Village and Development

Village and Development

A Spatial-Regional Analysis of Resilience to Household Food Insecurity in Rural Areas: Case Study of Kermanshah County

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
S. Sanjabi 1
K. Zarafshani 2
, F. Amiri 3
A. A. Mirkzadeh, , 4
S. Pourmasoumi Langrudi, 5
H. Shabanali Fami 6
1 Corresponding Author and Ph.D in Agricultural Development, Faculty of Agriculture, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
2 Professor, Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of Agriculture, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
3 Assistant Professor. Department of Industrial Engineering; Faculty of Engineering Management, University of Technology, Kermanshah, Iran
4 Associate Professor, Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of Agriculture, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
5 Associate Professor, System Dynamics, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
6 Professor, Rural Promotion and Development, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
10.30490/rvt.2025.367467.1676
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Food security, a cornerstone of sustainable development, refers to consistent access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for an active and healthy life. It is particularly critical in rural areas of developing countries, where households face heightened vulnerability due to reliance on natural resources, infrastructural constraints, and economic fragility. Resilience—encompassing stability (maintaining conditions post-disruption), adaptability (flexibility amid changes), and transformation (structural innovation)—provides a framework for managing food-related risks. Spatial analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) enables the examination of regional disparities in resilience and food security. This study investigates the spatial distribution of resilience among rural households in Kermanshah County to identify local patterns and provide a framework for targeted policymaking.
Materials and Methods
This descriptive-analytical study collected data from 239 rural households across five districts of Kermanshah County (Mahidasht, Bilvar, Central, Kuzaran, and Firuzabad) using a researcher-designed questionnaire. The questionnaire’s validity was confirmed by experts, and its reliability was established with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0/71. Sampling followed a stratified proportional method, with the sample size determined using G*Power software (effect size: 0/15; error level: 0/05). Data were analyzed using the VIKOR multi-criteria decision-making technique and GIS, with resilience maps generated via ArcGIS.
Results and Discussion
Findings revealed an average respondent age of 49/42 years and a household size of six members (two employed, four unemployed). Households owned an average of 4 hectares (ha) of irrigated land and 6/00 ha of rain-fed land, with a mean monthly non-agricultural income of 11,898,268 IRR and food expenditure of 8,802,521 IRR. Mahidasht and Bilvar districts recorded the highest stability scores (VIKOR indices: 0/17 and 0/50, respectively), likely due to better access to water resources and infrastructure. The Central district demonstrated the strongest adaptability (0/00) and transformation capacity (0/39), associated with greater livelihood diversity and stronger social capital. Conversely, Kuzaran and Firuzabad showed the lowest overall resilience (0/89 and 1, respectively), attributable to infrastructural limitations and heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture. GIS maps, using cold-to-warm color gradients, confirmed these patterns, with cooler colors indicating stronger resilience. These results underscore the importance of resource management and infrastructure in shaping resilience levels among rural households.
Conclusions
The study highlighted significant spatial heterogeneity in resilience against food insecurity in Kermanshah County. Strengthening agricultural infrastructure (e.g., efficient irrigation systems), diversifying livelihoods through non-agricultural opportunities, and promoting educational programs for smart agricultural technologies can enhance resilience. Spatial analysis with GIS proved to be an effective tool for location-specific policymaking, contributing to reduced food insecurity and improved environmental sustainability. Future research should include longitudinal studies incorporating climatic variables and innovative agricultural practices.
Keywords
Environmental sustainability
Agricultural infrastructure
Rural households
Geographic Information System
Food insecurity

Subjects

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