The Analysis of Effective Factors on Structural-functional Changes in Rural Areas of the Tonekabon County

A B S T R A C T
The sustainability or instability of rural areas is one of the fundamental issues in achieving the sustainable development of a country. In this process, attention to the economic, social, physical, spatial, and ecological dimensions of rural areas is inevitable. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the factors affecting the structural-functional changes of villages in Tonekabon County. This research was a survey conducted using a quantitative approach; the statistical population consisted of rural households residing in the villages of Tonekabon County (central district), with 250 households selected using Daniel's formula and a multistage sampling method with proportional assignment. The data collection tool was a questionnaire in which a panel of experts and specialists confirmed its face validity, and its reliability was determined using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, which was found to be appropriate. For data analysis, SPSSV26 and SmartPLSV4 software were used. The findings of the reflective evaluation model showed that the convergent and discriminant validity of the constructs were estimated to be appropriate. The results of the hierarchical component model identified five factors among 55 variables of structural-functional changes. Based on the path coefficients, the political-institutional factors (0.452), physical-structural factors (0.409), and socio-cultural factors (0.289) were the most influential constructs on the structural-functional changes of villages. These results emphasize the importance of comprehensive and participatory planning to improve the condition of villages and prevent negative structural-functional changes in the studied villages.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Nowadays, structural-functional changes in the villages often have negative consequences. Some of these changes have caused the instability of the rural communities and settlements, which is a serious threat to the development phenomenon. The sustainability or instability of rural areas is a key issue in achieving sustainable development in a country.  This development should encompass economic, social, spatial, and physical aspects of the villages, as well as their changes over time. Structural-functional changes refer to the changes that occur in the structural and functional fields of the villages and possess profound impacts on the way of life, economy, and social organization in these areas. These changes comprise changes in the economic structure, such as the transition from traditional agriculture to non-agricultural activities, alterations in the social and family structure, and changes in social and economic roles. They could also encompass development policies, immigration, technology, and economic issues.  Moreover, there are changes that are distinguishable in the infrastructure, institutions, and livelihood methods of the villages. In terms of agriculture, Mazandaran province is one of the leading provinces of the country, having an important part in crop and livestock production. Nevertheless, the rural and agricultural areas of this province have faced many problems in recent years. The villages of Tankabon County are not exempted from this rule, especially in the areas close to the urban spheres. In fact, they are among the areas that have undergone extensive changes in their economic structure and function over the last few decades. These villages have experienced significant structural-functional changes; so, during the last five years, 10% of the agricultural and horticultural lands of the county have changed their use and have been removed from the production cycle. Many county villages have already lost their agricultural function and turned into recreational garden villas due to natural attractions, tourism purposes, and increased land prices in recent years. Hence, the present study attempted to investigate the factors influencing functional changes in the rural areas of Tonekabon County.
 
Methodology
The data required for this descriptive-analytical research was gathered through a survey. The statistical population was the rural households residing in the villages of Tonekabon County (central district) (N=10737), and the sample size was determined using the Daniel formula. Based on that, 255 questionnaires were distributed, of which 250 of them were returned. The respondents were selected using a multi-stage proportional stratified random sampling method. The data collection instrument was the questionnaire. A panel of experts in the fields of agricultural extension, education, and rural development confirmed its face and content validity. The reliability of its scales was also evaluated through a pilot study. Cronbach's alpha coefficients indicated the appropriate reliability of the scales used in the research. The SPSSV26 and SmartPLSV4 software were applied for data analysis.  
 
Results and discussion
The findings in the descriptive statistics section showed that the majority of respondents (89.2%) were male, and their average age was 42 years. In terms of education level, most of the participants had a school diploma. In terms of occupation, 80.8% of them had agricultural profession as their second career. Considering the findings of the reflective part of the evaluation model,  the convergent and diagnostic validity of the constructs were estimated at an appropriate level. Based on the results of the hierarchical components model, a total of five factors were identified to be effective on 37 variables of the structural-functional changes in rural areas. These factors included political-institutional, physical-spatial, socio-cultural, economic-livelihood, and environmental-ecological factors. Correspondingly, reflective modeling used in the study revealed that the most significant factors affecting structural-functional changes in the villages were political-institutional factors (0.452), physical-spatial factors (0.409), and socio-cultural factors (0.289).
 
Conclusion
In sum,  according to the factors identified for the growth and sustainable development of the agricultural sector, the provision of agricultural and rural sustainable development in the aforementioned area is recommended. This must be accomplished by adopting a comprehensive and systematic approach, considering the county's conditions, and exploiting the potential and opportunities in the county's geographical area. Furthermore, proper policymaking,  improvement of administrative structures, and governmental support of agriculture and other rural economic activities seem to be indispensable. Additionally, attention to cultural and social changes and the advancement of local institutions can lead to stronger sustainable development and improved circumstances in rural areas. Policymakers and program planners are expected to consider these factors and materialize effective measures to enhance rural areas' economic and social conditions.
 
Funding
There is no funding support.
 
Authors’ Contribution
The authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved the content of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
 
Conflict of Interest
The authors declared no conflict of interest.
 
Acknowledgments
The paper has extracted from the Ms.c thesis of the first author in the Department of Agricultural Extension & Education, Faculty of Crop Sciences, Sari University of Agriculture and Natural Resource.