Agricultural Planning, Economics and Rural Development Research Institute (APERDRI) Village and Development 1563-3322 28 4 2026 01 21 From Fragmentation to Synergy: Presenting a Strategic Networking Model for Rural Businesses Using the Grounded Theory Method From Fragmentation to Synergy: Presenting a Strategic Networking Model for Rural Businesses Using the Grounded Theory Method 132408 10.30490/rvt.2025.367486.1686 FA M. Laaly Ph.D. Candidate in Business Management- Trade Policy Management, Department of Management, Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Imam Reza International University, Mashhad, Iran. 0009-0003-4894-4254 M. Rojui Department of Management, Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Imam Reza International University, Mashhad, Iran 0000-0003-4135-3446 S.M. Ghayoor Baghbani Assistant Professor, Department of Management, Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Imam Reza International University, Mashhad, Iran. 0000-0001-5345-1516 Journal Article 2025 08 06 Extended Abstract From Fragmentation to Synergy: Presenting a Strategic Networking Model for Rural Businesses Using the Grounded Theory Method Introduction This study aims to design a paradigmatic model of strategic networking for rural businesses in Iran, addressing the growing need for sustainable economic development in rural areas. Given the fragmented nature of rural enterprises and their challenges in accessing markets, resources, and innovation ecosystems, strategic networking can act as a transformative mechanism. The study is grounded in a qualitative approach, focusing on understanding the underlying conditions, processes, and consequences of business networking in rural settings. Materials and Methods The research was conducted using the grounded theory methodology. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 19 participants, including university experts, rural business owners, managers, and successful practitioners in the rural enterprise domain during 2024–2025. The data analysis followed a three-stage coding process—open, axial, and selective coding. Through this process, six main components of the paradigmatic model were identified: causal conditions, central phenomenon, contextual conditions, intervening conditions, strategies, and consequences. Results and Discussion The findings reveal that causal conditions such as the developmental capacities of rural businesses and barriers to utilizing existing potentials, along with contextual factors like the social, cultural, and structural characteristics of rural communities, and intervening conditions such as sustainability indicators and permeability of networking platforms, play significant roles in shaping strategic networking processes. Identified strategies include the development of infrastructure, education and empowerment, and the creation of innovation ecosystems and network-based collaborations. These strategies lead to positive outcomes, including enhanced economic resilience, improved competitiveness, and strengthened social cohesion in rural communities. The study emphasizes that strategic networking is not only a response to existing rural challenges but also a foundation for productivity enhancement, cost reduction, market development, and ultimately, rural economic advancement. Conclusions The proposed paradigmatic model offers a comprehensive conceptual framework for analyzing and strengthening the strategic networking process in rural businesses. It can serve as a practical model for rural development planning. The study underlines the importance of localizing networking models, integrating social capital with emerging technologies, and aligning strategies with the unique conditions of rural communities. In addition, theoretical implications are discussed in light of existing literature, and future research directions are proposed to further refine and contextualize the model. Extended Abstract From Fragmentation to Synergy: Presenting a Strategic Networking Model for Rural Businesses Using the Grounded Theory Method Introduction This study aims to design a paradigmatic model of strategic networking for rural businesses in Iran, addressing the growing need for sustainable economic development in rural areas. Given the fragmented nature of rural enterprises and their challenges in accessing markets, resources, and innovation ecosystems, strategic networking can act as a transformative mechanism. The study is grounded in a qualitative approach, focusing on understanding the underlying conditions, processes, and consequences of business networking in rural settings. Materials and Methods The research was conducted using the grounded theory methodology. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 19 participants, including university experts, rural business owners, managers, and successful practitioners in the rural enterprise domain during 2024–2025. The data analysis followed a three-stage coding process—open, axial, and selective coding. Through this process, six main components of the paradigmatic model were identified: causal conditions, central phenomenon, contextual conditions, intervening conditions, strategies, and consequences. Results and Discussion The findings reveal that causal conditions such as the developmental capacities of rural businesses and barriers to utilizing existing potentials, along with contextual factors like the social, cultural, and structural characteristics of rural communities, and intervening conditions such as sustainability indicators and permeability of networking platforms, play significant roles in shaping strategic networking processes. Identified strategies include the development of infrastructure, education and empowerment, and the creation of innovation ecosystems and network-based collaborations. These strategies lead to positive outcomes, including enhanced economic resilience, improved competitiveness, and strengthened social cohesion in rural communities. The study emphasizes that strategic networking is not only a response to existing rural challenges but also a foundation for productivity enhancement, cost reduction, market development, and ultimately, rural economic advancement. Conclusions The proposed paradigmatic model offers a comprehensive conceptual framework for analyzing and strengthening the strategic networking process in rural businesses. It can serve as a practical model for rural development planning. The study underlines the importance of localizing networking models, integrating social capital with emerging technologies, and aligning strategies with the unique conditions of rural communities. In addition, theoretical implications are discussed in light of existing literature, and future research directions are proposed to further refine and contextualize the model.

Agricultural Planning, Economics and Rural Development Research Institute (APERDRI) Village and Development 1563-3322 28 4 2026 01 21 Strategic analysis of optimal sustainable livelihood strategies in acute drought conditions in order to prevent migration (case study: Sistan region) Strategic analysis of optimal sustainable livelihood strategies in acute drought conditions in order to prevent migration (case study: Sistan region) 132409 10.30490/rvt.2025.367503.1691 FA M Mir Ph.D. Candidate in Natural Resources and Environmental Economics, Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zabol.Zabol.Iran. 0009-0005-5284-9836 H. Mohammadi Associate Professor Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zabol. Zabol. Iran. 0000-0002-6642-547X Journal Article 2025 08 31 Introduction The predominant occupation of villagers in Sistan has been agriculture, animal husbandry, and fishing. Given the dependence of economic activities on the water inflow of the Hamoon International Wetland, continuous droughts have led to the stagnation of economic activities. The purpose of this research is a strategic analysis of the selection and prioritization of the optimal sustainable livelihood strategy in the Sistan region. Materials and Methods The SWOT-QSPM model was used to analyze strategic choices and prioritize optimal sustainable livelihood strategies in the Sistan region. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire using a classified method from a statistical population of 250 local community members and 50 experts. The data and appropriate strategies were reviewed using the SWOT model, and the selected strategies were prioritized using the QSPM model. Results and Discussion The results showed that strengths; local communities prioritized the existence of indigenous knowledge of villagers about ways to secure sustainable livelihoods considering the location of the region with a score of 0.218, and experts prioritized the existence of indigenous and interested human resources with a score of 0.208. Analysis of weaknesses showed that local communities prioritized drought with a score of 0.065 and drought experts prioritized it with a score of 0.104. Analysis of opportunities showed that local communities prioritized the provision of credit facilities and loans to promote livestock and animal husbandry with a score of 0.224 and the existence of educated human resources with a score of 0.219. The results of threats showed that the intensification of persistent droughts with a score of 0.076 from the perspective of local communities and with a score of 0.059 from the perspective of experts. According to the SWOT matrix, the SO strategy was selected. According to the QSPM matrix, the attention of the government sector and relevant officials to the development of economic infrastructure in the region, providing government facilities and loans to the agricultural, livestock, etc. sectors, as well as providing facilities to housewives in order to develop and expand small and medium-scale economic activities, and formulating and planning for livelihood diversification in line with the capacities of the region, are among the first to third priorities of both groups. Conclusions In Sistan, due to the intensification of droughts, most economic activities are on the verge of destruction. In addition, the intensification of dust storms has affected the lives and health of local communities. Therefore, in the current situation, if local communities do not have a sustainable livelihood, the tendency to migrate increases. Therefore, in order to prevent migration, it is necessary to develop and plan for resilience and secure a sustainable livelihood. According to the results of this research, by developing; the attention of the relevant government sector to the development of economic infrastructure in the region, providing government facilities and loans to the agricultural, livestock, etc. sectors, as well as providing facilities to housewives in order to develop and expand small and medium-scale economic activities, developing and planning for livelihood diversification in accordance with the capacities of the region, its possible to create suitable conditions for local communities and prevent migration. Introduction The predominant occupation of villagers in Sistan has been agriculture, animal husbandry, and fishing. Given the dependence of economic activities on the water inflow of the Hamoon International Wetland, continuous droughts have led to the stagnation of economic activities. The purpose of this research is a strategic analysis of the selection and prioritization of the optimal sustainable livelihood strategy in the Sistan region. Materials and Methods The SWOT-QSPM model was used to analyze strategic choices and prioritize optimal sustainable livelihood strategies in the Sistan region. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire using a classified method from a statistical population of 250 local community members and 50 experts. The data and appropriate strategies were reviewed using the SWOT model, and the selected strategies were prioritized using the QSPM model. Results and Discussion The results showed that strengths; local communities prioritized the existence of indigenous knowledge of villagers about ways to secure sustainable livelihoods considering the location of the region with a score of 0.218, and experts prioritized the existence of indigenous and interested human resources with a score of 0.208. Analysis of weaknesses showed that local communities prioritized drought with a score of 0.065 and drought experts prioritized it with a score of 0.104. Analysis of opportunities showed that local communities prioritized the provision of credit facilities and loans to promote livestock and animal husbandry with a score of 0.224 and the existence of educated human resources with a score of 0.219. The results of threats showed that the intensification of persistent droughts with a score of 0.076 from the perspective of local communities and with a score of 0.059 from the perspective of experts. According to the SWOT matrix, the SO strategy was selected. According to the QSPM matrix, the attention of the government sector and relevant officials to the development of economic infrastructure in the region, providing government facilities and loans to the agricultural, livestock, etc. sectors, as well as providing facilities to housewives in order to develop and expand small and medium-scale economic activities, and formulating and planning for livelihood diversification in line with the capacities of the region, are among the first to third priorities of both groups. Conclusions In Sistan, due to the intensification of droughts, most economic activities are on the verge of destruction. In addition, the intensification of dust storms has affected the lives and health of local communities. Therefore, in the current situation, if local communities do not have a sustainable livelihood, the tendency to migrate increases. Therefore, in order to prevent migration, it is necessary to develop and plan for resilience and secure a sustainable livelihood. According to the results of this research, by developing; the attention of the relevant government sector to the development of economic infrastructure in the region, providing government facilities and loans to the agricultural, livestock, etc. sectors, as well as providing facilities to housewives in order to develop and expand small and medium-scale economic activities, developing and planning for livelihood diversification in accordance with the capacities of the region, its possible to create suitable conditions for local communities and prevent migration.

http://rvt.agri-peri.ac.ir/article_132409_1a886e4bc161341181b8efc16b80a891.pdf

Agricultural Planning, Economics and Rural Development Research Institute (APERDRI) Village and Development 1563-3322 28 4 2026 01 21 Analyzing the Collaboration Network of Livestock Cooperatives toward the Exchange of Information and Resources Analyzing the Collaboration Network of Livestock Cooperatives toward the Exchange of Information and Resources 132412 10.30490/rvt.2025.367553.1713 FA .R Lavaei Adriani Agricultural Planning, Economic, and Rural Development Research Institute (APERDRI), Tehran, Iran. M. Palouj Associate Professor, Agricultural Planning, Economics and Rural Development Research Institute (APERDRI), Tehran, Iran. Journal Article 2025 11 01 Introduction Institutional collaboration is one of the key strategies for reducing costs, sharing information, improving efficiency, and thus increasing competitiveness. Despite having collaboration links, many institutions lack a coherent and efficient network structure for exchanging resources and sharing information. Therefore, without awareness of structural weaknesses, they will not be able to manage network relationships. Despite extensive studies on collaboration networks, research related to the structure and function of collaboration networks in the cooperative sector is limited. Therefore, the current study was conducted with the aim of analyzing the collaboration network of livestock cooperatives in Tehran province in terms of exchanging information and resources. Materials and Methods In this study, the relationships of CEOs in 18 livestock cooperatives/unions in Tehran province were collected in the form of a weighted matrix. The data from this matrix were analyzed based on the assumptions and measures of social network analysis. The network was analyzed based on measures including size, density, interconnectedness, geodesic distance, degree, betweenness, closeness, degree centrality, betweenness centrality, closeness centrality, and constraint. Results and Discussion The results showed that the collaboration network in the cooperatives had little internal cohesion and the actors interacted with each other through long communication paths. Also, the union, as a key actor, plays an active role in guiding collaboration relations and has formed a coherent tie in relation to some cooperatives. According to the research findings, most cooperatives are in a limited and saturated communication structure and the development of their communication network requires diversification of opportunities and areas of joint collaboration. Conclusions Although the union plays a key role in strengthening network cohesion, the over-concentration of relationships around this actor has led to structural dependency and reduced network dynamics. Overall, the distribution of power and influence within the network is highly centralized, concentrated among a few key actors, while most cooperatives possess only limited capacity to shape network dynamics and decision-making processes. Accordingly, strengthening horizontal linkages, developing local clusters, empowering smaller cooperatives, and utilizing digital information exchange platforms can lead to increased cohesion, balance of power, and sustainability of institutional connections in the livestock cooperative cooperation network. Introduction Institutional collaboration is one of the key strategies for reducing costs, sharing information, improving efficiency, and thus increasing competitiveness. Despite having collaboration links, many institutions lack a coherent and efficient network structure for exchanging resources and sharing information. Therefore, without awareness of structural weaknesses, they will not be able to manage network relationships. Despite extensive studies on collaboration networks, research related to the structure and function of collaboration networks in the cooperative sector is limited. Therefore, the current study was conducted with the aim of analyzing the collaboration network of livestock cooperatives in Tehran province in terms of exchanging information and resources. Materials and Methods In this study, the relationships of CEOs in 18 livestock cooperatives/unions in Tehran province were collected in the form of a weighted matrix. The data from this matrix were analyzed based on the assumptions and measures of social network analysis. The network was analyzed based on measures including size, density, interconnectedness, geodesic distance, degree, betweenness, closeness, degree centrality, betweenness centrality, closeness centrality, and constraint. Results and Discussion The results showed that the collaboration network in the cooperatives had little internal cohesion and the actors interacted with each other through long communication paths. Also, the union, as a key actor, plays an active role in guiding collaboration relations and has formed a coherent tie in relation to some cooperatives. According to the research findings, most cooperatives are in a limited and saturated communication structure and the development of their communication network requires diversification of opportunities and areas of joint collaboration. Conclusions Although the union plays a key role in strengthening network cohesion, the over-concentration of relationships around this actor has led to structural dependency and reduced network dynamics. Overall, the distribution of power and influence within the network is highly centralized, concentrated among a few key actors, while most cooperatives possess only limited capacity to shape network dynamics and decision-making processes. Accordingly, strengthening horizontal linkages, developing local clusters, empowering smaller cooperatives, and utilizing digital information exchange platforms can lead to increased cohesion, balance of power, and sustainability of institutional connections in the livestock cooperative cooperation network.

http://rvt.agri-peri.ac.ir/article_132412_5804f1ad30d669a2fa653b583a64120d.pdf

Agricultural Planning, Economics and Rural Development Research Institute (APERDRI) Village and Development 1563-3322 28 4 2026 01 21 Farmers’ Perceptions Regarding the Impacts of Shade House Program on Rural Development: A Case Study in Fars Province Farmers’ Perceptions Regarding the Impacts of Shade House Program on Rural Development: A Case Study in Fars Province 132414 10.30490/rvt.2025.367441.1668 FA M. Ahmadvand Professor of Agricultural Extension & Development, Department of Rural Development Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran. 0000-0001-8852-5861 A. Karami Professor of Agricultural Economics, Department of Rural Development Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran. 0000-0001-5285-0785 V. Aliyari Ph.D. Student of Agricultural Development, Department of Rural Development Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran. 0009-0002-2309-0734 Journal Article 2025 06 04 Introduction Climate change poses significant threats to agricultural systems in arid and semi-arid regions of Iran, particularly in Fars province, where rural livelihoods are highly vulnerable. In response, shade houses have emerged as a key innovation within protected cultivation, effectively mitigating climatic stresses such as drought, excessive solar radiation, hail, and frost. By reducing water consumption and reliance on chemical pesticides, they enhance crop quality and yield while promoting sustainable resource management. Beyond environmental benefits, shade houses enable year-round production of high-value crops, increase farm incomes, generate rural employment, and improve economic resilience, helping to reduce rural-to-urban migration. Socially, they foster community cohesion and encourage collective action through agricultural cooperatives and shared resource management. In Iran, the Ministry of Agriculture-jihad has included the Shade House Development Project as part of its national agricultural development plans, with Fars province recognized as one of the leading provinces in implementing this strategy. In Iran, the Ministry of Agriculture-Jihad has integrated the Shade House Development project into national agricultural plans, with Fars province at the forefront of implementation. Therefore, evaluating farmers’ perceptions of the program’s socio-economic and environmental impacts is crucial to ensuring its long-term sustainability, scalability, and successful replication across rural regions. Materials and Methods This study was conducted using a descriptive-analytical and survey-based approach. The statistical population consisted of 177 farmers and orchardists participating in the Shade House Development project across selected counties of Fars province, from which a sample of 122 respondents was chosen through simple random sampling based on the Krejcie & Morgan (1970) table. A researcher-made questionnaire was used for data collection, structured around three main dimensions: economic (income, cost, marketing, investment, and agricultural prosperity), social (participation, educational, psychological, social trust, and security), and environmental (biotic and abiotic components). The reliability of the instrument was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability (CR), while validity was established through face validity, convergent validity (AVE), and discriminant validity via the Fornell-Larcker criterion and cross-loadings. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26 and SmartPLS 3.3 software, employing both descriptive and inferential statistics, including confirmatory factor analysis, one-sample t-test, and Friedman test. Results and Discussion This study evaluates the multidimensional impacts of the Shade House Development Project on rural development in Fars province, Iran, using a one-sample t-test and Friedman test. Findings revealed that farmers' perceptions of the Shade House Development Project were categorized into three main dimensions—economic, social, and environmental—all confirmed to be consistent and reliable. Based on the one-sample t-test results, the economic dimension showed significant improvement, with all indicators (income, cost management, marketing, investment, and agricultural prosperity) scoring above average. Farmers reported increased income and better market access, indicating the project's positive contribution to economic sustainability. In the social dimension, participation and educational components scored positively, reflecting enhanced knowledge sharing and community engagement. However, psychological and social trust indicators scored negatively, suggesting the presence of dissatisfaction, unmet expectations, or lack of transparency in program execution. These findings highlight the importance of local stakeholder involvement and effective communication between planners and beneficiaries. Regarding the environmental dimension, the abiotic component (physical environment) demonstrated favorable outcomes, including reduced temperature stress and improved moisture retention. Conversely, the biotic component (ecological factors) scored below average, showing negative impacts such as increased disease incidence under under the shade house environment. The Friedman test also ranked the economic dimension highest and the social dimension lowest, confirming the relative success of the program in economics but the need for reform in social and environmental domains. Conclusions The implementation of the Shade House development project in Fars province has achieved moderate success in the economic dimension, but requires managerial interventions in the social and environmental aspects. To strengthen the program’s sustainability and expand its benefits, recommendations include organizing training workshops, increasing financial support, forming local advisory groups, and adopting sustainable farming practices to improve implementation efficiency and increase farmer participation. This study demonstrates that simultaneous management of socio-economic and environmental challenges is crucial for the successful adoption of of shade house technology as a model of sustainable rual development in other regions of the country. Introduction Climate change poses significant threats to agricultural systems in arid and semi-arid regions of Iran, particularly in Fars province, where rural livelihoods are highly vulnerable. In response, shade houses have emerged as a key innovation within protected cultivation, effectively mitigating climatic stresses such as drought, excessive solar radiation, hail, and frost. By reducing water consumption and reliance on chemical pesticides, they enhance crop quality and yield while promoting sustainable resource management. Beyond environmental benefits, shade houses enable year-round production of high-value crops, increase farm incomes, generate rural employment, and improve economic resilience, helping to reduce rural-to-urban migration. Socially, they foster community cohesion and encourage collective action through agricultural cooperatives and shared resource management. In Iran, the Ministry of Agriculture-jihad has included the Shade House Development Project as part of its national agricultural development plans, with Fars province recognized as one of the leading provinces in implementing this strategy. In Iran, the Ministry of Agriculture-Jihad has integrated the Shade House Development project into national agricultural plans, with Fars province at the forefront of implementation. Therefore, evaluating farmers’ perceptions of the program’s socio-economic and environmental impacts is crucial to ensuring its long-term sustainability, scalability, and successful replication across rural regions. Materials and Methods This study was conducted using a descriptive-analytical and survey-based approach. The statistical population consisted of 177 farmers and orchardists participating in the Shade House Development project across selected counties of Fars province, from which a sample of 122 respondents was chosen through simple random sampling based on the Krejcie & Morgan (1970) table. A researcher-made questionnaire was used for data collection, structured around three main dimensions: economic (income, cost, marketing, investment, and agricultural prosperity), social (participation, educational, psychological, social trust, and security), and environmental (biotic and abiotic components). The reliability of the instrument was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability (CR), while validity was established through face validity, convergent validity (AVE), and discriminant validity via the Fornell-Larcker criterion and cross-loadings. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26 and SmartPLS 3.3 software, employing both descriptive and inferential statistics, including confirmatory factor analysis, one-sample t-test, and Friedman test. Results and Discussion This study evaluates the multidimensional impacts of the Shade House Development Project on rural development in Fars province, Iran, using a one-sample t-test and Friedman test. Findings revealed that farmers' perceptions of the Shade House Development Project were categorized into three main dimensions—economic, social, and environmental—all confirmed to be consistent and reliable. Based on the one-sample t-test results, the economic dimension showed significant improvement, with all indicators (income, cost management, marketing, investment, and agricultural prosperity) scoring above average. Farmers reported increased income and better market access, indicating the project's positive contribution to economic sustainability. In the social dimension, participation and educational components scored positively, reflecting enhanced knowledge sharing and community engagement. However, psychological and social trust indicators scored negatively, suggesting the presence of dissatisfaction, unmet expectations, or lack of transparency in program execution. These findings highlight the importance of local stakeholder involvement and effective communication between planners and beneficiaries. Regarding the environmental dimension, the abiotic component (physical environment) demonstrated favorable outcomes, including reduced temperature stress and improved moisture retention. Conversely, the biotic component (ecological factors) scored below average, showing negative impacts such as increased disease incidence under under the shade house environment. The Friedman test also ranked the economic dimension highest and the social dimension lowest, confirming the relative success of the program in economics but the need for reform in social and environmental domains. Conclusions The implementation of the Shade House development project in Fars province has achieved moderate success in the economic dimension, but requires managerial interventions in the social and environmental aspects. To strengthen the program’s sustainability and expand its benefits, recommendations include organizing training workshops, increasing financial support, forming local advisory groups, and adopting sustainable farming practices to improve implementation efficiency and increase farmer participation. This study demonstrates that simultaneous management of socio-economic and environmental challenges is crucial for the successful adoption of of shade house technology as a model of sustainable rual development in other regions of the country.

http://rvt.agri-peri.ac.ir/article_132414_32dd50eeecc0aec96e142cad34896445.pdf

Agricultural Planning, Economics and Rural Development Research Institute (APERDRI) Village and Development 1563-3322 28 4 2026 01 21 Effects of Weather Variables and Price Changes on Acreage Response of Selected Rainfed Crops in Rural Areas of Kurdistan Province Effects of Weather Variables and Price Changes on Acreage Response of Selected Rainfed Crops in Rural Areas of Kurdistan Province 132415 10.30490/rvt.2025.367428.1663 FA M. Ghahremanzadeh Professor in Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz. 0000-0003-0993-9244 Gh. Dashti Professor in Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz. 0000-0002-9292-3843 A. Falsafian Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Management, Ta. C., Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran. 0000-0003-0063-8525 N. Yadeghar Master of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz. K. Gholipour Ph.D. Candidate of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz. 0009-0008-1325-4794 P. Pakrooh Marie Sklodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei, Milan, Italy. Journal Article 2025 04 28 Introduction Changing in weather variables are considered as one of the most significant risks facing the agricultural sector, profoundly affecting the yield and price of agricultural products, especially rainfed crops. Farmers typically respond to these climatic and environmental changes by adjusting their cultivated area of these products, reflecting their most natural reaction. They align their production strategies with these alterations. Thus, it is crucial to analyze how climate factors influence risk and yield, particularly concerning rainfed wheat, chickpeas, and barley crops in Kurdistan Province, a key production hub for these crops. This analysis is essential for evaluating the risk-enhancing effects of these factors, similar to other provinces in the country. The aim of this study is to explore the acreage response of rainfed wheat, chickpeas, and barley crops in Kurdistan Province to changes in climate and prices. Meterials and Methods In the initial phase, the stochastic production function approach of Just and Pope was employed to analyze the effects of weather factor variations on the yield and yield risk of crop production, utilizing panel data estimation techniques that combine time-series and cross-sectional data from the counties of Bijar, Gharveh, Saghez, Kamyaran, and Divandarreh, which are crucial production areas for these crops. In the subsequent phase, under the framework of the von Neumann and Morgenstern expected utility function, the acreage response functions for these rainfed crops were estimated and analyzed using the seemingly unrelated regression (SURE) system. Climate data were collected from the meteorological stations in the five counties, while additional necessary data were sourced from the Agricultural Jihad Organization of the province, the Statistical Center of Iran, and the Central Bank, covering the period from 1987 to 2022. Results and discussion The study's findings indicated that factors such as precipitation, average minimum temperature, and average relative humidity during the growth period positively influence crop yields, while average maximum temperature and wind speed negatively affect the yields of the selected crops. The estimation results of the yield risk function revealed that cumulative precipitation during the growth period, average maximum temperature, average wind speed, and the interaction between average wind speed and average maximum temperature significantly impact the risk associated with rainfed wheat. For rainfed chickpeas, the yield risk function estimation results demonstrated that average maximum and minimum temperatures, average relative humidity, and average wind speed significantly influence the risk. Cumulative precipitation in the spring season, average wind speed in spring, average summer temperature, and average spring temperature have substantial effects on the risk for rainfed barley. The acreage response functions for these crops indicate that as expected profit rises, the cultivated area expands. Conversely, an increase in the variance of expected profit leads to a decrease in the cultivated area for each crop. Specifically, when profit volatility of rainfed wheat increases, it results in an expansion of the cultivated area for rainfed chickpeas, and similarly, an increase in rainfed wheat's expected profit variance also contributes to a rise in the cultivated area of rainfed barley, and vice versa. Conclusion As farmers’ wealth increases, the cultivated areas for wheat and chickpeas also expand. Consequently, wheat and chickpea farmers display decreasing absolute risk aversion, while barley farmers exhibit constant absolute risk aversion. Therefore, in environments of increased market risk, non-price policies aimed at expanding the cultivated area of barley and price-based policies for wheat and chickpeas can be effective. Introduction Changing in weather variables are considered as one of the most significant risks facing the agricultural sector, profoundly affecting the yield and price of agricultural products, especially rainfed crops. Farmers typically respond to these climatic and environmental changes by adjusting their cultivated area of these products, reflecting their most natural reaction. They align their production strategies with these alterations. Thus, it is crucial to analyze how climate factors influence risk and yield, particularly concerning rainfed wheat, chickpeas, and barley crops in Kurdistan Province, a key production hub for these crops. This analysis is essential for evaluating the risk-enhancing effects of these factors, similar to other provinces in the country. The aim of this study is to explore the acreage response of rainfed wheat, chickpeas, and barley crops in Kurdistan Province to changes in climate and prices. Meterials and Methods In the initial phase, the stochastic production function approach of Just and Pope was employed to analyze the effects of weather factor variations on the yield and yield risk of crop production, utilizing panel data estimation techniques that combine time-series and cross-sectional data from the counties of Bijar, Gharveh, Saghez, Kamyaran, and Divandarreh, which are crucial production areas for these crops. In the subsequent phase, under the framework of the von Neumann and Morgenstern expected utility function, the acreage response functions for these rainfed crops were estimated and analyzed using the seemingly unrelated regression (SURE) system. Climate data were collected from the meteorological stations in the five counties, while additional necessary data were sourced from the Agricultural Jihad Organization of the province, the Statistical Center of Iran, and the Central Bank, covering the period from 1987 to 2022. Results and discussion The study's findings indicated that factors such as precipitation, average minimum temperature, and average relative humidity during the growth period positively influence crop yields, while average maximum temperature and wind speed negatively affect the yields of the selected crops. The estimation results of the yield risk function revealed that cumulative precipitation during the growth period, average maximum temperature, average wind speed, and the interaction between average wind speed and average maximum temperature significantly impact the risk associated with rainfed wheat. For rainfed chickpeas, the yield risk function estimation results demonstrated that average maximum and minimum temperatures, average relative humidity, and average wind speed significantly influence the risk. Cumulative precipitation in the spring season, average wind speed in spring, average summer temperature, and average spring temperature have substantial effects on the risk for rainfed barley. The acreage response functions for these crops indicate that as expected profit rises, the cultivated area expands. Conversely, an increase in the variance of expected profit leads to a decrease in the cultivated area for each crop. Specifically, when profit volatility of rainfed wheat increases, it results in an expansion of the cultivated area for rainfed chickpeas, and similarly, an increase in rainfed wheat's expected profit variance also contributes to a rise in the cultivated area of rainfed barley, and vice versa. Conclusion As farmers’ wealth increases, the cultivated areas for wheat and chickpeas also expand. Consequently, wheat and chickpea farmers display decreasing absolute risk aversion, while barley farmers exhibit constant absolute risk aversion. Therefore, in environments of increased market risk, non-price policies aimed at expanding the cultivated area of barley and price-based policies for wheat and chickpeas can be effective.

http://rvt.agri-peri.ac.ir/article_132415_75bce5cb55cc2faf2f04e68bd75c19f0.pdf

Agricultural Planning, Economics and Rural Development Research Institute (APERDRI) Village and Development 1563-3322 28 4 2026 01 21 The Impact of Border Markets on the Development of Border Regions Case Study: The Milak and Mirjaveh Border Markets, Sistan and Baluchestan Province The Impact of Border Markets on the Development of Border Regions Case Study: The Milak and Mirjaveh Border Markets, Sistan and Baluchestan Province 132416 10.30490/rvt.2025.367487.1685 FA M. Samian Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran. 0000-0002-6829-1647 M. Esfandiari Associate Professor, Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran. Journal Article 2025 08 03 Creating border markets is one of the most well-known methods of developing border areas. On the other hand, considering the importance of trade and commerce as a driving force for economic growth, border markets are considered institutions whose optimal performance creates a spatial balance and increases distributive justice and development between regions. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effects of border markets on the development of border areas. This research is of the field type in terms of its applied purpose, in terms of the possibility of controlling variables, and in terms of its nature, it is a descriptive-survey research. In fact, the present research is a descriptive research of the exploratory and confirmatory type. In the present research, the statistical population of the research is the households in the areas covered by the border markets (within 20 km of the border markets) border markets, which were selected based on the imputed random sampling method and the systematic method of the samples. Accordingly, 227 households were selected from the Milak border markets area and 173 households from the Mirjaveh border markets area. The results of exploratory factor analysis showed that 4 key factors are effective as the effects of border markets on the development of border areas in the two markets under study. Also, the results of the first-order confirmatory factor analysis also confirmed the theoretical model of the research and obtained from the exploratory factor analysis stage, and the results of the second-order confirmatory factor analysis showed that among the second-order factor loadings, the political and security structure (0.89) has the greatest impact, followed by the economic structure (0.49), the social and cultural structure (0.38), and the spatial and physical structure (0.33) have the least impact on the main structure (the effects of border markets on the development of border areas). Based on the research findings, it was determined that the border markets had the greatest impact on the development of border areas regarding political issues, especially security issues, and did not have much impact on other areas, especially the economic and social factors of border areas. Creating border markets is one of the most well-known methods of developing border areas. On the other hand, considering the importance of trade and commerce as a driving force for economic growth, border markets are considered institutions whose optimal performance creates a spatial balance and increases distributive justice and development between regions. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effects of border markets on the development of border areas. This research is of the field type in terms of its applied purpose, in terms of the possibility of controlling variables, and in terms of its nature, it is a descriptive-survey research. In fact, the present research is a descriptive research of the exploratory and confirmatory type. In the present research, the statistical population of the research is the households in the areas covered by the border markets (within 20 km of the border markets) border markets, which were selected based on the imputed random sampling method and the systematic method of the samples. Accordingly, 227 households were selected from the Milak border markets area and 173 households from the Mirjaveh border markets area. The results of exploratory factor analysis showed that 4 key factors are effective as the effects of border markets on the development of border areas in the two markets under study. Also, the results of the first-order confirmatory factor analysis also confirmed the theoretical model of the research and obtained from the exploratory factor analysis stage, and the results of the second-order confirmatory factor analysis showed that among the second-order factor loadings, the political and security structure (0.89) has the greatest impact, followed by the economic structure (0.49), the social and cultural structure (0.38), and the spatial and physical structure (0.33) have the least impact on the main structure (the effects of border markets on the development of border areas). Based on the research findings, it was determined that the border markets had the greatest impact on the development of border areas regarding political issues, especially security issues, and did not have much impact on other areas, especially the economic and social factors of border areas.

http://rvt.agri-peri.ac.ir/article_132416_09fa030ac007095fe545efc8a0b77261.pdf

Agricultural Planning, Economics and Rural Development Research Institute (APERDRI) Village and Development 1563-3322 28 4 2026 01 21 Explaining the Status of the Entrepreneurial Spirit of Villagers in Western Counties of Golestan Province Explaining the Status of the Entrepreneurial Spirit of Villagers in Western Counties of Golestan Province 132419 10.30490/rvt.2025.367551.1712 FA M. Olyani MSc graduated of Agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship, Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University. Sari. Iran F. Razzaghi Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of Crop Sciences, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari. Iran 0000-0003-4299-9783 O. Jamshidi Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University. Sari. Iran F. Shafiee Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University. Sari. Iran Journal Article 2025 10 31 Introduction In many rural development programs and policies, the main focus is on economic, physical and infrastructural aspects, and the psychological dimensions and entrepreneurial spirit of villagers have received less attention. Sustainable rural development is only achieved when, in addition to financial and technical support, attention is paid to the transformation of individuals' attitudes, motivation, psychological strength and self-confidence. the aim of this research is to identify and prioritize the components of entrepreneurial spirit among rural entrepreneurs in western Golestan province. While there are potential capacities such as indigenous and local resources, the existence of rural women's and youth cooperatives, and the need for new businesses in the agricultural value chain in these areas, Therefore, identifying the psychological dimensions and individual characteristics of entrepreneurs plays an important role in encouraging and accepting new opportunities and businesses in rural areas. Materials and Methods This research is of an applied type and in terms of data collection, it is a survey type. The statistical population consisted of 240 rural entrepreneurs in western Golestan province in 1403, of which 144 were selected by proportional random sampling using the Krejci and Morgan table. The research tool was a questionnaire whose validity (face and content) was confirmed by rural development experts and university faculty members; diagnostic validity was obtained using the extracted mean variance index; and the reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha calculation and composite reliability. The data were analyzed with a researcher-made questionnaire with eight components (including independence, risk-taking, self-confidence, need for success, self-efficacy, creativity and innovation, internal locus of control, and tolerance for ambiguity) using SPSS v26 and SmartPLS v3 software. Results and Discussion The results of the factor analysis of the model showed that the two components of internal locus of control and tolerance of ambiguity were removed from the model due to their lack of significance, the revised model, consisting of six factors—autonomy (β = 0.706, the most influential factor), risk-taking (β = 0.682), self-efficacy (β = 0.556), need for achievement (β = 0.512), self-confidence (β = 0.442), and creativity and innovation (β = 0.326) represented, respectively, the most to the least important components of entrepreneurial spirit from the perspective of rural entrepreneurs. Rural entrepreneurs in the region have a strong tendency to be self-reliant, make independent decisions, and assume group responsibility. This spirit is the main cornerstone for forming new businesses that are resistant to external challenges. According to the results of the component of tolerance of ambiguity, entrepreneurs, i.e., facing ambiguous and unstable conditions (which is the essence of the entrepreneurial environment), still need more support and reinforcement. Conclusions Rural development planners should focus on the psychological and software dimensions of development, along with physical and supportive infrastructure, to prepare the ground for transforming ideas into operational and sustainable rural businesses. In this regard, creating motivating and supportive environments for the growth of ideas, creativity, and innovation among rural youth, strengthening self-confidence, self-efficacy, and hope for the future through empowering villagers with extension training, individual and group counseling, and modeling successful rural entrepreneurs to extension of entrepreneurship culture and increase credibility in achieving success in local and indigenous businesses is recommended. Introduction In many rural development programs and policies, the main focus is on economic, physical and infrastructural aspects, and the psychological dimensions and entrepreneurial spirit of villagers have received less attention. Sustainable rural development is only achieved when, in addition to financial and technical support, attention is paid to the transformation of individuals' attitudes, motivation, psychological strength and self-confidence. the aim of this research is to identify and prioritize the components of entrepreneurial spirit among rural entrepreneurs in western Golestan province. While there are potential capacities such as indigenous and local resources, the existence of rural women's and youth cooperatives, and the need for new businesses in the agricultural value chain in these areas, Therefore, identifying the psychological dimensions and individual characteristics of entrepreneurs plays an important role in encouraging and accepting new opportunities and businesses in rural areas. Materials and Methods This research is of an applied type and in terms of data collection, it is a survey type. The statistical population consisted of 240 rural entrepreneurs in western Golestan province in 1403, of which 144 were selected by proportional random sampling using the Krejci and Morgan table. The research tool was a questionnaire whose validity (face and content) was confirmed by rural development experts and university faculty members; diagnostic validity was obtained using the extracted mean variance index; and the reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha calculation and composite reliability. The data were analyzed with a researcher-made questionnaire with eight components (including independence, risk-taking, self-confidence, need for success, self-efficacy, creativity and innovation, internal locus of control, and tolerance for ambiguity) using SPSS v26 and SmartPLS v3 software. Results and Discussion The results of the factor analysis of the model showed that the two components of internal locus of control and tolerance of ambiguity were removed from the model due to their lack of significance, the revised model, consisting of six factors—autonomy (β = 0.706, the most influential factor), risk-taking (β = 0.682), self-efficacy (β = 0.556), need for achievement (β = 0.512), self-confidence (β = 0.442), and creativity and innovation (β = 0.326) represented, respectively, the most to the least important components of entrepreneurial spirit from the perspective of rural entrepreneurs. Rural entrepreneurs in the region have a strong tendency to be self-reliant, make independent decisions, and assume group responsibility. This spirit is the main cornerstone for forming new businesses that are resistant to external challenges. According to the results of the component of tolerance of ambiguity, entrepreneurs, i.e., facing ambiguous and unstable conditions (which is the essence of the entrepreneurial environment), still need more support and reinforcement. Conclusions Rural development planners should focus on the psychological and software dimensions of development, along with physical and supportive infrastructure, to prepare the ground for transforming ideas into operational and sustainable rural businesses. In this regard, creating motivating and supportive environments for the growth of ideas, creativity, and innovation among rural youth, strengthening self-confidence, self-efficacy, and hope for the future through empowering villagers with extension training, individual and group counseling, and modeling successful rural entrepreneurs to extension of entrepreneurship culture and increase credibility in achieving success in local and indigenous businesses is recommended.

http://rvt.agri-peri.ac.ir/article_132419_b51ecddc44b03eb6722514fdfd365be5.pdf

Agricultural Planning, Economics and Rural Development Research Institute (APERDRI) Village and Development 1563-3322 28 4 2026 01 21 Examining Rural Residents’ Perceptions of the Effects of Tribalism on the Quality of Rural Management (Case Study: Villages of the Sistan Region) Examining Rural Residents’ Perceptions of the Effects of Tribalism on the Quality of Rural Management (Case Study: Villages of the Sistan Region) 132424 10.30490/rvt.2026.367484.1683 FA Mohammad Pirani Department of Geography, University of Zabol, Iran Sadegh Asghari Lafmejani Department of Geography, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Zabol University, Iran Mahmoud Reza Mirlotfi Department of Geography, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran. Journal Article 2025 08 02 The existence of diverse ethnic (Sistani and Baluch) and religious (Shiite and Sunni) compositions in the villages of Sistan and the transfer of village management to councils and village heads in the country's new management system has revealed the impact of clan tendencies in the selection of local managers and ultimately its impact on the quality of rural management. Accordingly, the present study has been done with the aim of investigating the effects of tribalism on the quality of management in Sistan villages and provide appropriate strategies. This research is based on a combination of descriptive-analytical methods and based on library studies, documentary and field studies in which statistical population of the study consisted of 9356 people of voting age in households living in 40 sample villages with councils and villages in the Sistan region, of which 369 people were randomly selected as the sample size based on the Cochran formula. The data collection tool was a questionnaire, the validity of which was confirmed based on the opinions of experts. In order to examine its reliability level, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was also calculated. Data analysis was performed with the help of SPSS, ArcGIS, and Expert Choice software, using the ARAS model and stepwise linear and multivariate regression tests. The results show that the Sistan villages have a significant difference in terms of quality of rural management and tribalism intensity. Also, the study of severity of impacts of tribalism on the quality of management of the studied villages based on the results of regression test at 99% confidence level confirms that 13.5% of the fluctuations in the quality of rural management can be predicted through the severity of tribalism. According to the research results, it is essential to adopt measures to guide rural communities in the right and far-sighted directions for selecting local managers based on meritocracy, knowledge, and experience. In this regard, the interaction between formal management structures and informal social networks should be organized in a synergistic manner. The existence of diverse ethnic (Sistani and Baluch) and religious (Shiite and Sunni) compositions in the villages of Sistan and the transfer of village management to councils and village heads in the country's new management system has revealed the impact of clan tendencies in the selection of local managers and ultimately its impact on the quality of rural management. Accordingly, the present study has been done with the aim of investigating the effects of tribalism on the quality of management in Sistan villages and provide appropriate strategies. This research is based on a combination of descriptive-analytical methods and based on library studies, documentary and field studies in which statistical population of the study consisted of 9356 people of voting age in households living in 40 sample villages with councils and villages in the Sistan region, of which 369 people were randomly selected as the sample size based on the Cochran formula. The data collection tool was a questionnaire, the validity of which was confirmed based on the opinions of experts. In order to examine its reliability level, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was also calculated. Data analysis was performed with the help of SPSS, ArcGIS, and Expert Choice software, using the ARAS model and stepwise linear and multivariate regression tests. The results show that the Sistan villages have a significant difference in terms of quality of rural management and tribalism intensity. Also, the study of severity of impacts of tribalism on the quality of management of the studied villages based on the results of regression test at 99% confidence level confirms that 13.5% of the fluctuations in the quality of rural management can be predicted through the severity of tribalism. According to the research results, it is essential to adopt measures to guide rural communities in the right and far-sighted directions for selecting local managers based on meritocracy, knowledge, and experience. In this regard, the interaction between formal management structures and informal social networks should be organized in a synergistic manner.

http://rvt.agri-peri.ac.ir/article_132424_15aa80e8b3982272b3d8937057230c90.pdf