اهمیت صنایع تبدیلی در ارتقای توسعه پایدار در مناطق روستایی مطالعه موردی منطقه مردق مراغه

A B S T R A C T

This paper examines the role of agro-processing industries, particularly those related to apple production, in sustainable development in the Mardagh region of Maragheh. The research aims to identify the capacities, challenges, and practical solutions for developing agro-processing industries in the region. The Mardagh region, with its favorable climatic and agricultural characteristics, especially in apple production, has significant potential for agro-processing development. However, this potential is hindered by challenges such as a lack of processing infrastructure, market fluctuations, insufficient government support, and limited access to modern technologies. To analyze this issue, the study employs various statistical methods, including the one-sample t-test, linear regression, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results indicate that the development of apple agro-processing industries in the Mardagh region can not only increase rural household income and create sustainable employment but also reduce rural-urban migration and strengthen local production identity. Furthermore, regression results show that processing infrastructure, participation in processing, institutional support, and technical awareness among beneficiaries are key factors in this process. Finally, the paper emphasizes that achieving sustainable regional development and a knowledge-based economy requires targeted investment, technical education, and government support. Effective policymaking in this area can enhance the added value of agricultural products and create a successful model for other similar regions in the country.





Extended Abstract

Introduction

In recent decades, the concept of sustainable development has emerged as a critical principle in planning and managing rural areas. This approach aims to balance economic, social, and environmental dimensions and has gained significant attention, particularly in developing countries. One of the key factors for sustainable rural development is the utilization of local capacities and the enhancement of agricultural value chains, which are considered fundamental to achieving sustainable development goals (WCED, 1987). Agro-processing industries, which convert raw agricultural products into consumable or semi-processed materials, not only create economic value but also help local livelihoods, reduce rural-urban migration, and contribute to rural sustainability (Poulton et al., 2010).

Despite the abundant agricultural potential in various regions of Iran, the development of agro-processing industries has not been fully realized, particularly in the Mardagh region of Maragheh, which is one of the agricultural hubs in East Azerbaijan. The region, known for its diverse agricultural production, especially apples, faces challenges such as raw product sales, high waste rates, and insufficient processing infrastructure. The development of agro-processing industries can mitigate these challenges by reducing waste, improving productivity, and creating added value, but infrastructure limitations have prevented effective utilization of these potentials.

The research aims to analyze the current state of agro-processing industries in the Mardagh region and identify opportunities and challenges for their development. Specifically, this study focuses on how agro-processing, particularly apple-based industries, can promote sustainable development by improving the local economy, creating jobs, reducing migration, and increasing rural household incomes.



Methodology

This study employs a quantitative research design and targets stakeholders in the apple value chain in the Mardagh region, including farmers, cooperatives, and local actors in apple production and processing. Due to a lack of exact statistics on the number of eligible participants, the Cochran formula was used for sample size calculation, assuming an infinite population. With a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error, the estimated sample size was 384 respondents. The sampling method was stratified random sampling, categorizing participants based on their geographical location and role in the apple supply chain.

The data collection tool was a researcher-developed questionnaire, which included sections on demographic information, attitudes toward agro-processing, barriers to industry development, and local capacities. The questionnaire consisted of 30 items measured using a five-point Likert scale (ranging from strongly disagree = 1 to strongly agree = 5). The content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by five experts in rural economics and sustainable development. The reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, which was found to be 0.87 for the entire questionnaire, indicating good reliability.

Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Statistical methods such as independent samples t-test, multiple linear regression, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were employed to test hypotheses and analyze relationships among the variables. The analysis examined the impact of processing infrastructure, local participation in processing, and technical awareness on the development of agro-processing industries in the region.



Results and discussion

The findings from the statistical analyses revealed significant effects of agro-processing industries on various economic, social, and environmental dimensions in the Mardagh region. The results of the one-sample t-test showed that the development of agro-processing industries in the region significantly increased sustainable employment opportunities (p < 0.001). The regression analysis identified five key factors influencing sustainable employment: access to processing infrastructure, participation in processing, institutional support, technical knowledge of beneficiaries, and market access (R² = 0.481).

Further analysis confirmed that improved processing infrastructure, such as local cold storage facilities and workshops for apple processing, played a critical role in reducing migration, especially among young people. The data indicated that the establishment of local processing units significantly reduced youth migration by providing job opportunities and increasing local economic stability.

In addition, the results demonstrated that local knowledge and involvement in processing activities contributed to the enhancement of added value and increased household incomes. The regression model indicated that technical knowledge, packaging skills, and participation in processing workshops had a positive and substantial impact on increasing income (R² = 0.475).

The SEM analysis highlighted that technical awareness (Beta = 0.82) and added value (Beta = 0.63) were the most influential factors in increasing household income. Income, in turn, had a significant positive effect on sustainable employment and a negative impact on migration (Beta = 0.38).

Conclusion

The study concluded that the development of apple agro-processing industries in the Mardagh region is not only an economic strategy but also a multidimensional tool for achieving sustainable rural development. Agro-processing significantly impacts infrastructure, the technical skills of local farmers, participation in processing, and market interaction, thereby increasing value-added production, boosting household income,