Authors
1
PhD Graduate in Rangeland Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.
2
Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
3
Researcher in Rural Development and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems, Golestan Provincial Government, Gorgan, Iran.
4
Desert Research Division, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran
5
Law Graduate, Payam Noor University, Sarvabad, Iran
10.22069/jead.2026.24272.1937
Abstract
Sustainable rural development requires the identification of strategic factors that contribute to the empowerment of local communities. Cluster-based development plans, with a forward-looking approach, can pave the way for improving quality of life and enhancing social resilience. This study was conducted to identify and evaluate the key drivers influencing the empowerment of local communities within the framework of cluster-based development plans in Kurdistan Province.This research is applied and exploratory in nature and was carried out using a survey method. The statistical population consisted of facilitators, leading local communities, and expert specialists, of whom 60 individuals were purposefully selected. Data were collected through a researcher-designed questionnaire based on 16 indicators finalized using the focus group technique. Structural analysis of the most influential indicators was performed using cross-impact analysis with the MICMAC software to determine the degree of influence and dependency of each indicator on the feasibility of the plan. The findings revealed that four indicators “targeted training and enhancement of local communities’ skills in line with rural capacities,” “provision of low-interest loans accompanied by supportive packages,” “systematic community-based facilitation and engagement of rural leaders in monitoring,” and “empowerment through diversification of income sources” had the highest impact on community empowerment within the studied cluster-based rural development programs. Accordingly, continuous implementation of community-based training and skill development tailored to local capacities should be prioritized. Furthermore, integrating financial and credit facilities with supportive packages and local institutionalization can foster sustainable empowerment and enhance the economic resilience of rural communities.
Keywords
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