Strategic Analysis of Establishing Joint Rural Marketplaces Using SWOT and AHP Methods: A Case Study of Villages in the Bahar Region of Hamadan"

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph. D Student in Economic Sociology and Development, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Professor in Sociology of Economic and development, Department of Population Economic and Human Capital, National Institute for Population Research (NIPR), Tehran, Iran

Abstract

 
Agriculture is recognized as one of the main factors in rural development, and the establishment of rural marketplaces can play a key role in increasing income, employment, and sustainable rural development. This study aims to analyze and prioritize strategies for establishing joint rural marketplaces in Bahar region of Hamadan. The statistical population includes 450 rural households, development experts, and local officials. The sampling method for households was a multi-stage cluster sampling, while a snowball sampling method was used for the experts. For data analysis, the SWOT model was employed to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, along with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model for prioritizing strategies. The results indicate that establishing a rural marketplace in this area is economically viable for residents and allows for sustainability and growth. Among the most significant strengths are the high readiness of residents and the proximity of the villages to one another, while opportunities such as sustainable income increases, the revitalization of new businesses, and job creation yielded the best results. Strategic priorities include attracting community participation and optimizing existing infrastructure.
 

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Geography and Development
Volume 23, Issue 80 - Serial Number 80
September 2025
Pages 159-180

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History

  • Receive Date: 20 April 2024
  • Revise Date: 19 October 2024
  • Accept Date: 15 March 2025

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