ترسیم آینده گردشگری هوشمند کشاورزی در استان کرمانشاه و راهکارهای توسعه آن

نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی

نویسندگان

• امیرحسین علی بیگی
• معصومه تقی بیگی

گروه ترویج و آموزش کشاورزی، پردیس کشاورزی و منابع طبیعی، دانشگاه رازی، کرمانشاه، ایران

چکیده

کلیدواژه‌ها

• گردشگری هوشمند
• گردشگری کشاورزی
• تحلیل میدان نیرو
• نسل چهارم گردشگری
• موانع و تسهیل‌کننده‌ها

Extended Abstract

Introduction

The fourth generation of tourism, known as smart tourism, serves as a means to enhance employment and promote sustainable economic growth. However, the development of this form of tourism, particularly within the agricultural sector, has not met expectations. This study was conducted using a mixed-methods approach (qualitative and quantitative) to outline the future of smart agricultural tourism and identify development strategies based on force field analysis in Kermanshah Province.

  Method

   The research employed a mixed-methods approach (qualitative and quantitative) and followed an exploratory design. It was conducted in two stages. In the first stage, the study identified the obstacles and facilitators to the development of smart agricultural tourism in the province. This qualitative phase involved a research population of 18 experts from the agricultural and tourism sectors, as well as key farmers, who were purposefully selected through criteria and snowball sampling. The second stage of the research focused on outlining the future development of smart agricultural tourism and utilized a quantitative approach. Data for this phase were collected via a questionnaire, which was based on the findings from the first stage. The statistical population for this part also consisted of 18 experts and key farmers from the agricultural and tourism sectors. After the questionnaires were completed, the data were coded, described, and analyzed using the force field analytical method with SPSSWin20 and PathmakerWin5.5 software.

Results

    The research findings identified 55 barriers and 43 facilitators, organized into seven categories: economic, institutional., infrastructural., social., educational., psychological., and cultural factors. The analysis revealed that the number of barriers to the development of smart agricultural tourism outweighed the facilitators. In other words, the total score of barriers across all dimensions exceeded that of the facilitators. This negative outcome indicates that the smart agricultural tourism ecosystem in Kermanshah province is currently in an "unfavorable balance" and remains static. The inhibiting forces (obstacles) are so significant that they counteract any efforts toward development. Consequently, without targeted planning to mitigate and remove these barriers, we cannot expect to see progress in smart agricultural tourism in the province in the future. The identified barriers were predominantly structural and macro-level issues manageable by governing institutions, whereas the facilitators were more localized and reliant on individual initiative. After categorizing the facilitators and barriers and assessing their current status, the next step involved identifying measures to weaken the barriers. Ultimately, six key implementation measures were established. The hypothetical application of these measures demonstrated a reduction in the impact of barriers and an enhancement of the facilitators' strength. This finding highlights that development is not only attainable through the creation and execution of intelligent, integrated, and community-oriented solutions, but also that the balance of power can be shifted to favor progress and prosperity.

Conclusions

    The results of this study provide a clear and nuanced view of smart agricultural tourism in the province. On one hand, the prevalence of barriers compared to facilitators indicates a significant ongoing challenge. Structural., economic, and institutional obstacles have hindered any spontaneous development in this area, demonstrating a lack of sufficient momentum to break the existing cycle of difficulties. On the other hand, a key finding of this study is the effectiveness of targeted and integrated interventions. Simulating the potential impact of the proposed strategies clearly shows that the system is flexible and responsive to proactive measures. The notable reduction in barriers and the increase in facilitators following these hypothetical interventions indicate that we can overcome the notion of helplessness in the face of challenges. Achieving this requires moving beyond a narrow viewpoint and adopting a holistic, systematic approach.

Author Contributions

All authors contributed equally to the conceptualization of the article and writing of the original and subsequent drafts.

Data Availability Statement

Data available on request from the authors.

Acknowledgements

This work is based upon research funded by the Iran National Science Foundation (INSF) under project No. 4044603.

Ethical considerations

This study was derived from a research project (Grant No. 4044603) scientifically approved by the Iran National Science Foundation (INSF). The research protocol was reviewed and approved as part of the INSFs grant evaluation process. All materials and methods were performed in accordance with the instructions and regulations and this research has been approved by a committee at the Iran National Science Foundation (INSF), Iran. The authors avoided data fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, and misconduct.

Conflict of interest

The author declares no conflict of interest.