نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
نویسندگان
گروه ترویج و آموزش کشاورزی، پردیس کشاورزی و منابع طبیعی، دانشگاه رازی، کرمانشاه، ایران
چکیده
کلیدواژهها
عنوان مقاله [English]
نویسندگان [English]
The current study attempted to investigate on the future of smart agricultural tourism and identify development strategies based on force field analysis in Kermanshah Province using a mixed-methods approach (qualitative and quantitative). The research population consisted of experts from the agricultural and tourism sectors and key informant farmers, totaling 18 individuals. These participants were selected purposefully using specific criteria and snowball sampling methods. Data analysis for the qualitative phase was performed using two stages of open and axial coding through MaxqdaWin18 software, resulting in the identification of 55 barriers and 43 facilitators across seven dimensions: economic, institutional., infrastructural., social., educational., psychological., and cultural factors. The identified barriers and facilitators were compiled into a questionnaire, which was then used to assess their current status. After collecting the completed questionnaires, the data were coded, described, and analyzed using force field analysis methods with SPSSWin20 and Pathmakerwin5.5 software. The results indicated that the scores for barrier forces across all seven identified factors were higher than those for facilitators. This negative outcome clearly indicates that the smart agritourism ecosystem is in an "unfavorable equilibrium" and a "static state." In this condition, the barriers are so strong that they negate any efforts to initiate change and move toward development. According to the research finding, overcoming the existing unfavorable balance requires the simultaneous implementation of integrated solutions at the institutional, infrastructure, and empowerment levels. Among these measures is the creation of an action-oriented program focused on creating an integrated digital platform for the province that can act as the primary driving force for development in this area by directly linking farmers to the market, simplifying management, and promoting smart marketing.
کلیدواژهها [English]
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.
All authors contributed equally to the conceptualization of the article and writing of the original and subsequent drafts.
Data available on request from the authors.
This work is based upon research funded by the Iran National Science Foundation (INSF) under project No. 4044603.
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.
The author declares no conflict of interest.
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