Analyzing the Phenomenon of Kolbari and Identifying the Potential for Developing Alternative Economic Activities in Rural Areas (Case Study: Sarkol and Zrivar Rural Districts, Marivan County)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Saadi Mohammadi ^¶

Freyedon Ahmadi

Shavbo Karimi

Payame Noor university, Tehran, Iran

10.22067/jrrp.v15i2.2510-1148

Abstract

Purpose- Kolbari (informal cross-border goods carrying) and cross-border smuggling in the rural areas of Marivan County constitute a multidimensional crisis that not only undermines the region's economic and social security but also extends its adverse impacts to the political, environmental, and food security domains, thereby generating long-term structural challenges.
Design/methodology/approach- This study employed an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design (qualitative–quantitative). In the qualitative phase, the grounded theory approach, supported by semi-structured interviews, was used to comprehensively explore the security and social dimensions and consequences of Kolbari. Participants were selected purposively from three principal groups: rural Kolbars, county development officials, and local experts, including academic specialists in regional development as well as individuals with extensive knowledge and practical experience regarding Kolbari. In the quantitative phase, a researcher-developed questionnaire was designed and validated through expert assessment of content validity. The instrument demonstrated satisfactory reliability, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.87.  
Findings- The findings reveal that Kolbari, through 65 identified adverse variables, contributes to five major security challenges: weakened political–military security, environmental–physical security, social security, economic security, and food security. Collectively, these challenges lead to persistent and long-term security vulnerabilities within the region. Furthermore, the correlation analysis indicated that two key variables—educational attainment and the proportion of young rural population—are significantly associated with the emergence and persistence of Kolbari. Specifically, educational attainment exhibited a significant negative relationship with the phenomenon, whereas the proportion of young rural population showed a significant positive relationship.
Practical Implications- Based on the research findings, an innovative three-tier strategic model was developed to reduce Kolbari and establish sustainable regional security. At the first level, the model emphasizes economic empowerment through the development of sustainable non-agricultural enterprises, particularly in handicrafts, rural tourism, and green technologies. At the second level, it advocates strengthening social capital through targeted education and enhanced participation of rural youth in local development processes. At the third level, it highlights the establishment and improvement of security infrastructure to reinforce border security and reduce the risks associated with cross-border smuggling.
Originality/Value- The principal contribution of this study lies in integrating a grounded theory-based mixed-methods approach with correlation analysis to develop a comprehensive, multidimensional, and context-specific model for Marivan County. By identifying the complex causal relationships among security, social, and economic variables, the proposed framework provides practical and implementable recommendations for development agencies, planners, and security institutions.

Keywords

Kolbari, Border Security, Development Capacities

Rural Areas, Marivan County

Subjects

• Rural Studies

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