Ferdowsi University of MashhadJournal of Research and Rural Planning2783-279115320260901Evaluating of Factors Inhibiting the Activity of Nomadic Cooperatives in Fars Province: Solutions for Rural-Nomadic Development of the Region1204858110.22067/jrrp.v15i3.2606-1171ENMadinehKhosrowjerdiNomads' Affairs Organization, Mehr & Lamerd, Iran.MehdiNooripoorYasouj University, Yasouj, Iran.0000-0003-0315-2141AyatollahKaramiYasouj University, Yasouj, Iran.SaeidSalehiNomads' Affairs Organizaion, Shiraz, Iran.MaryamAfereydouniYasouj University, Yasouj, Iran.Journal Article20260628Purpose- This study aimed to evaluate the factors inhibiting the performance of nomadic cooperatives in Fars Province, Iran, and to identify the major barriers affecting their effectiveness using a sequential exploratory mixed-methods approach.Design/methodology/approach- The research employed a sequential exploratory mixed-methods design. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 40 members of nomadic cooperatives selected through snowball sampling until theoretical saturation was achieved. The interview data yielded 62 initial concepts, which formed the basis for developing a researcher-made questionnaire. In the quantitative phase, data were collected from 380 cooperative members selected through simple random sampling. The questionnaire consisted of respondents’ demographic characteristics and items measuring the identified barriers using a five-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) in SPSS.Findings- Exploratory factor analysis identified 11 principal factors with eigenvalues greater than one, explaining 86.19% of the total variance in barriers to the performance of nomadic cooperatives. Economic barriers accounted for the largest share of explained variance, followed by educational and knowledge, managerial, legal–political, organizational, social, cultural, skills, market and marketing, infrastructural, and ecological barriers. Key challenges included limited financial resources, inadequate access to credit, weak managerial capacity, insufficient training, administrative complexity, low member participation, poor marketing systems, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental constraints such as drought and water scarcity.Research limitations/implications- The study focused exclusively on nomadic cooperatives in Fars Province, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Future research is recommended to examine cooperatives in other regions using comparative and longitudinal approaches.Originality/value- While previous studies have mainly focused on rural cooperatives, limited attention has been given to nomadic cooperatives in Iran. By integrating qualitative exploration with quantitative validation, this study provides a comprehensive framework for identifying and prioritizing the barriers affecting nomadic cooperatives. The findings offer practical insights for policymakers and cooperative managers to strengthen financial support, managerial capacity, education, infrastructure, and institutional policies, thereby enhancing the sustainability of nomadic cooperatives and contributing to rural–nomadic development.https://jrrp.um.ac.ir/article_48581_822f723bda1311c1e8864206b4d865e4.pdfFerdowsi University of MashhadJournal of Research and Rural Planning2783-279115320260901Foresight of Community-Based Regeneration in Historic Urban Fabrics with Rural Origins: A Case Study of Sofla Neighborhood, Isfahan, Iran21384865510.22067/jrrp.v15i3.2607-1177ENAliMomeniShahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran0000-0001-5208-6895JamilehTavakoliniaShahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran0000-0003-1107-0373MohsenKalantariShahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-2646-6461Amir RezaKhavarian-GarmsirUniversity of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran0000-0001-8609-1748Journal Article20260719Purpose- In recent years, community‑based regeneration has gained attention because of its emphasis on participation and local governance. However, uncertainty about future development paths makes planning interventions more complex. Therefore, this study explores the future of community‑based urban regeneration in the historic Sofla neighborhood of Isfahan by identifying key driving forces and possible scenarios.
Design/methodology/approach- This research is applied in purpose and follows a descriptive–analytical design using a mixed approach. First, key variables affecting community‑based urban regeneration were extracted through literature review and document analysis. Next, a cross‑impact matrix questionnaire was completed by 15 experts in urban planning and regeneration selected through purposive sampling. Relationships among variables were analyzed using structural analysis to determine influence and dependence levels. Finally, key drivers were used in scenario analysis to identify consistent future scenarios.
Findings- The analysis revealed that "Integrated Urban Management" acts as the primary key driver, while four leverage variables—"Formalization of Local Development Office," "Preparation and Implementation of Regeneration Program," "Stakeholder Identification and Local Needs Assessment," and "Formation of Community-Based Organizations"—function as critical dual-aspect variables with the highest capacity to transform the system. Subsequently, the dual-aspect variables were entered into scenario planning analysis, yielding two consistent scenarios. The results indicate that a desirable future for regeneration relies on strengthening institutional structures, enhancing real participation, and fostering synergy between urban management and the local community.
Research limitations/implications- The primary limitations of this study include the scarcity of specialized experts in this specific field, the lack of local community-based knowledge, and the ongoing dominance of a purely physical perspective in urban planning. To counter these challenges, future strategies must prioritize raising awareness and educating local communities about participatory approaches. Furthermore, shifting the planning paradigm from a traditional physical focus toward an integrated social and institutional framework is essential for meaningful urban regeneration.
Originality/Value- This study provides significant value by integrating structural cross-impact matrices with scenario analysis specifically within the historic context of Isfahan’s Sofla neighborhood. Its originality lies in shifting the regeneration paradigm from standard physical interventions toward a dynamic, future-oriented model of participatory governance. Ultimately, it offers urban planners actionable empirical tools to navigate uncertainties and support informed decision-making in historic preservation.https://jrrp.um.ac.ir/article_48655_fd72ecaa23aa0a514a53c6a16eabb9c6.pdfFerdowsi University of MashhadJournal of Research and Rural Planning2783-279115320260901Exploring the Link Between Place Attachment and the Proliferation of Second Homes in Rural Tourism Destinations: Evidence from Mazandaran, Iran39554865610.22067/jrrp.v15i3.2608-1180ENMehdiRamezanzadeh LasboyeeUniversity of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.0000-0002-5967-2333MehriDonyaviUniversity of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.0009-0002-8395-9753Journal Article20260803Purpose- This study examines the relationship between place attachment and the proliferation of second homes in rural tourism destinations, focusing on Mazandaran Province, Iran. It specifically investigates the effects of place dependence, place identity, social bonding, and nature bonding on place attachment and the effect of place attachment on second-home tourism.Design/Methodology/Approach- The study uses a quantitative, descriptive-analytical approach. Data were collected from second-home owners in Mazandaran Province. 404 completed questionnaires were obtained through snowball sampling. Data were analyzed with Smart PLS 4.Findings: The results show that place identity, social bonding, and nature bonding have significant positive effects on place attachment, while place dependence has no significant effect. Nature bonding is the strongest predictor of place attachment. Place attachment also has a strong positive effect on second-home tourism. Overall, emotional, social, and nature-based connections are more influential than purely functional relationships.Research Limitations/Implications- The main limitations are the lack of a complete sampling frame for second-home owners and the study's focus on one province. Future research should compare different rural and coastal destinations and examine factors such as the duration and frequency of second-home use, environmental changes, and relationships with host communities.Practical Implications- Destination managers should emphasize Mazandaran's natural and cultural assets, protect natural landscapes, strengthen interaction between second-home owners and local communities, and develop marketing strategies based on emotional and experiential values rather than focusing only on functional amenities.Originality/Value- The study's originality lies in examining the functional, symbolic, social, and nature-based dimensions of place attachment simultaneously and linking them to second-home tourism in a rural Iranian context. The finding that nature bonding is the strongest predictor, while place dependence is not significant, provides a distinctive contribution to understanding second-home demand.https://jrrp.um.ac.ir/article_48656_1bdde90ebfdef547440410e79b1877bf.pdfFerdowsi University of MashhadJournal of Research and Rural Planning2783-279115320260901Explaining a Participatory Governance Framework for Sustainable Rural Tourism Development: A Qualitative Study in Western Mazandaran Province57794865710.22067/jrrp.v15i3.2607-1175ENFarhadJavanUniversity of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran0000-0001-5238-3160ShahramAmirentekhabiPayame Noor University, Tehran, IranJournal Article20260714Purpose- Sustainable rural tourism development requires the establishment of a governance system based on participation, institutional interaction, and local community empowerment. Despite the considerable tourism potential of western Mazandaran Province, the lack of a context-specific framework for participatory governance has posed challenges to the realization of sustainable development. Therefore, this study aims to explain a participatory governance framework for achieving sustainable rural tourism development in western Mazandaran Province.Design/methodology/approach- This applied research adopts a qualitative approach. Data were collected through 25 semi-structured interviews with academic experts, managers, and practitioners in the fields of tourism and rural development. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and interviews continued until theoretical saturation was reached. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis based on the thematic networks approach proposed by Attride-Stirling (2001).Finding- The analysis of the data resulted in the extraction of 50 initial codes, 10 concepts, 5 basic themes, 3 organizing themes, and one global theme. The global theme of the study was identified as a participatory governance framework for sustainable rural tourism development based on institutional interaction, local community empowerment, and strategic management of natural and cultural resources. The findings showed that participatory governance can be effective when coordination and interaction among responsible institutions, genuine stakeholder participation, economic and social empowerment of local communities, integrated destination management, protection of natural and cultural resources, strategic planning, infrastructure development, and entrepreneurship promotion are pursued synergistically. Furthermore, the findings indicated that local community empowerment plays a driving role in enhancing participation, strengthening social capital, improving the quality of decision-making, and increasing the resilience of rural tourism destinations.Practical Implications- Establishing integrated destination management mechanisms, strengthening coordination among responsible institutions, developing the capacities and skills of local communities, supporting local entrepreneurship and indigenous businesses, expanding stakeholder participation in decision-making processes, and protecting natural and cultural resources are among the most important strategies for achieving participatory governance and sustainable rural tourism development in the region.Originality/value– The originality of this study lies in developing a context-specific participatory governance framework based on thematic analysis and tailored to the characteristics of western Mazandaran Province. By integrating institutional, managerial, and social dimensions, the proposed framework can serve as a practical basis for policymaking, planning, and managing sustainable rural tourism development at both regional and national levels.https://jrrp.um.ac.ir/article_48657_9d9f448d935a04af924537c9aae20e2f.pdfFerdowsi University of MashhadJournal of Research and Rural Planning2783-279115320260901Planning Pathways Towards Zero-Energy Urban Development in Hot and Dry Climates: A Simulation-Based Study of Semnan, Iran811014868310.22067/jrrp.v15i3.2507-1143ENElnazMaghsoudiSe.C., Islamic Azad University, Semnan, IranSaeidKamyabiSe.C., Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran.0000-0002-7307-9421Journal Article20260526Purpose- This study investigates how building-level energy-efficiency and solar-energy measures can inform planning pathways toward zero-energy urban development in hot and dry climates, using Semnan, Iran, as a case study. Design/methodology/approach- This applied study adopts a quantitative, simulation-based approach. A single-story residential case-study building with a floor area of 260 m² in Semnan was modeled using DesignBuilder and the EnergyPlus simulation engine. First, the annual energy consumption of the building was estimated under the baseline condition. Subsequently, selected energy-efficiency and solar-energy strategies, including improved glazing and the use of solar energy, were incorporated into the building model, and the resulting energy performance was compared with the baseline scenario. The simulation results were then interpreted to identify their implications for planning toward zero-energy urban development in hot and dry climates.Finding- The baseline simulation resulted in an annual energy-consumption intensity of 103.61 kWh/m²/year. After the modeled improvement measures were applied, this value decreased to 56.62 kWh/m²/year, corresponding to a 45.3% reduction. The results indicate that improving building energy performance can provide a measurable evidence base for planning interventions in hot and dry climates. However, the reduction should not be interpreted as city-wide zero-energy achievement because the analysis is limited to a single building. The study therefore frames building-scale simulation as an initial step that can support subsequent multi-building and urban-scale energy planning.Practical implications- The findings suggest that zero-energy urban development in hot and dry climates should be approached progressively, beginning with reductions in building energy demand and complemented by renewable-energy integration. For Semnan, climate-responsive building-envelope measures, improved glazing, and photovoltaic integration can be considered within a broader planning framework. Future research should test these strategies across multiple building types and urban scales and incorporate economic, spatial, and occupant-related variables.https://jrrp.um.ac.ir/article_48683_6cfe342b4bf39298aada48c80ad8c49d.pdfFerdowsi University of MashhadJournal of Research and Rural Planning2783-279115320260901Social Life Cycle Assessment of Rice Production: A Systematic Review and Implications for Sustainable Rural Development1031284868410.22067/jrrp.v15i3.2606-1168ENElnazAsheri-GafshehUniversity of Guilan, Rasht, Iran0009-0006-2969-559XMajidYasouriUniversity of Guilan, Rasht, Iran0000-0002-8800-6196AliHajinejadUniversity of Guilan, Rasht, Iran0000-0001-8327-9438AshkanNabavi-PelesaraeiRazi University, Kermanshah, Iran0000-0003-2823-6616Journal Article20260614Purpose- Rice production plays a fundamental role in ensuring food security and sustaining rural livelihoods worldwide. Despite its economic importance, rice production systems are often associated with social challenges such as inadequate working conditions, income inequality, and occupational health risks. Design/methodology/approach- This study systematically reviews the application of Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) in rice production systems with a focus on its contribution to sustainable rural social development. A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA protocol. Relevant studies were retrieved from international scientific databases, and after screening, the selected studies were analyzed based on stakeholder groups, social indicators, assessment approaches, and reported social impacts. Finding- The resuls reveal that occupational health and safety, fair wages, labor rights, and the well-being of farmers are the most frequently assessed social issues. Organic and socially oriented production systems generally demonstrate better social performance than conventional systems. However, concerns such as child labor, labor exploitation, and unequal access to economic opportunities remain evident. Most existing studies focus primarily on workers and farmers, while broader dimensions of rural social development, including social resilience and community participation, receive considerably less attention. The limited number of available studies and methodological heterogeneity highlight the need for greater standardization in future S-LCA research. Originality/value- The results emphasize the importance of incorporating social dimensions into agricultural policies and demonstrate the potential of S-LCA as a decision-support tool for promoting socially sustainable rice production systems. This study provides an integrated synthesis of S-LCA applications in rice production and explicitly links social life cycle assessment outcomes to sustainable rural social development.https://jrrp.um.ac.ir/article_48684_c87d89893794fe71c967c89772630b15.pdf