Environmental Analysis of Villages in the Periphery of Farsan City Based on the Urban-Rural Relationship

Abstract

Purpose- The rural-urban integration refers to an optimal combination of natural, economic, social, and spatial factors. The scale of this integration depends on the extent to which urban and rural systems (economic, social, and environmental) influence, interconnect, complement, and share benefits. The main goal of this study is the environmental analysis of villages in the periphery of Farsan city based on the rural-urban relationship. Design/methodology/approach- This is an applied study that uses a descriptive-analytical method. Data were collected using a questionnaire. The statistical population of the study consists of the four villages in Farsan county with a population of over one thousand people. Together, these four villages are home to about 4285 households (14972 people) from which a sample of n=375 was selected using Cochran's formula. Finding- The results of the research based on the one-sample t-test indicate an environmental relationship between Farsan county and its nearby villages. The environmental indicators studied such as noise pollution and non-expansion of green space, the change of cultivation pattern, the intensified land abuse and brokerage, the reduced share of water in agriculture, and the limited environmental knowledge of villagers suggested adverse effects whereas other variables manifested the positive effects of the connection with Farsan on improving the environment of the nearby villages. The results of regression analysis show that the environmental relationship of Farsan with its surrounding villages explained 17% of study indices (environmental health, land-use change, water and soil resources, knowledge and importance of environmental issues) and the remaining 83% was explained by other factors not addressed in this study. Research limitations/implications- The main limitation of the study was the scant literature on the environmental effects of the urban-rural relationship. Practical implications- Implementing a suitable cultivation model for agricultural products, expanding new irrigation systems, maintaining and reviving orchards, and raising awareness of environmental issues among villagers should be put on the agenda. Originality/value- Investigation of environmental effects of the urban-rural relationship as a way of ensuring sustainable rural settlement and environmental protection in the study area.