Evaluate the Relationship Between Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Sustainable Development (Case Study: Fasa County Rural Areas)

Abstract

Agriculture has determining and fundamental roles in the fate of the rural society in Iran. Also, it is unlikely that rural development can be achieved without having a logical and established solution for rural agriculture. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between sustainable agriculture and sustainable development in rural regions of Fasa County. The research method of the study is descriptive-analytical, and the data collection is based on survey method (completing questionnaire). The study population comprised all heads of households living in Fasa villages. Using the Cochran formula, the sample size was estimated as 285 participants who were selected randomly and questionnaires were distributed among them. To measure the reliability of the questionnaire, the Cronbach α was used. In the study, the statistical model of SEM and the first order confirmatory factor analysis were used for analyzing data. The results indicate the validity of both models of measurement of rural development and sustainable agriculture as well as the first order two-factor model for the relationship between rural sustainable development and sustainable agriculture as well as their goodness of fit with the collected data. According to this analysis, indicators of sustainable agriculture have generally more significant direct effects on rural sustainable development than the reverse conditions in this relationship.