نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
نویسندگان
1 استادیار دانشکده منابع طبیعی، مجتمع آموزش عالی سراوان، سیستان و بلوچستان، ایران.
2 دانش آموخته دکتری ترویج و آموزش کشاورزی، پردیس کشاورزی و منابع طبیعی، دانشگاه تهران، تهران، ایران.
چکیده
کلیدواژهها
موضوعات
عنوان مقاله [English]
نویسندگان [English]
Introduction
Given the development trend in natural resources and Human-Environment Systems studies, there is an emphasized need for a more comprehensive perspective and approaches, such as examining coupled human-environment systems. In this regard, the role of rural women as key factors in sustainable knowledge has been highlighted, emphasizing strengthening home-based businesses as an effective solution to improve their economic and social status. The definition of home-based businesses focuses on economic activities carried out at the place of personal residence, utilizing household facilities. These businesses play a significant role in providing household income and contributing to the gross domestic product within human societies. The economic value and impact of home-based businesses on increasing household income and empowering rural women have drawn the attention of governments. In developed countries, these businesses are considered vital components of economic activities. As a suitable approach in Iran, home-based businesses can expand employment opportunities for rural women and contribute to their empowerment and poverty reduction in these areas. The present research aims to address which factors significantly influence the development of businesses, aiming to identify and analyze facilitative and driving factors for the development of home-based businesses among rural women in the Islam-Abad Qarb region.
Materials and Methods
This study investigates the factors that facilitate the development of rural women's home-based businesses in Islam-Abad Qarb County. A sample of 265 rural women engaged in home-based businesses was surveyed using a survey method. To determine the sample size, the Cochran formula was applied after conducting a pre-test on 30 individuals, resulting in a sample size of 161. The opinions and perspectives of these 161 rural women regarding the facilitating factors for the development of home-based businesses were examined. The research instrument consisted of a questionnaire the researcher designed, validated, and found reliable. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, standard deviation, variance, and means were used in data analysis using SPSS26. Furthermore, the data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis with the LISREL8.8 software, and goodness-of-fit indices such as RMSEA and absolute and comparative fit indices were employed.
Results and Discussion
The research findings indicate that educational and economic factors are the most influential factors in driving business development. Moreover, women's inclination towards financial independence and improving their own and their family's financial situation is the primary motivator for them to start a home-based business, which, according to the results, was agreed upon by the majority of the studied community. On the other hand, the least influential factor in business development was found to be related to social and cultural conditions. According to the results, rural women needed more knowledge and expertise while receiving their coaching training.
Conclusions
The development of home-based businesses and the enhancement of women's skills in this sector have a direct and positive impact on various aspects. On the one hand, these initiatives contribute to economic development and job creation; while on the other hand, they can lead to improvements in the social, cultural, and health conditions of women and their families. Various factors affect the development of rural women's home-based businesses, including educational, individual-behavioral, economic, governmental or infrastructural support, family-psychological, and socio-cultural factors. Identifying these factors can serve as a guide for planning empowerment and capacity-building programs for rural women. It is therefore suggested that the specific educational needs of rural women be identified first and then organized into specialized and practical training courses in collaboration with expert trainers. Additionally, measures are recommended to foster collaboration and solidarity among rural women, strengthen their entrepreneurial skills, and improve their psychological and social conditions.
کلیدواژهها [English]