Showing 3 results for Jafari
Alireza Jafari, Hemmatollah Pirdashti, Fatemeh Razzaghi Borkhani, Zahra Saber,
Volume 14, Issue 51 (Spring 2025)
Abstract
Objective: In the context of rural and agricultural development, designing an environmentally sustainable system with economic and social justification and a future-oriented perspective is essential. This study aims to develop integrated crop management (ICM) strategies for rice farms in Mazandaran Province.
Methods: Using theoretical foundations and analytical studies, the four SWOT components—strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats—were identified. The statistical population consisted of specialists and experts with academic backgrounds and practical experience in sustainable rice cultivation and agricultural extension (18 individuals), along with managers from relevant organizations such as the Agricultural Jihad Organization of Mazandaran Province (20 individuals), selected through purposive sampling. Data analysis was conducted using the SWOT technique in Microsoft Excel.
Results: The internal and external evaluations reveal that the system's strengths and opportunities outweigh its weaknesses and threats. The weighted scores indicate the predominance of favorable over risky conditions. The strategic priority lies in the SO (Strength-Opportunity) or "maximum-maximum" area (approximately 36%). Following this are the WO (Weakness-Opportunity), ST (Strength-Threat), and WT (Weakness-Threat) strategies, accounting for approximately 25%, 23%, and 16% of the total strategies, respectively.
Conclusions: Based on the strategic analysis, key strategies for ICM development include enhancing farmer empowerment and participation through the FFS/IPM approach, managing production risks via insurance, establishing healthy crop production cooperatives, and implementing collective branding within the rice value chain. Emphasizing collaboration among key stakeholders is vital. The implementation of these strategies can significantly contribute to the adoption of ICM and the advancement of sustainable agricultural development.
Zahra Soltani, Majid Goodarzi, Mina Jafari,
Volume 14, Issue 54 (Winter 2026)
Abstract
Objective: Technical and vocational education, as one of the fundamental pillars of human and economic development, plays a decisive role in enhancing skills, employability, and workforce productivity. Such training programs -particularly in rural areas- can provide an effective platform for developing practical and entrepreneurial competencies, thereby fostering the formation of dynamic human capital. When rural women are empowered through technical and vocational education, they not only acquire the skills necessary to enter the labor market and establish small or home-based enterprises, but also gain a deeper understanding of the economic potential within their local environment. This process contributes to increased household income, improved living conditions, and greater participation of women in rural economic development. Consequently, the linkage among technical and vocational education, women’s empowerment, and rural economic growth serves as a sustainable driver of poverty reduction, the creation of decent and lasting employment, and balanced development within rural communities.
Methods: The research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of nature and type. The required data were collected using documentary and survey methods. Quantitative techniques such as T-tests and the ARAS decision-making method were used for data analysis.
Results: The results of this study indicate that technical and vocational training generally has a positive impact on the lives of rural women across all four indicators of income, consumption, savings, and production. However, the extent of this impact varied across the county's districts. The Rud Talkh district experienced the most positive impact across all four indicators, while the North Tropical Bahmaei district experienced the least impact from these trainings.
Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of equitable and proportional distribution of technical and vocational training across the county and the necessity of tailoring the content of these trainings to the specific needs of each region.
Moslem Ghasemi, Saeedeh Fakhari, Ehsan Jafari,
Volume 15, Issue 55 (Spring 2026)
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to identify the key local drivers influencing tourism development in Ferdows County, Iran, with a future-oriented perspective toward the 1414 Horizon (2035).
Methods: The research is applied in purpose and employs a mixed-methods design. The study population consisted of tourism experts, managers, and stakeholders in Ferdows County. Using snowball sampling and the principle of theoretical saturation, 30 experts were selected for the qualitative phase. Data were collected through structured interviews and a futures studies cross-impact questionnaire. The identified drivers were analyzed using the MICMAC structural analysis model.
Results: The results revealed fifteen local drivers affecting tourism development. Among these, the most influential drivers were social security and safety in tourism destinations and attractions (+15), promotion and preservation of indigenous handicrafts (+11), development of local tourism infrastructure (+7), branding and marketing of local tourism products (+7), preservation of historical assets and cultural heritage (+5), and tourism investment and financial support (+1).
Conclusions: By adopting a futures studies approach, this research provides a comprehensive assessment of both local and extra-local factors affecting tourism development. The findings offer strategic insights for policymakers and tourism planners seeking to enhance the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of tourism in Ferdows County.
