درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

Purpose- Access to safe and clean water remains a critical global concern, especially in rural areas of developing countries where infrastructural and institutional limitations are prevalent. In Tanzania, particularly in the Simiyu Region, water insecurity is further compounded by limited community participation in the planning stages of rural water projects. While participatory approaches are widely advocated to improve sustainability and responsiveness of such initiatives, there remains limited empirical evidence on the socio-economic and institutional factors influencing household-level participation. The main purpose of this research is to analyze the determinants of community participation in rural water project planning in Simiyu region, Tanzania by employing a Logit Model Approach. Design/Methods/Approach- This study addresses this gap by analyzing the determinants of community involvement using a logit regression model, drawing from data collected through a cross-sectional survey of 217 respondents. The sample was derived using Yamane’s (1967) formula, and a mixed sampling technique was applied to ensure representativeness across demographic and socio-economic groups. Structured questionnaires were employed for data collection, and the resulting data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression methods. Findings- The results revealed that several variables significantly influence participation. These include age (marginal effect = 0.116, p < 0.05), gender (0.098, p < 0.05), occupation—particularly among those engaged in livestock keeping (0.161, p < 0.05) and small businesses (0.177, p < 0.05)-as well as income level. Additionally, community awareness (0.247, p < 0.05) and prior experience with development initiatives (0.175, p < 0.05) were strong positive predictors. Cultural norms were found to influence gendered participation, with male respondents more likely to be involved in decision-making processes. Practical implications- These findings emphasize the importance of integrating gender-sensitive and participatory planning approaches to ensure alignment with local needs and to promote sustainability. Original/Value- The study recommends targeted policy interventions including community capacity-building, equitable policy frameworks, and strengthened local governance mechanisms to foster inclusive participation. Institutionalizing participatory approaches and promoting gender equity will be crucial in enhancing community ownership, improving project outcomes, and ensuring long-term water security in rural Tanzania.

Purpose- This research examines the impact of social factors on the sustainability and success of rural entrepreneurship in the eastern border of Zayandeh River, Isfahan, Iran. Design/methodology/approach- Using a qualitative grounded theory approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 40 key stakeholders, including rural entrepreneurs, local managers, agricultural jihad managers and experts, entrepreneurship experts, and rural development specialists. MAXQDA software was used for data analysis. Findings- The findings of this research show that trust, support, social participation and teamwork are very important for the success and sustainability of rural entrepreneurship. Mutual trust between entrepreneurs and communities, active participation in economic initiatives and joint efforts, increases innovation, productivity and adaptability in rural businesses. In addition, cultural norms and local power dynamics significantly influence entrepreneurial behaviors. Practical implications- Policymakers should prioritize strengthening local financial institutions, fostering entrepreneurial culture, and adopting participatory methods for designing and implementing entrepreneurship programs. These measures can help to increase the economic capabilities of rural communities. Creating equal opportunities for all members of society and rebuilding trust between rural communities and government institutions is necessary and mandatory. This trust can lead to improved collaborations and effective partnerships. Also, strategies to remove the cultural barriers of entrepreneurship are also necessary to create a suitable environment for innovation and growth and to encourage more people to engage in entrepreneurial activities. Originality/value- This study contributes to the existing literature by providing an integrated conceptual model of social factors affecting the sustainability of rural entrepreneurship. It enhances understanding of the social dynamics that shape entrepreneurial ecosystems in rural areas, particularly areas facing environmental and economic challenges. The obtained insights can provide effective policies and interventions aimed at promoting sustainable rural entrepreneurship in similar contexts.