Document Type : Research-Case Study
Authors
1 Associate Professor of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
2 PhD student, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
The present study investigates the role of villagers' participation in the sustainable development of rural settlements within Dolat Abad area. Participation is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of rural development, alongside other influential factors. Villagers, as active contributors, are essential in providing the necessary human resources for these settlements. Accordingly, villager participation is considered fundamental to enhancing the dimensions of sustainable development. Employing a descriptive survey methodology and questionnaire-based data collection, this research demonstrates a positive correlation between villagers' participation in implemented plans and programs and the sustainable development of rural settlements. As villager participation increases, the average dimension of sustainable development also rises. Standardized regression analysis reveals a significant positive relationship between villager participation and sustainable development, with a beta coefficient of 0.897 (p=0.000). Additionally, the factor loading for the participation dimension in the sustainable development model is 0.90. Model evaluation through chi-square analysis indicates a good fit between the model and the data. the value of the chi-square statistic is 161.251 and the degree of freedom is 87. The chi-square-to-degree-of-freedom ratio of 1.85 is below the recommended threshold of 2.0. Furthermore, the fit indices collectively support the alignment of the data with the proposed model and confirm the conceptual framework. Based on the findings of the present study, it is possible to improve the participation indicators of villagers in agricultural, industrial, service and tourism projects and programs, and to strengthen the spirit of cooperation among villagers. The realization of this matter will make it possible to develop the environmental-ecological, social, economic, physical-infrastructural dimensions of rural settlements.
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