Journal of Geography and Regional Development

Presenting the Empirical Model of Determinants of Rural Women's Empowerment in the Medicinal Plants Sector (Case Study: Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province)

Document Type : Research

Authors

Ayda Alahdinivandi 1
Yousef Ghanbari 2
Hamid Barghi 2

1 PhD student in Geography and Rural Planning, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

2 Associate Professor of Geography and Rural Planning, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22067/jgrd.2024.87397.1416
Abstract
Given the high potential of activities in the agricultural sector, empowering rural women in the cultivation and production of medicinal plants would be an appropriate strategy for improving the social and economic status of rural women. However, a review of studies shows that scant attention has been paid to this issue. Considering that Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province is one of the hubs of medicinal plant production in Iran, this study aims to present an empirical model of the determinants of rural women's empowerment in the medicinal plants sector in this province. This is a quantitative-applied study that combines descriptive-analytical methods with structural equations. The statistical population includes all rural women in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, among whom a sample of 209 individuals was surveyed. SPSS and Amos software were used to analyze the data. The results showed that the four dimensions of rural women's empowerment in the medicinal plants sector (economic empowerment, social and cultural, environmental, and individual and psychological dimensions) are undesirable. The main determinants of rural women's empowerment in the medicinal plants sector are: formation and development of cooperatives, efficient government support, classes and training courses, land ownership, and income. The final model indicates that these factors explain 70% of the variance in the dependent variable. Practical recommendations, such as targeted allocation of bank credits, development of multi-purpose cooperatives, and organizing skill-oriented training courses, can enhance empowerment. By focusing on the climatic capacities of the province, this research fills a research gap in this field and could serve as a basis for policymaking.
 

Keywords

Rural Development
Rural Women's Empowerment
Medicinal Plants
Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province
Subjects
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