Analysis the Physical Impact of Implementation of a Rural Master Plan in Iran [In English]

Mikaeil, H., Ebrahimi M. S., and Amini Amir Mozafar. "Analysis the Physical Impact of Implementation of a Rural Master Plan in Iran."   American Journal of Rural Development 1, no. 4 (2013): 70-74.

a b s t r a c t

Despite the increase in urbanization and decline in population in rural areas, many rural settlements are still dynamic and comprise a sizable portion of the population of developing countries such as Iran. The functionality of rural areas in maintaining population and rural occupations depends upon the production of an infrastructure to provide services. This requires an organized planning and development process. One tool to provide suitable conditions in rural areas is a rural master plan that provides spatial-physical organization. This case study determined the impact of the physical implementation of a rural master plan in the greater Amol region in northern Iran. The methodology was descriptive and analytical. The data was based on field studies and a questionnaire filled out by respondents from sample villages. The target research population were the rural residents from the region surrounding the city of Amol. The number participants responding to the questionnaires was determined using the Cochran formula (n= 260) and its reliability was determined by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.92) after conducting a pilot study. The results showed that a the rural master plan was successful in widening the main streets of the village and improving infrastructure services in the area, but was not successful in the participation of the villagers in the rural master plan.

Keywords: rural master plan, development, rural areas, Iran