Assessing the Effects of the Implementation of the Rural Guidance Plan on Rural Settlements Case Study: Neyshabour County)

The rural master plan is one of the most fundamental measures implemented in Iran. Considering the implementation trend of these plans، their assessment is essential for rural improvement planning. The purpose of this study is to assess the physical، economic and social effects of the master plan in Neyshabour County.

This study is an applied study. The research method employed is descriptive and analytical survey. Furthermore، required information is gathered through documentary ways and accordingly، data of 25 villages in the two groups of rural having mater plan and rural lacking master plan was collected through 358 questionnaires based on Cochran''s sample size formula. Also 35 questionnaires were obtained from experts and the Dehyary as well as the employees of the Housing Foundation of the Islamic Councils. The data processing method employed was descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square test).

The results show that after plan implementation، regarding the physical effects، the indicators suggesting improved pathways as well as the environmental indicators including the Village’s cemetery، sewage and garbage disposal have not been considered. Indices of immigration، participation and satisfaction in the social dimension، and indices of investment and employment in economic dimension are in good conditions. Research limitation: Clarifying hidden aspects of implementing the rural guide plan and analyzing physical، social and economic impact of it on the rural society are considered as challenges for the present study. Practical implications: According to the findings of the study، implementation strategies such as enforcement of environmental aspects، using a local observer team in all three phases of assessment، using participatory management (government-public)، shortening the period of implementing the rural guide plan and etc. are recommended. Original/value: The importance of the present study is that the results of analyzing strengths and weaknesses of implementing the rural guide plan can be utilized in careful planning for improving the lives of villagers.