SPACE ECONOMY & RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Structural-Functional Dynamism: An Alternative Approach to Spatial

Abbas Saidi

Spatial planning approaches along with complication of societies are being changed. These changes and transformations have reflected themselves in increasing diversification of economic patterns, people, group, organization, and institution’s mobility. While in less developed network societies some of the concepts including “distance” and “movement “are relatively losing their importance , some fairly new ones such as “time “ and “timespace convergence “ are gaining ground .As a matter of fact, problems associated with spatial planning in less developing economies possess different nature. Appropriate response to these problems require application of compatible strategic planning as well as changes in planning style .Structuralfunctional approaches as a strategic planning tool regarding organization of space at different levels and scales within new social geography framework tries to explain complex aspects of spatial organization in less developed societies as well as to find solutions with respect to rooted functional-structural relation problems. The major objective of this paper is to compile the needed materials regarding such a unique strategic spatial planning.

Diversification of Coastal Rural Economy with Particular Emphasis on Fishing Tourism Study Area: Tonkabon

Seyyed Hassan Motiee Langeroudi

Rural areas taking into consideration their eco-tourism and natural attractions are among the target of tourism activity. With the consideration of low income level of rural communities, tourism is an appropriate alternative regarding job opportunities and promotion of rural financial capabilities. The major objective of this study is to investigate the potential of coastal rural areas of Tonkabon with respect to fishing activity as far as job opportunities and income earning capabilities is concerned. Research method of this study is based on survey technique and questionnaire. This paper carries descriptive as well as analytical approach. Sample size of 100 were extracted. Data were analyzed via SPSS, regression correlation and T and Freedman tests .This paper suggests that the study area possesses high potentials regarding fishing activities. That is, tourists are more interested in fishing activities if the corresponding infrastructures, suitable accommodations were available in advance.

Space Economy and Rural Development

Hassan Afrakhteh

Despite all initiatives and endeavors, Iran’s rural communities are encountering with challenges regarding the achievement of comprehensive development. Space economy is associated with location distribution of economic activities as well as movement and flow of population, goods, services, and capital. These in turn, would have great impact upon the development level of different settlement including towns and countries and their interrelations. The major objective of this study is to investigate the impact of space economy upon rural development. The study area is Shaft district located in Gilan providence. Data gathering technique is tied to direct observation, interview with local folks as well as filling questionnaire .This is further supported by application of inferential statistics including regression correlation techniques and top SIS model. This study suggests that concentrated social-economic system is associated with imbalanced location of economic activities. It is argued that spatial arrangement of economic activities is major determinant of flow of population, goods, services, and capital and further influence regional development of rural as well as urban nodes. This in turn, would question the qualification of rural

development.

Imbalanced Distribution of Oil Rent and Its impact upon Rural Developmen

Farshad Momeni

The major objective of this paper is to determine the impact of inappropriate planning on economic function and further to explain the link between oil rent and rural development. The research method is based on descriptive-analytical one. However, this analysis is geared toward combination of institutionalized pattern with emphasis on dependency upon marched path and political economy rent. This study suggests that the failure of our policy constitute the major core of the problem. This similarly exemplified itself in different historic periods with or without dependency upon oil. This paper further tries to propose some
suggestions and recommendations in order to get out of this political failure phenomena.

Role of small size -Credits Regarding Empowerment of Rural Women Case Study: Lakestan Sub- District Salmas of County

framarz barimani

The empowerment of rural women and their involvement in decision making process is being considered as one of the prerequisite for achieving sustainable development. Access to small credit could well facilitate the empowerment mechanism. This study tries to answer the following question: Could access to small credit be influential on economic and psychological empowerment of women? The research method of this study is based on survey technique, filling questionnaire and documentation. The sample of this study is all of the woman of Lakestan Sub-District Salmas out of which 225 were extracted through quota sampling technique. Data were analyzed through application of T test. This paper suggests that access to small amount of credits could have a great impact on rural women's empowerment. That is those who were awarded loan were more capable and possess more self-confidence comparing with the ones who did not receive it.

Analysis of Spatial Imbalance Associated with Rural Settlements in Iran

hasanali farajisabokbar

Spatial distributions of rural settlements in Iran represent an imbalanced nature. The major objective of this study is to investigate the spatial patterns of Iranian rural settlements using certain indicators and indices .It further tries to propose a model regarding the analysis of spatial imbalances. This study further supported by application of modifiable areal unit problem(MAUP) suitable for aggregated data. It consists of both general as well as local scale pertaining to aggregation problem. Chosen area for the purpose of combination represent an arbitrary nature .However; areal units can be meaningful in displaying the same base level data. For the purpose of modeling and selection of basic unit, the hexagonal model long associated with geography is used. The spatial statistical methods were the global measure of Moran's I and Local Indicators of Spatial Association(LISA). While Moran's I provides information on the overall spatial distribution of the data, LISA provides information on types of spatial association at the local level. LISA statistics can also be used to identify influential locations in spatial association analysis. Spatial analysis can identify imbalances with respect to settlement distribution. This study suggests that different indices will hold different results regarding spatial rural imbalances.

A Structural Mode for Effect of Social Capital on Risk-Taking of Rural People: the Case of Rape Seed Farmers of Kangavar Township

amirhosin alibigi

The purpose of this descriptive-correlational research was to determine effects of social capital components on risk-taking of rural people. The research population consisted of rape seed farmers of Kangavar Township, Kermanshah Province (N=389). 185 farmers were selected by systematic random sampling method. Based on the findings, level of social capital and risk taking among farmers were at the moderate level. There was a significant and positive relationship between social capital and risk taking. Feeling of trust and safety, Value to life, friendship, and family relationships were the most important factors influencing overall level of risk taking.

Study of Barriers toward Development of Organic Farming

abdolhamid papzan

Today, with an increasingly global population, agricultural production systems should meet the growing needs of food by using the new technologies. Increases in the level of production have inevitably resulted in some environmental issues. Addressing these problems require the application of organic farming as a sustainable way of agriculture system which possesses many promised advantages. However, the development of this agricultural system faces many obstacles regarding farmers. This study aimes to qualitatively analyze the barriers and problems with respect to development of organic farming. Interviews was conducted with emphasis on Focus Group Discussion (24 Organic Growers) in Darrehshahr county (Ilam Province). Data analysis were done via both application of qualitative research method, clustering and categorizing gathered data. This study suggests that obstacles such as infrastructure, economic, lack of knowledge and awareness, technical and managerial supports, motivational and attitudinal issues were the main barriers and problems regarding the development of organic farming. These results can help agricultural planners and policy makers to improve and accelerate the development of organic farming as well as producing healthy crops.