Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Associate Professor of Geography and Rural Planning, University of Sistan and Baluchestan

2 PhD in Geography and Rural Planning, Sistan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center (AREEO), Zabol, Iran.

Abstract

The rural population of Iran faces numerous challenges such as unemployment, poverty, and migration, necessitating the strengthening of economic empowerment strategies. In this context, the employment loans provided by the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee (IKRC) serve as an effective tool for fostering sustainable employment and improving the livelihoods of impoverished households. However, assessing the satisfaction levels of loan recipients and evaluating the effectiveness of these loans can offer valuable insights for optimizing support policies and programs. Accordingly, this study aims to examine the satisfaction of rural households in the Nahzatabad Rural District of Rudbar-e Jonub County with IKRC employment loans. The research adopts a descriptive–analytical and applied approach. Data were collected through a questionnaire and analyzed using one-sample t-tests and multiple regression analysis. The statistical population included all 220 households who had received employment loans in the district. Results indicated that the mean satisfaction level (mean = 3.89) was significantly above the benchmark value, categorized as moderate to high satisfaction. Furthermore, regression findings revealed that larger loan amounts had a positive and significant impact on self-employment, income levels, and overall economic conditions of rural households.

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