Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Department of Agricultural Economics-Agricultural Marketing, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran.
2 Department of Agricultural Economics and Development, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Keywords
Extended Abstract
Introduction
The concept of a resilient economy is founded on developing a dynamic, knowledge-based, and adaptive economic structure capable of withstanding external pressures such as sanctions, environmental crises, and sudden market shifts. This framework prioritizes not only meeting basic needs and optimizing domestic resources but also localizing technology and cultivating a knowledge-driven ecosystem to ensure long-term sustainability.
Sistan—comprising Zabol, Zahak, Nimruz, and Hamoon—is a region in eastern Iran with deep historical and cultural roots. Despite prolonged droughts, it remains a vital hub for agriculture (wheat, barley, vegetables) and traditional crafts (embroidery, pottery, carpet weaving). Yet, the region faces multiple challenges, including reduced inflow from the Helmand River, reliance on transboundary water sources, soil degradation, wind erosion, migration of skilled labor, limited digital infrastructure for marketing and distribution, and restricted access to innovation capital.
Methods
This study examines the Sistan region in northern Sistan and Baluchestan province. The statistical population includes about 7,500 individuals engaged in agriculture and handicrafts with registered economic activities in 2023. Using Cochran’s formula, a sample of 364 participants was selected. Data were collected through a researcher-designed questionnaire on a five-point Likert scale, informed by prior studies. The analytical framework comprised descriptive statistics, Shapiro-Wilk test for normality, Pearson correlation analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modeling (SEM) with AMOS, multiple regression, and SEM model selection based on Black & Babin (2019).
Results
All correlations between resilient economy indicators and digital marketing components were positive and statistically significant, highlighting strong synergy. The highest correlation was between online presence and CRM (r = 0.592), showing that a stronger digital footprint enhances customer relationship capacity. Regression analysis identified online presence, CRM, and data analytics as significant predictors of resilient economic performance. The Friedman test ranked optimal water usage highest (mean = 4.12), followed by e-commerce (mean = 4.05) and social media (mean = 3.99). SEM results indicated strong model fit (CFI = 0.961, RMSEA = 0.039, χ²/df = 2.05). The most influential path was from online presence to resilient economy (β = 0.36, t = 6.42), followed by CRM (β = 0.32, t = 5.88) and data analysis (β = 0.28, t = 5.21), all significant at p ≤ 0.001. Multi-group analysis revealed sectoral differences, with agriculture and handicrafts showing varying impact intensities.
Discussion
Digital transformation provides distinct benefits across sectors. In handicrafts and local services, online presence delivers the greatest added value by expanding market access and customer engagement. In agriculture and livestock, productivity-enhancing technologies and resource management strategies are most effective. These findings highlight the need for sector-specific policy interventions: investment in digital marketing infrastructure, online sales platforms, and CRM systems for handicrafts; and adoption of modern irrigation, soil conservation, and data-driven productivity tools for agriculture. Such differentiated strategies are essential for strengthening economic resilience and achieving sustainable development in the Sistan region.
“Data available on request from the authors”
The authors avoided data fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, and misconduct.
The author declares no conflict of interest.
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