. The statistical population consisted of all the young people aged 15 to 29 living in villages of Qasr-e Shirin cointy of Iran (N=4230). The sample size was determined through Cochran's formula (n=118), and a cluster sampling method was used for selecting samples. Descriptive and correlational research methods were used in this study. Data analysis was carried out by using SPSS 20. The results showed that the mean rank of the rural youth's tendency to rural residence was 3.25 in Likert scale. In addition, multiple regression analysis showed that the two variables of 'self-worth in the village' and 'tendency to employment in the agricultural sector' with positive role and the three variables of 'inadequate government support', 'annual household income from non-agricultural activities' and 'lack of recreational and sport facilities in the village' with negative role explained 59.7 percent of the variance in the dependant variable.http://rvt.agri-peri.ac.ir/article_59443_2cfd6ca274b4d127005958a74c1890a1.pdfAgricultural Planning, Economics and Rural Development Research Institute (APERDRI)Village and Development1563-332218420160220Investigation of Food Security Status Using Diet Diversity Index: A Case Study of Rural Areas, Marvdasht County in Fars Province of IranInvestigation of Food Security Status Using Diet Diversity Index: A Case Study of Rural Areas, Marvdasht County in Fars Province of Iran17355944410.30490/rvt.2016.59444FAM. TanhaeiMSc Graduate in Agricultural Economics at Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resource, Iran.E. ZareAssistant Professor at Fars Center for Research of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Shiraz, IranF. Shirani BidabadiAssistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resource, Gorgan, IranR. JoolaeiAssistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resource, Gorgan, IranJournal Article20180314Ensuring the food security is one of the main policies in Iran and it follows access to sufficient and safe nutrition. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the food security status in rural community by using Diet Diversity Index (DDI). For this purpose, Antropy and Berry indexes were used. This study was carried out in rural areas of Marvdasht County in Fars province of Iran in 2012. Data were collected by survey study. Sample households were selected by triple cluster sampling method. The households completed a questionnaire about their daily food consumption for one week. The study results showed the highest diversity in calorie access and the lowest diversity in fat access as well as no considerable differences between pattern and the diet diversity among rural households in various income groups; in addition, all households experienced a relative food security in terms of the food access and the diet diversity. Ensuring the food security is one of the main policies in Iran and it follows access to sufficient and safe nutrition. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the food security status in rural community by using Diet Diversity Index (DDI). For this purpose, Antropy and Berry indexes were used. This study was carried out in rural areas of Marvdasht County in Fars province of Iran in 2012. Data were collected by survey study. Sample households were selected by triple cluster sampling method. The households completed a questionnaire about their daily food consumption for one week. The study results showed the highest diversity in calorie access and the lowest diversity in fat access as well as no considerable differences between pattern and the diet diversity among rural households in various income groups; in addition, all households experienced a relative food security in terms of the food access and the diet diversity. http://rvt.agri-peri.ac.ir/article_59444_41434ec24d961ce2133cb48c18d47098.pdfAgricultural Planning, Economics and Rural Development Research Institute (APERDRI)Village and Development1563-332218420160220Identification of Factors Affecting the Development of Water Users Associations in Agriculture Sector of Khouzestan Province of Iran from the Viewpoint of Member FarmersIdentification of Factors Affecting the Development of Water Users Associations in Agriculture Sector of Khouzestan Province of Iran from the Viewpoint of Member Farmers37555944510.30490/rvt.2016.59445FAM. MombaniGraduate at Islamic Azad University, Branch of Abhar, and Expert in Public Affairs, Iran.F. PanahiAssistant Professor at Islamic Azad University, Branch of Dezfool, Faculty of Agriculture, Dezfool, IranSh. KheyriAssistant Professor at Islamic Azad University, Branch of Abhar, Iran.Journal Article20180314In this research, the statistical society consists of 16 water users associations (WUAs) with 3116 members in Khouzestan province of Iran in 2011. According to Cochran's formula, 127 people were determined to be studied as the samples. This study aimed at identifying the factors affecting the development of water users associations in this province by using descriptive analysis focusing a survey. As shown by the study results, the status of farmers' attitudes towards the creation and operation of WUAs was found at the high level. Based on the results of factor analysis, six factors were more effective in the association development, which explained 68.62 percent of its variations in the WUA development; this included the conditions related to water and associations, management and planning, economic and financial, individual, perception and understanding of WUAs and economic return. In this research, the statistical society consists of 16 water users associations (WUAs) with 3116 members in Khouzestan province of Iran in 2011. According to Cochran's formula, 127 people were determined to be studied as the samples. This study aimed at identifying the factors affecting the development of water users associations in this province by using descriptive analysis focusing a survey. As shown by the study results, the status of farmers' attitudes towards the creation and operation of WUAs was found at the high level. Based on the results of factor analysis, six factors were more effective in the association development, which explained 68.62 percent of its variations in the WUA development; this included the conditions related to water and associations, management and planning, economic and financial, individual, perception and understanding of WUAs and economic return. http://rvt.agri-peri.ac.ir/article_59445_eab58b3957f2a3b56279bd89dd8df039.pdfAgricultural Planning, Economics and Rural Development Research Institute (APERDRI)Village and Development1563-332218420160220Identifying the Development Barriers of Nomadic Cooperatives in Ilam Province of Iran from the Viewpoint of MembersIdentifying the Development Barriers of Nomadic Cooperatives in Ilam Province of Iran from the Viewpoint of Members57745944610.30490/rvt.2016.59446FAM.B. ArayeshAssociate Professor at Islamic Azad University, Branch of Ilam, IranM.R. TaheriMSc Graduate in Agricultural Extension and Education, Islamic Azad University, Branch of Ilam, Iran.Journal Article20180314The main objective of this study was to identify development barriers of nomadic cooperatives in Ilam province of Iran. Statistical population of the study consisted of all the members of the nomadic cooperatives in the province (n=150) studied by using census method. The main data collection instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire. To identify the barriers, 54 items were introduced. These were identified based on the results of exploratory factor analysis using SPSS software. The results showed that economic factor alone with eigen value of 7.276 explained %27.12 of the total variance. In general, economic, socio- cultural, educational and technical factors explained %78.24 of the total variance.The main objective of this study was to identify development barriers of nomadic cooperatives in Ilam province of Iran. Statistical population of the study consisted of all the members of the nomadic cooperatives in the province (n=150) studied by using census method. The main data collection instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire. To identify the barriers, 54 items were introduced. These were identified based on the results of exploratory factor analysis using SPSS software. The results showed that economic factor alone with eigen value of 7.276 explained %27.12 of the total variance. In general, economic, socio- cultural, educational and technical factors explained %78.24 of the total variance.http://rvt.agri-peri.ac.ir/article_59446_0fe26433d863c714c81717f2edeb2722.pdfAgricultural Planning, Economics and Rural Development Research Institute (APERDRI)Village and Development1563-332218420160220Application of Ecological and Anthropogenic Criteria in Locating the Rural Settlements Using Spatial Decision Support System: A Case Study of Kaaj Village, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province of IranApplication of Ecological and Anthropogenic Criteria in Locating the Rural Settlements Using Spatial Decision Support System: A Case Study of Kaaj Village, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province of Iran75895944710.30490/rvt.2016.59447FAZ. NazemiMSc in Natural Resources and Environment, University of Hormozgan, IranY. EsmaeilpourFaculty Member, Department of Rangeland and Watershed Management, University of Hormozgan, IranM. KamangarMSc in Geographical Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing )RS), IranJournal Article20180314Adjacent to Koohrang river, Kaaj village will go under water after filling dam reservoir and must be moved to an appropriate location. To determine the environmental and anthropogenic factors affecting the locating of new place for rural settlement, considering different criteria to determine choices with the greatest role in the process, the network analysis method was used in this study. In this method, the effective criteria were assessed through questionnaires. As a result, eleven criteria were selected. In the next step, to produce the classified maps of each criterion based on suitability for the construction of settlements in rank order based on valorization and classification of data of layers, TOPSIS method was used in GIS environment. Results showed that the distance from the urban and rural areas, height and soil erodibility criteria, respectively, by %19, %16 and %15% of the weight of the model have the greatest impacts in spatial decision support system. The final spatial suitability map showed there were suitable areas mostly located in the north shore of the dam reservoir close to the current location of the village and the Kaaj village can be moved to these areas. Adjacent to Koohrang river, Kaaj village will go under water after filling dam reservoir and must be moved to an appropriate location. To determine the environmental and anthropogenic factors affecting the locating of new place for rural settlement, considering different criteria to determine choices with the greatest role in the process, the network analysis method was used in this study. In this method, the effective criteria were assessed through questionnaires. As a result, eleven criteria were selected. In the next step, to produce the classified maps of each criterion based on suitability for the construction of settlements in rank order based on valorization and classification of data of layers, TOPSIS method was used in GIS environment. Results showed that the distance from the urban and rural areas, height and soil erodibility criteria, respectively, by %19, %16 and %15% of the weight of the model have the greatest impacts in spatial decision support system. The final spatial suitability map showed there were suitable areas mostly located in the north shore of the dam reservoir close to the current location of the village and the Kaaj village can be moved to these areas. http://rvt.agri-peri.ac.ir/article_59447_67fda6515cdde014aaf72f2fb5537aa9.pdfAgricultural Planning, Economics and Rural Development Research Institute (APERDRI)Village and Development1563-332218420160220Factors of Improved Rural Development Management from Viewpoint of Local Community: A Case Study of Meshginshahr County, IranFactors of Improved Rural Development Management from Viewpoint of Local Community: A Case Study of Meshginshahr County, Iran911095944810.30490/rvt.2016.59448FAV. Vakil HeidariAssociate Professor in Geography and Rural Planning, Mohagheghe Ardabili University, IranJournal Article20180314This study aimed at investigating the factors of improved rural development management from viewpoint of local community in Meshginshahr county of Iran. At the first stage, the factors affecting the success of rural management in this county were identified through separate semi-structured interviews with 35 residents of the studied region who were graduates in associate degrees, at the second stage, for recognizing and analyzing the viewpoints of rural communities and their consensus with the results of the first stage, 41 identified reasons were set as the basis of designing a questionnaire in Likert method. The statistical society included all the rural people residing in the rural regions of Meshginshahr county (N=90359), Out of which 197 people were selected as a sample size by Cochran formula; and then, the study questionnaires were distributed among them in a proportional assignment and simple random method. The content and face validity of the instrument was specified after several times reviews and corrections by the faculty members and several expertise of administrative offices. The factor analysis model was used for analyzing the data. Finally, study results showed that the most important factors affecting the success of rural management in the studied area included six components which explained %89.93 of the variance. Finally, based on the results, some applied recommendations were also presented.This study aimed at investigating the factors of improved rural development management from viewpoint of local community in Meshginshahr county of Iran. At the first stage, the factors affecting the success of rural management in this county were identified through separate semi-structured interviews with 35 residents of the studied region who were graduates in associate degrees, at the second stage, for recognizing and analyzing the viewpoints of rural communities and their consensus with the results of the first stage, 41 identified reasons were set as the basis of designing a questionnaire in Likert method. The statistical society included all the rural people residing in the rural regions of Meshginshahr county (N=90359), Out of which 197 people were selected as a sample size by Cochran formula; and then, the study questionnaires were distributed among them in a proportional assignment and simple random method. The content and face validity of the instrument was specified after several times reviews and corrections by the faculty members and several expertise of administrative offices. The factor analysis model was used for analyzing the data. Finally, study results showed that the most important factors affecting the success of rural management in the studied area included six components which explained %89.93 of the variance. Finally, based on the results, some applied recommendations were also presented.http://rvt.agri-peri.ac.ir/article_59448_a683c202e5e41f656a9365cc0581b733.pdfAgricultural Planning, Economics and Rural Development Research Institute (APERDRI)Village and Development1563-332218420160220Factors Deterring the Development of Sericulture Enterprises in Rural Areas of Somehsara County of IranFactors Deterring the Development of Sericulture Enterprises in Rural Areas of Somehsara County of Iran1111315944910.30490/rvt.2016.59449FAM.R. MahboobiAssociate Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Gorgan, IranA. EmdadiBA Graduate in Agricultural Extension and Education, Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.Journal Article20180314This study aimed at identifying inhibitory factors affecting the sericulture enterprises in Somehsara county based on descriptive and survey research method. The target population of the study consisted of all the sericulturists in villages of central division in this county (N=94), out of which 78 persons were selected y using random sampling as research samples. Study data were gathered through a questionnaire and its face validity was confirmed by experts and the reliability analysis was conducted through Cronbach<sup>’</sup>s alpha coefficient. The alpha coefficient for personal-psychological, environmental-context and technical inhibitors was 0.65, 0.83 and 0.67, respectively. The research findings showed that the most important inhibitors of sericulture enterprises were price fluctuations of silkworm egg boxes, silk and sericulture devices on the market, unhealthy competition among sericulturists, and lack of self-confidence among sericulturists over their abilities and capabilities; also, environmental-context inhibitors were found more important in sericulture enterprises.This study aimed at identifying inhibitory factors affecting the sericulture enterprises in Somehsara county based on descriptive and survey research method. The target population of the study consisted of all the sericulturists in villages of central division in this county (N=94), out of which 78 persons were selected y using random sampling as research samples. Study data were gathered through a questionnaire and its face validity was confirmed by experts and the reliability analysis was conducted through Cronbach<sup>’</sup>s alpha coefficient. The alpha coefficient for personal-psychological, environmental-context and technical inhibitors was 0.65, 0.83 and 0.67, respectively. The research findings showed that the most important inhibitors of sericulture enterprises were price fluctuations of silkworm egg boxes, silk and sericulture devices on the market, unhealthy competition among sericulturists, and lack of self-confidence among sericulturists over their abilities and capabilities; also, environmental-context inhibitors were found more important in sericulture enterprises.http://rvt.agri-peri.ac.ir/article_59449_13519db8986a65ad82c2bc05fdef1977.pdfAgricultural Planning, Economics and Rural Development Research Institute (APERDRI)Village and Development1563-332218420160220Social Impacts of Short-term Droughts in Rural Areas: A Case Study of Dodangeh Sub-district, Behbahan County of IranSocial Impacts of Short-term Droughts in Rural Areas: A Case Study of Dodangeh Sub-district, Behbahan County of Iran1331515945010.30490/rvt.2016.59450FAB. AdeliMSc Graduate in Watershed Management, Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Branch of Noor, Mazandaran, Iran.H.R. MoradiAssociate Professor in Hydro-climatology, Department of Watershed Management, Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Branch of Noor, Mazandaran, Iran.M KeshavarzAssistant Professor, Department of Agriculture, Payame Noor University, Tehran, IranJournal Article20180314As climate variability has intensified drought events in Iran, drought monitoring has become imperative. However, drought impact studies have mainly focused on severe-sustained and most prolonged droughts. Therefore, the aim of this research was to explore the social impacts of short-term droughts in rural areas. Survey research was conducted in Dodangeh sub-district, Behbahan county of Iran. Simple random sampling technique was used to collect a representative sample of farm households who had experienced drought. A total of 339 farmers were interviewed through a questionnaire. Study results indicated that increased migration and reduced access to education and health services were not experienced by many farm households; however, delayed marriage, reduced quality of life, increased workload and social conflicts were observed during the recent drought. Also, institutional supports, age, experience, animal size and household income were the drivers of social impacts of droughts. As climate variability has intensified drought events in Iran, drought monitoring has become imperative. However, drought impact studies have mainly focused on severe-sustained and most prolonged droughts. Therefore, the aim of this research was to explore the social impacts of short-term droughts in rural areas. Survey research was conducted in Dodangeh sub-district, Behbahan county of Iran. Simple random sampling technique was used to collect a representative sample of farm households who had experienced drought. A total of 339 farmers were interviewed through a questionnaire. Study results indicated that increased migration and reduced access to education and health services were not experienced by many farm households; however, delayed marriage, reduced quality of life, increased workload and social conflicts were observed during the recent drought. Also, institutional supports, age, experience, animal size and household income were the drivers of social impacts of droughts. http://rvt.agri-peri.ac.ir/article_59450_1c9e7286b72a6c1af9ab7ac4ba72c996.pdf