Assessment of the key agricultural land-use change drivers and their impact on rural communities: A case study of the central district of Urmia, Iran

Document Type : Original Research Articles

Authors

1 Master's Graduate in Land Use Planning, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.

3 Associate Professor of Climatology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.

Abstract

Land-use change in agricultural areas is accelerating, leading to significant transformations in rural settlements. The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the factors influencing agricultural land-use change and to examine its consequences in rural regions. The research method is descriptive–analytical. Data were collected through both library and field methods using a researcher-made questionnaire. A total of 278 questionnaires were completed. The results indicated that among economic factors, brokerage activities in agricultural product markets and the lack of bank support for the agricultural sector had the greatest impact on land-use change. Among social factors, the desire for a more comfortable lifestyle and the migration of young people to cities were the most influential. Regarding environmental factors, fear of damage caused by natural phenomena and decreased rainfall were identified as key components. In the legal dimension, the absence of effective legislation and weak supervision by governmental institutions played a decisive role. Findings revealed that the legal factor, with a mean score of 4.81, and the economic factor, with a mean score of 4.80, had the greatest influence on agricultural land-use change. The results also showed that land-use change in agricultural areas has multiple economic, social, and environmental consequences, including an increase in land prices and speculative trading, loss of rural customs and traditions, the spread of social disorders, reduced biodiversity, and fragmentation of agricultural lands. Overall, it can be concluded that weak legal frameworks, economic pressures, and social factors are the main drivers of agricultural land-use change. Controlling this trend requires reforming legal and economic policies, strengthening financial support for farmers, and raising public awareness about the economic and environmental value of agricultural lands.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Geography and Regional Future Studies
Volume 4, Issue 2 - Serial Number 14
Summer
August 2026
Pages 120-141

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