Strategies for diversification of economic activities in drought-prone rural areas (Case study: Chenaran County)

In Iran, drought is the main cause of the water crisis. On the other hand, the study of the economic structure of rural areas of the country shows that agriculture is the main axis of livelihood and the only pillar of rural economy. Drought can reduce the vulnerability of rural farming households to external shocks. Accordingly, the present study identifies strategies for diversification of economic activities in rural areas exposed to drought. The research method is descriptive-analytical in terms of structure and practical in terms of nature. The statistical population of 133 villages had more than 20 households, which were selected as a sample based on the sample size determination formula of 15 villages and the research tool was completed with the help of 46 local experts. Data analysis was performed using two strategic management tools SWOT-QSPM. Based on exploratory studies, 19 strengths and opportunities were identified as advantages and 27 weaknesses and threats as constraints on the diversification of economic activities in rural areas exposed to drought. The results showed; According to the scores obtained from the matrix IFE = 2.99 and EFE = 3.24, in order to diversify the economic activities of rural areas exposed to drought, aggressive strategies (maximum / maximum) are optimal. According to the QSPM matrix, the strategy of "efforts to develop and expand the activities of the industrial sector (small conversion and complementary industries) based on agricultural and livestock raw materials in the village" is a priority. Given that the diversity of economic activities leads to the sustainability of livelihoods in rural areas, politicians and rural planners can accelerate the "diversification of activities", especially in the non-agricultural sector, by adopting appropriate strategies with each region.