Zainab Ibrahim Kazem (1), Ass. Prof. Dr. Zainab Sadiq Mustafa (2)
General Background: Rural regions in Iraq play an essential role in national livelihoods, agriculture, and community sustainability, yet they face multiple environmental and socioeconomic challenges. Specific Background: Persistent water scarcity, limited infrastructure, and unequal access to public services continue to affect the living conditions of rural populations. These issues are further intensified by climate change, desertification, and governance constraints. Knowledge Gap: Although several international reports and studies address individual aspects of rural development in Iraq, a comprehensive perspective that integrates environmental pressures, social inequalities, and development limitations remains limited. Aims: This study examines the structural challenges affecting rural communities in Iraq, focusing on water resources, infrastructure, rural livelihoods, and access to services. Results: The analysis shows that water scarcity, weak rural infrastructure, and socioeconomic disparities significantly shape rural living conditions and limit development opportunities. These factors interact with environmental changes and institutional constraints, creating persistent barriers to sustainable rural development. Novelty: The article synthesizes diverse sources to present an integrated overview of environmental and social challenges affecting rural areas in Iraq. Implications: Understanding these interconnected challenges can support policymakers and development institutions in designing more comprehensive strategies to improve rural livelihoods and resource management.
Keywords: Rural Development, Water Scarcity, Rural Livelihoods, Climate Change, Iraq
Key Findings Highlights
Rural communities face interconnected environmental and socioeconomic challenges
Water scarcity and infrastructure limitations shape rural living conditions
Institutional and environmental pressures constrain sustainable development
First: The Research Problem
Despite the fact that the Iraqi countryside has a variety of natural elements (such as rivers, orchards, environmental diversity), social and cultural (customs, traditional crafts, folklore), as well as economic and human potential, these elements have not been effectively invested in the development of rural tourism, which has led to the weak contribution of this type of tourism in supporting the local economy and achieving sustainable development. The research problem lies in the existence of a gap between the available potentials in the Iraqi countryside and the level of tourism development that has actually been achieved, in addition to the absence of an integrated planning vision that links the rural components and the mechanisms of their investment in tourism.
What is the impact of the Iraqi countryside on the development of rural tourism?
Second: The Importance of Research
The importance of the research is manifested in the following aspects:
Third: Research Objectives
The research seeks to achieve the following objectives:
Fourth: Research Hypotheses
Introduction :
The Iraqi countryside represents an essential part of the social, economic and cultural fabric of the country, because of its natural and human components that provide opportunities for sustainable development. These components include natural resources such as soil, water, and terrain, in addition to human resources, local expertise, and cultural and social patterns that can be invested in agriculture, rural tourism, and development services. It also provides a solid scientific base to link geographical elements to tourism potential, which contributes to the development of development strategies that are applicable locally and regionally.
First: The Concept of the Countryside
The researchers have identified three concepts of the countryside (economic, social, and statistical) and usually focus on the definition of rural areas and settlements that work in agricultural activity, in addition to animal activity with the handicrafts carried out by these inhabitants in the countryside, in addition to their direct connection to the land, and their social relations that are characterized by homogeneity more than urban, as the countryside has a fundamental role in supporting the urban population and is linked to it by main relations, which are (administrative, economic, cultural, and population relationships). Economically, the element of rural employment in the countryside is one of the important elements in rural development, in addition to the agricultural activity, which is the main activity that requires attention and support, the support of other non-agricultural activities such as livestock and food industries will contribute to: (Al-Hiti, 1998, p. 3).
The countryside provides the city with manpower in addition to food, while the signing of social and economic activities often tends to the cities in general at the expense of the countryside (Shehadeh, 2017, p. 9), in addition to administrative and cultural exchange. These relations have an impact on the gradual life and the type of urbanization in the countryside, which reflects the form and nature of life from one type to another (social change), which is known as the concept of the rural-urban connector (Jaber, (2006, p. 312), which represents the cohesion and flow to the head of the clan and cousins, the kinship and blood bond, and is matched by the social disintegration in the city and cultural liberation, and there is a transitional zone whose location is between the built-up area in the city, which is characterized by urban contact in it, and the remote and remote areas on the outskirts of the suburban cities. It refers to the periphery of the city that are (not pre-planned) urban functions and uses as they exist within the city, called the concept of rural-urban boundary (Al-Janabi, 2001, p. 11). The "rural boundary" is also defined as that area or area of the land belonging to the state that surrounds the city and benefits are exchanged between them, and the size of the area varies according to the size of the city, which is known as the concept of the (backward region) (Jaber, 2006, p. 302).
Sociologists' definitions and concepts of the concept of rural society have also differed and varied, each according to his point of view, as his concept includes a number of variables and characteristics, as there are characteristics according to the social and cultural lifestyle (which is the sociological concept), according to the dominant economic activity (which is the economic concept) and according to the place (which is the geographical concept) ( Tahani Abdelhakinz, 2006, p1).
Second: The Basic Elements of the Iraqi Countryside
The components of the Iraqi countryside are divided into four structural axes: natural (environmental), human (demographic and social), economic components, and infrastructure and services. Academic studies assume that the inadequacy of rural development in Iraq is due to a complex set of intertwined economic, social, and political factors, Appendix No. (4) shows the identification of the basic components of the Iraqi countryside using GIS, which has led to the manifestations of underdevelopment, deterioration and deprivation in its various aspects (Hussein Al-Saadi, 2021).
1- Natural Ingredients
Geography and environment constitute the physical framework that directly influences the patterns of settlement and agricultural activity in the countryside, and is the pillar of its existence
A. Water Resources (Vital Pillar): The natural and agricultural components of the Iraqi countryside depend entirely on water resources, which include rainfall, snow, surface water (Tigris and Euphrates rivers) and groundwater, which are the main sources of life and irrigation (Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs). Iraq's location within the Mesopotamian valley, and the penetration of its arteries (the Tigris and Euphrates), historically led to the formation of vertical riverine societies and civilizations, confirming the historical and geographical value of these resources as an existential constituent.
B. Soil fertility and topographical composition: Iraq is characterized by the presence of soil types with high fertility, most notably the floodplain (alluvial) soils, which are characterized by their richness in mineral and organic materials and their great depth, and they are well-drained, which raises the productivity of agricultural crops, and there are deep and medium brown soils spread in the undulating area, which are characterized by their fertility, which helps the spread of rainfed agriculture in it.
C. Restricted Soil Classification: Restricted soil classification is a classification of soils based on their suitability for agricultural use, and is used to determine the maximum limits of land use according to their natural characteristics. The purpose is to avoid planting in unsuitable lands in order to preserve natural resources and reduce economic losses.
D. Patterns of Geographical Distribution of Settlements: The geographical distribution of rural settlements is directly affected by natural factors such as water resources, surface, and soil, and studies have shown that the linear pattern is the dominant pattern of rural settlements, as it comes in line with transportation routes and water resources, which makes it an essential spatial determinant but increases the challenges of service delivery.
2. Human and social components
The rural community is the basic base of the national economy, provides the workforce, and the family and clan play a central role in organizing its life
A- Demographics and workforce
The rural community in Iraq is an essential element of the national socio-economic formation, accounting for about 29% of the total population, making it an important demographic base for providing manpower and contributing to productive sectors, especially agriculture and traditional rural activities (Al-Nahrain Center for Strategic Studies, 2025, p. 15). This percentage indicates challenges in the planning of rural services and infrastructure compared to the more densely populated urban areas.) pointed out that the rural population is mainly dependent on informal agricultural labor, with major disadvantages in employment, income, and education, which calls for development policies to employ youth and improve rural working conditions (UNDP, 2025, p. 12).
B - Social and Family System
The social and family system in Iraq's rural society plays a pivotal role in regulating social and economic life. The extended family and clan form an essential social support network that provides social security, maintains social cohesion among individuals, and influences economic and agricultural decisions within the family. This system, while promoting social solidarity, may contribute to the division of agricultural land between generations, reducing land-use efficiency if not effectively institutionalized.
C - Social Services (Education and Health)
Social services in rural areas suffer from a clear disparity in quality and access compared to urban areas. According to the United Nations 20232024 report, 52.8% of the rural population lacks basic sanitation services (United Nations, 2024, p8). On the education side, there are significant gaps in enrolment rates and educational level between rural and urban children, requiring deeper investment in educational infrastructure and improved quality of school curricula and health services (United Nations, 2024,p.10).
D - Cognitive and digital capabilities
Reports indicate that there is a wide knowledge and digital gap between rural and urban youth in Iraq, especially with regard to basic ICT skills. According to a joint report by UNICEF & the Global Education Commission, 2022, about 59.2% of Iraqi youth (1524 years old) lack basic digital skills, limiting their chances of integration into the modern labor market.
Therefore, the human and social components of the Iraqi rural society constitute an important basis in national formation, but there are challenges that require governmental and civil development interventions, investment in the educational and health infrastructure, and the enhancement of the digital skills of the youth to ensure the benefit of the demographic and social potential of the countryside within integrated development policies.
3- Economic Elements
The primary function of the countryside is primary production, an economic component that enhances the potential uninvested in handicrafts.
A. Agricultural (primary production): The agricultural sector represents the main economic pillar of the countryside, drawing about 85% of the water resources allocated to the agricultural sector in Iraq. The availability of a legal system for the possession and ownership of land, such as the class of pure property, which grants the owner the right of neck and usufruct, constitutes the material component on which production depends.
B. Growth and investment potential: Economic analyses have shown a positive moral impact of fixed cumulative capital, agricultural labor, and the value of agricultural loans on agricultural GDP, confirming the possibility of achieving significant growth through the efficient exploitation of infrastructure and increasing the level of technology.
C. Handicrafts and Traditional Industries: The Iraqi countryside has a wide range of handicrafts and traditional industries that can serve as a safety valve for diversifying the national income, including the textile and weaving industry, plant textiles, pottery, wood, leather, and copper industries.
4- Infrastructure and Services
Rural infrastructure is one of the essential factors to address the manifestations of underdevelopment and socio-economic deterioration, especially in the urban and service aspects, as it directly affects the quality of life and the potential for sustainable rural development (United Nations in Iraq, 2023, PP.31-32).
A. Roads and Transportation Networks
Road and transport networks are essential for connecting rural areas to urban markets, facilitating the movement of people and goods, thereby enhancing rural capacity to engage in national economic activities. Iraq has numerous road infrastructure projects, with the government working on hundreds of projects that include inter-provincial roads and village infrastructure. However, rural transport networks often suffer from obsolescence and irregularity in maintenance, which increases operational costs and hinders the effectiveness of connectivity between regions.
B. Governance and Regulatory Mechanisms
Part of the weakness of rural infrastructure is attributed to deficiencies in governance mechanisms and accurate data, which hinders planning and coordination between official entities. This deficiency is highlighted in the absence of integrated institutional planning to prioritize investments and the needs of basic networks, in addition to poor administrative organization in the implementation of projects and the achievement of quality standards (United Nations in Iraq, 2023, pp. 36-37).
Introduction:
The development of rural tourism in rural Iraq is an effective tool to achieve sustainable development, through the investment of the natural, cultural and social elements available in these areas, including environmental resources, urban and cultural heritage, and the local experiences of the population, in order to enable the development of sustainable tourism activities that contribute to strengthening the local economy and improving the standard of living.
First: The Concept of Rural Tourism Development
The concept of rural tourism development deals with the various tourism plans that seek to achieve a continuous and balanced increase in tourism resources, which contain several elements related to each other, it is a complex and complex process, (Al-Jallad, 2002, p. 43), and the development of rural tourism leads to the establishment and distribution of new tourism projects to all regions of the different regions, especially those that enjoy various tourism components, thus achieving balanced spatial development and new human settlements in the tourist destination areas. The development of rural tourism in its general sense means the provision of facilities and services that seek to meet and satisfy the requirements and desires of tourists and other tourism effects such as the generation of job opportunities and spatial supply and demand patterns such as tourist resorts and their geographical distribution (Ghoneim, 2003, p. 45), while Douglas Bears pointed out that "the realization of the requirements of tourists is generated by increasing the influence and expansion of the bases of facilities and other services". However, this definition is not comprehensive, as it is limited to the development of the supply side only without demand, and the process of tourism development cannot be limited to the development of one side without the other, but the meaning of tourism development must include both the supply and demand sides in order to balance them and achieve all the requirements and desires of tourists ( Douglas, 1987, p85). An integrated process between two natural and functional aspects represented in the natural elements and general infrastructures and their availability is a basic pillar of tourism investment projects, so it is the promotion and development of tourism services and all their requirements through tourism planning, which is the best method in the success of tourism development projects at high rates and low costs with a speed of completion according to the circumstances.
The development of rural tourism can be procedurally defined as:
An integrated planning and organization process in which the natural, agricultural, cultural and social resources of rural areas are employed within the framework of a tourism activity that takes place outside the urban areas, and aims to achieve the economic and social development of the local community, improve the quality of life of the population, while preserving the rural identity and cultural authenticity, and ensure the sustainable use of environmental resources, through the participation of the local community in decision-making and the management of tourism activities, in a way that reduces the negative effects and promotes the economic and social revitalization of the countryside.
Seventh: The Importance of Rural Tourism Development:
Most countries tend to establish tourism development projects in order to achieve a balanced spatial development of their regions, and then achieve comprehensive social and economic development represented in improving the balance of payments, creating job opportunities, improving income levels, and thus achieving a state of economic balance between the backward regions in particular. 2006, p. 17), the importance of rural tourism development in particular is highlighted in the creation of places to attract the population by providing attractions and reducing migration towards the more developed regions, and the rural tourism development projects in the tourist destination area contribute to the spatial development and equipping it with public services, and its importance is as follows (Ghada, 1998, p. 77):
Accordingly, it can be said that rural tourism represents a central element in integrated rural development plans, through the integration of economic, social, cultural and environmental dimensions, which makes it a strategic tool to achieve the sustainable development of rural communities.
Ninth: Dimensions of Rural Tourism Development (Economic, Social, Environmental):
There are many aspects included in rural tourism development projects and tourism planning, including natural, economic, social, environmental and marketing projects, all of which aim to achieve positive returns for the host country, which is its lofty goal, and the development of rural tourism as a concept that aims to achieve integrated and sustainable tourism gains at the level of the economic, social and environmental dimension and then achieve spatial development of the tourist destination area, through the optimal exploitation of tourism resources and their potentials. and creating areas and landmarks that enjoy tourist attractions. The different dimensions of rural tourism development are as follows:
1. The Economic Dimension of Rural Tourism Development:
Rural tourism development projects play a major role in creating economic tourism activities that work to bring about a change in the spatial structure of the regions that constitute places of tourist purpose through the emergence of types of activities represented in the provision of tourist facilities, and their existence requires a number of land uses for places of accommodation for tourists, such as transportation routes and other infrastructure services, as well as the cultivation of forests and places for traditional and heritage industries. In general, it is a development with a spatial dimension (Al-Ani, 2011, p. 211), while the most important economic dimensions of rural tourism development are (Al-Khasawneh, 2011, p. 23):
A. Tourism development plays an active role in increasing the level of income from foreign currencies resulting from tourism activity, which contributes to improving the balance of payments and undermining the deficit rate, and it also achieves an increase in job opportunities in the tourist destination areas because it is a complex industry with which other complementary industries are linked that rely mainly on human elements.
B. Tourism development has a positive impact on the development and development of regions that suffer from weak spatial development, thus reconsidering the distribution of financial returns among the regions of the region and reducing migration from rural areas to urban centers.
C. Tourism development projects open up various areas of tourism investment opportunities, which positively affect spatial development events in the tourist destination area (Lickerish, 1996, p. 353).
D. Increasing the state's revenues through tourism development, which opens the way for the collection of taxes and various tourism fees, thus increasing its financial balance and reviving its treasury.
E. The country's growing commercial activity is driven by tourism development as a result of the increase in trade traffic (buying and selling) often associated with tourism traffic.
F. Tourism development has a prominent role in raising the level of economic development of countries and providing them with various advantages and multiple benefits through the desire of the private sector for tourism investments, as in Spain, Britain, and others (Abdel Samie, 1993, p. 32).
2. The Social Dimension of Rural Tourism Development:
A number of tourism development goals translate into the development and development of the place in the tourist destination area, represented in the availability of recreational facilities and means of recreation for tourists and local residents, as well as contributing to the development of places and basic public services, working to protect and satisfy social desires, developing a sense of belonging to the homeland among citizens and increasing opportunities for cultural and cultural exchange between both the host community and tourists. In deepening belonging to the place and developing tourism awareness as it is one of the branches of social awareness, the social dimensions of tourism development can be expressed as follows (Al-Khasawneh, 2011, page 26):
A. Raising the living standards of individuals and peoples and developing and improving the lifestyle as a result of the tourism development process.
B. The establishment of tourism projects, complementary industries, and infrastructure projects that require more manpower, which means the creation of dense population centers and spatial development in the tourist destination area, which necessitates the provision of health and education services, security centers and other institutions, as well as their contribution to reducing and eliminating unemployment rates (Al-Houry, 2001, p. 163).
C. Tourism development contributes to providing a number of facilities for entertainment events and cultural conferences that serve the citizens of the destination country as well as tourists.
D. Tourism development includes the development of spatial development and the development of various infrastructure and public services in the countries of tourist attraction.
E. Tourism development contributes to increasing community awareness, raising the level of sense of belonging to the homeland, and increasing opportunities for cultural and civilizational twinning between the destination country's community and tourists.
F. Maximizing opportunities for meeting tourists and host country members, which is reflected in raising the level of enjoyment of travel and tourism.
G. Tourism development helps to reduce the opportunities for activities that harm or negatively affect the social and civilizational customs and traditions in the country, which are among the social and other foundations of the country.
H. It contributes to the revival of fine arts and the revival of cultural activities in different regions of the country.
3. The environmental dimension of rural tourism development:
In addition to the economic and social dimensions, tourism development is related to the other important dimension, which is the environmental dimension, and the importance of this dimension is highlighted in tourism planning projects through the need to preserve the ancient heritage areas, and the sustainability, development and preservation of the components of the environment from deterioration and pollution (Al-Serafy, 2007, p. 212). (Bazazo, 2010, p. 244), successful tourism planning contributes to addressing environmental problems and evaluating tourism projects, thus reducing the negative impact and the subsequent damage to the tourist site, otherwise the plan for the development of the place will fail in terms of tourism.
The designers of tourist areas often tend to exploit the natural potentials and temptations available within the areas of tourism activity to be developed, as it is a fertile ground for success such as trees, water bodies and other natural phenomena, it adds an aesthetic to the tourist site if the shape of the natural environment corresponds to the shape of other tourist facilities, and this is what is called natural communication such as the use of stone facades for basic service facilities in tourist mountain areas, to name a few. The use of reed and papyrus materials in the construction of diwans and decorations in the areas of the tourist marshes (Abdul-Jabbar, 1988, p. 27), and the environmental dimension has negative effects if it is not taken into account in tourism development projects in relation to the place and its requirements, and it is represented in the following (Al-Khasawneh, 2011, p. 28):
Third: Coding the Research Variables and Their Dimensions
In order to verify the availability of the research variables represented by (the components of the Iraqi countryside) as an independent variable with its dimensions represented (environmental components, social components, infrastructure and services components, economic components), and (rural tourism development) as a dependent variable with its dimensions (economic aspect, social aspect, environmental aspect) and the nature of the relationship between them in the Salah al-Din Agriculture Directorate, through a statistical method characterized by accuracy and clarity, the research variables and their sub-dimensions were coded and Table (19) shows this:
Source: Prepared by the researcher
Fourth: Test the Natural Distribution of Data
Table (20) and Figure (15) and (16) show the results of the test of the natural distribution of variables (components of the Iraqi countryside, rural tourism development) respectively using the (Komogorove-Simirnov) test known in this field on the scale of each of the research variables, which are included in the hypothesis testing models as independent variables and dependent variables, and it was clear through Table (20) that the value of the significance level of the three research variables is higher than the significance level of (0.05) This shows that the research variables are subject to normal distribution and have therefore been used in analysis and testing.
Source: Prepared by the researcher based on the results of (SPSS v.24)
Figure 1. Figure 2: Normal distribution of rural tourism development AND Figure (1) The natural distribution of the components of the Iraqi countryside
Fifth: Cronbach's Alpha Test
Cronbach's alpha is used to calculate the reliability coefficients of survey tools that use Likert scale response sets, whether triple, five, or seven, and Cronbach's alpha estimates the reliability of the tool's responses (questionnaire). Cronbach's alpha values range from zero to one, Cronbach's alpha values range from zero to one.The results showed the consistency between the components of the scale at the level of all variables and dimensions, as the values of the correlation coefficients exceeded the minimum acceptable minimum of (0.60), and the coefficient value of the scale reached (0.951), which is greater than (0.60), i.e., the scale has a high stability.
Figure 2. Table (3) Stability of the scale and components of research variables and their sub-dimensions
Source: Prepared by the researcher using (SPSS v.24)
Sixth: Description and Diagnosis of the Independent Variable (Components of the Iraqi Countryside)
The independent variable measured the components of the Iraqi countryside through four dimensions (environmental components, social components, infrastructure and services, and economic components) through (20) paragraphs and through the answers of (80) observations in the Directorate of Agriculture of Salah al-Din and the following agencies:
Figure 3. Table (4) Measuring the level of paragraphs after the environmental components
Source: Prepared by the researcher based on the outputs of the SPSS V24 program
The dimension of environmental components came in the first rank among the dimensions of the variable of the components of the Iraqi countryside, and was measured through five paragraphs, and obtained an arithmetic mean of (4.30), i.e., with a very high interest, and with a coefficient of difference of (0.136) indicating agreement and homogeneity in the opinions of the sample about its availability in the studied directorate, as well as the convergence of the opinions of the sample indicated by the standard deviation (0.587), and the results generally indicate the agreement of the members of the research sample on the paragraphs of this dimension, which indicates the formation of geography and the environment of the framework The material that directly affects the patterns of settlement and agricultural activity in the countryside and is the pillar of its existence.
It is clear from Table (28) above that the highest arithmetic mean was (4.41) with a coefficient of difference of (0.168) indicating agreement and homogeneity in the opinions of the sample on paragraph (4) which is the subject (the natural and environmental components in the countryside face environmental challenges (desertification, water scarcity, soil degradation) that affect their development sustainability), especially that the sample members agreed with a homogeneity and convergence in their opinions with a standard deviation of (0.741), which indicates a very high awareness and interest on the part of the sample members in the nature of the environmental challenges facing the constituents rural landscape, particularly desertification, water scarcity and soil degradation, and their direct effects on the sustainability of rural development, reflect a convergent and homogeneous recognition of the importance of preserving natural and environmental resources and their pivotal role in achieving sustainable development.
The lowest arithmetic mean was (4.21) with a coefficient of difference of (0.176) and indicates agreement and homogeneity in the opinions of the sample about the availability of paragraph (5) with the content (planning based on geographical knowledge can lead to the protection of the natural and environmental elements of the countryside and achieve a balance between exploitation and conservation), especially that the sample members agreed with a uniformity and convergence in their opinions with a standard deviation of (0.741), which indicates that there is a high interest by the sample members in the importance of planning based on geographical knowledge as an effective tool in Protecting the natural and environmental elements of the countryside, and achieving a balance between the exploitation and conservation of resources, in a way that contributes to enhancing the long-term sustainability of rural development, which reflects a clear convergence and homogeneity in their views towards this approach.
Figure 4. Table (5) Measuring the Level of Paragraphs After Social Components
The dimension of social components came in the third rank among the dimensions of the variable of the components of the Iraqi countryside, and was measured through five paragraphs, and obtained an arithmetic mean of (4.12), i.e., with high interest, and with a coefficient of difference of (0.171) indicating agreement and homogeneity in the opinions of the sample about its availability in the studied directorate, as well as the convergence of the opinions of the sample which was shown by the standard deviation (0.705), and the results generally indicate that the members of the research sample agreed on the paragraphs of this dimension, which indicates that the rural society is the base Essential to the national economy, provides manpower, and the family and clan play a central role in organizing life.
It is clear from Table (5) above that the highest arithmetic mean was (4.20) and a coefficient of difference of (0.202) indicating agreement and homogeneity in the opinions of the sample on paragraph (5) which is the subject (involvement of the local community in planning and decision-making contributes to enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of rural development projects), especially since the sample members agreed with a homogeneity and convergence in their opinions with a standard deviation of (0.848), which indicates a very high awareness and interest by the sample members of the importance of involving the local community in the planning and making processes. The decision, due to its active role in enhancing the efficiency of rural development projects and ensuring their sustainability, by benefiting from local knowledge and achieving greater compatibility with the needs of the community, reflects a clear convergence and homogeneity in their views towards this development direction.
The lowest arithmetic mean was (4.01) with a coefficient of difference of (0.242) and indicates agreement and homogeneity in the opinions of the sample about the availability of paragraph (1) with the theme (the rural population in the region has human capital (expertise, skills, local knowledge) that can be used effectively in rural development and tourism programs), especially that the sample members agreed with a homogeneity and convergence in their opinions with a standard deviation of (0.971), which indicates that there is a high interest on the part of the sample members in the importance of the human capital owned by the rural population. It includes local expertise, skills and knowledge that can be used effectively in supporting rural and tourism development programs, in a way that contributes to enhancing opportunities for sustainable development and raising the efficiency of development projects, which reflects a clear convergence and homogeneity in their views towards this development aspect.
Figure 5. Table (6) Measuring the Level of Paragraphs After Infrastructure and Services
The dimension of the components of infrastructure and services came in the fourth rank among the dimensions of the variable of the components of the Iraqi countryside, and was measured through five paragraphs, and obtained an arithmetic mean of (3.95), i.e. with high interest, and with a coefficient of difference of (0.203) indicating agreement and homogeneity in the opinions of the sample about its availability in the research directorate, as well as the convergence of the opinions of the sample indicated by the standard deviation (0.802), and the results generally indicate that the members of the research sample agreed on the paragraphs of this dimension, which indicates that the structure of the The countryside is essential to addressing social and economic underdevelopment and deterioration, especially in the urban and service aspects, as it directly affects the quality of life and the potential for sustainable rural development.
It is clear from Table (6) above that the highest arithmetic mean was (4.15) with a coefficient of difference of (0.217) indicating agreement and homogeneity in the opinions of the sample on paragraph (5) with the content (Infrastructure and advanced services contribute to enhancing the ability of the countryside to attract investments and sustainable tourism initiatives effectively), especially that the sample members agreed in a homogeneous and convergent way in their opinions with a standard deviation of (0.901), which indicates a very high awareness and interest by the sample members of the importance of developing infrastructure and services in the Rural areas, due to their pivotal role in enhancing the ability of the countryside to attract investments and sustainable tourism initiatives effectively, and in a way that contributes to supporting and achieving rural development and achieving its sustainability, which reflects a clear convergence and homogeneity in their views towards this development aspect.
The lowest arithmetic mean was (3.78) with a coefficient of difference of (0.256) and indicates agreement and homogeneity in the opinions of the sample about the availability of paragraph (1) with the content (the Department has clear plans for the development of infrastructure and services in line with the future needs of the residents and visitors in the countryside), especially that the sample members agreed with a uniformity and convergence in their opinions with a standard deviation of (0.968), which indicates that there is a remarkable interest by the sample members in the importance of having clear plans for the development of infrastructure and services in rural areas. In line with the future needs of residents and visitors, and contributes to supporting rural development and improving the efficiency of the services provided, which reflects a clear convergence and harmony in their views towards this planning direction.
Figure 6. Table (7) Measuring the level of paragraphs after the economic components
The dimension of economic components came in the second rank among the dimensions of the variable of the components of the Iraqi countryside, and was measured through five paragraphs, and obtained an arithmetic mean of (4.14), i.e., with a high interest, and with a coefficient of difference of (0.159) indicating agreement and homogeneity in the opinions of the sample about its availability in the research directorate, as well as the convergence of the opinions of the sample which was shown by the standard deviation (0.660), and the results generally indicate that the members of the research sample agreed on the paragraphs of this dimension, which indicates that it is the set of factors and resources Available in the rural environment that enables the rural community to produce and generate income, include natural resources, productive activities, labor force, economic infrastructure, and local markets. These components are the basis for vital economic activities that contribute to supporting the national economy, reducing poverty and enhancing food security.
It is clear from Table (7) above that the highest arithmetic mean of (4.23) with a coefficient of difference of (0.172) indicates agreement and homogeneity in the opinions of the sample on paragraph (5) which is the content (the available economic elements contribute to enhancing the attractiveness of the countryside for the development of rural tourism and related projects), especially since the sample members agreed in a homogeneous and convergent way in their opinions with a standard deviation of (0.729), which indicates a very high awareness and interest by the sample members in the importance of the economic components available in rural areas, and their active role In order to enhance the attractiveness of the countryside for the development of rural tourism and related projects, in a way that contributes to the revitalization of the local economy and supports sustainable rural development paths, which reflects a clear convergence and homogeneity in their views towards this economic dimension.
The lowest arithmetic mean was (3.96) with a coefficient of difference of (0.252), which indicates agreement and consistency in the opinions of the sample on the availability of paragraph (3) with the content (There are strategies and plans to support investment in rural small and medium enterprises in order to achieve the economic benefit of the local population), especially that the sample members agreed in a homogeneous and convergent way in their opinions with a standard deviation of (0.999), which indicates that there is a remarkable interest by the sample members in the importance of having clear strategies and plans to support investment in rural small and medium enterprises. It has a role in achieving the economic benefit of the local population, enhancing economic activity in rural areas, and contributing to supporting sustainable rural development paths, which reflects a clear convergence and homogeneity in their views towards this economic trend.
Through the above, Table (8) shows the general arithmetic averages and general standard deviations of the four sub-dimensions of the Iraqi rural component variable and their order based on the general arithmetic mean of the Salah al-Din Agriculture Directorate, as follows:
Seventh: Description and Diagnosis of the Dependent Variable (Rural Tourism Development)
Measuring the variable related to the development of rural tourism through three dimensions (economic aspect, social aspect, and environmental aspect) through (12) paragraphs and through the answers of (80) observations in the Directorate of Agriculture of Salah al-Din and the following agencies:
Figure 7. Table (9) Measuring the level of paragraphs after the economic aspect
The dimension of the economic aspect came in the first rank among the dimensions of the variable of rural tourism development, and was measured through four paragraphs, and obtained an arithmetic mean of (4.19), i.e., with high interest, and with a coefficient of difference of (0.156) indicating agreement and homogeneity in the opinions of the sample about its availability in the studied directorate, as well as the convergence of the opinions of the sample which was shown by the standard deviation (0.654), and the results generally indicate that the members of the research sample agreed on the paragraphs of this dimension, which indicates that the transformation of the economic scene For rural areas, especially those that suffer from a decline in the competitiveness of the agricultural sector or population migration.
It is clear from Table (9) above that the highest arithmetic mean was (4.40) with a coefficient of difference of (0.156) indicating agreement and homogeneity in the opinions of the sample on paragraph (1) which is the subject (rural tourism contributes to enhancing the economic income of the local population and improving their standard of living), especially that the sample members agreed with a homogeneity and convergence in their opinions with a standard deviation of (0.686), which indicates the very high awareness and interest of the sample members in the importance of rural tourism in enhancing the economic income of the local population and improving the level of Their livelihood, due to its active role in supporting the local economy and creating job opportunities, and in a way that contributes to achieving sustainable rural development, which reflects a clear convergence and homogeneity in their views towards this economic and social role of rural tourism.
The lowest arithmetic mean was (3.76) with a coefficient of difference of (0.300), which indicates agreement and homogeneity in the opinions of the sample about the availability of paragraph (2) with the content (there are government plans and initiatives aimed at supporting economic projects related to rural tourism (such as handicrafts, local products, tourism services)), especially that the sample members agreed with a uniformity and convergence in their opinions with a standard deviation of (1.128), which indicates that there is a high interest by the sample members in the importance of the availability of government plans and initiatives supporting economic projects related to tourism. rural areas, such as handicrafts, local products, and tourism services, due to their role in stimulating the local economy and providing job opportunities for the population, and in a way that contributes to supporting sustainable rural development, which reflects a clear convergence and homogeneity in their views towards this government approach.
Figure 8. Table (10) Measuring the Level of Paragraphs After the Social Aspect
The dimension of the social aspect came in the third rank among the dimensions of the variable of rural tourism development, and was measured through four paragraphs, and obtained an arithmetic mean of (4.08), i.e. with high interest, and with a coefficient of difference of (0.164) indicating agreement and homogeneity in the opinions of the sample about its availability in the research directorate, as well as the convergence of the opinions of the sample which was indicated by the standard deviation (0.670), and the results generally indicate that the members of the research sample agreed on the paragraphs of this dimension, which indicates that the effects on identity social and cultural aspects of the host community, emphasizing the need for development to take place in a way that increases societal well-being without causing cultural erosion.
It is clear from Table (10) above that the highest arithmetic mean was (4.20) with a coefficient of difference of (0.158) indicating agreement and homogeneity in the opinions of the sample on paragraph (4) which is the subject (rural tourism contributes to raising the level of awareness among the local population of the importance of protecting the social and cultural resources of the countryside), especially that the sample members agreed with a homogeneity and convergence in their opinions with a standard deviation of (0.664), which indicates a very high awareness and interest by the sample members of the importance of the role of rural tourism in raising the level of the countryside Awareness among the local population of the importance of protecting the social and cultural resources of the countryside, and the preservation of local identity and cultural heritage, in a way that contributes to enhancing the social and cultural dimensions of sustainable rural development, which reflects a clear convergence and homogeneity in their views towards this non-economic role of rural tourism.
The lowest mean of the calculations was (3.89) with a coefficient of difference of (0.268) and indicates agreement and homogeneity in the opinions of the sample about the availability of paragraph (1) with the content (there are clear strategies to enhance the participation of the local community in all stages of planning and implementation of rural tourism projects), especially that the sample members agreed in a homogeneous and convergent way in their opinions with a standard deviation of (1.043), which indicates that there is a high interest by the sample members in the importance of having clear strategies to enhance the participation of the local community in all stages of planning and implementation of projects Rural tourism, due to its role in enhancing the effectiveness of these projects and achieving their compatibility with the needs of the local community, and in a way that contributes to supporting the sustainability of rural tourism and rural development in general, which reflects a clear convergence and homogeneity in their views towards this participatory approach.
Figure 9. Table (11) Measuring the level of paragraphs after the social aspect
The dimension of the environmental aspect came in the second rank among the dimensions of the variable of rural tourism development, and was measured through four paragraphs, and obtained an arithmetic mean of (4.18), i.e. with high interest, and with a coefficient of difference of (0.166) indicating agreement and homogeneity in the opinions of the sample about its availability in the studied directorate, as well as the convergence of the opinions of the sample indicated by the standard deviation (0.693), and the results generally indicate the agreement of the members of the research sample on the paragraphs of this dimension, which indicates that the close relationship between Tourism development and conservation of natural resources and biodiversity, as a healthy environment is the basis of rural tourist attractions.
It is clear from the table (11) above that the highest arithmetic mean was (4.31) with a coefficient of difference of (0.197) indicating agreement and homogeneity in the opinions of the sample on paragraph (4) which is the subject (environmental awareness and education about local heritage are integrated within rural tourism programs to promote sustainable behavior among visitors and the local community), especially that the sample members agreed in a homogeneous and convergent way in their opinions with a standard deviation of (0.851), which indicates a very high awareness and interest by the sample members of the importance of integrating environmental awareness Educating about local heritage within rural tourism programs, as this plays a role in promoting sustainable behavior among visitors and the local community, and consolidating the values of preserving environmental, social and cultural resources, in a way that contributes to supporting the dimensions of sustainable rural development, which reflects a clear convergence and homogeneity in their views towards this awareness orientation.
The lowest arithmetic mean was (4.03) with a coefficient of difference of (0.237), which indicates agreement and homogeneity in the opinions of the sample on the availability of paragraph (2) with the content (tourism activities are managed in a way that takes into account environmental standards and reduces pollution and environmental degradation in rural areas), especially that the sample members agreed with a homogeneity and convergence in their opinions with a standard deviation of (0.954), which indicates that there is a high interest by the sample members in the importance of managing tourism activities in rural areas in a way that takes into account environmental standards and contributes to reducing of pollution and environmental degradation, in a way that enhances the conservation of natural resources and achieves the sustainability of rural tourism and rural development in the long term, which reflects a clear convergence and homogeneity in their views towards this environmental orientation.
Through the above, Table (12) shows the general arithmetic averages and general standard deviations of the four sub-dimensions of the variable of the Iraqi rural components and their order based on the general arithmetic mean of the Salah al-Din Agriculture Directorate, as follows:
Eighth: Testing Research Hypotheses and Interpreting and Analyzing the Results
This research aims to test the hypotheses identified by the researcher in order to judge them as acceptance or rejection, so they will be investigated using simple linear regression by (SPSS V 24) software, through the value of the correlation coefficient, the level of significance and according to the calculated value of (F), and the determination coefficient (R2), as well as through the beta coefficient (β), and the test (t) to show the significance of the beta coefficient (β) as in the following paragraphs:
First: Testing the first main hypothesis: which states that there is a significant relationship between the dimensions of the components of the Iraqi countryside as a whole and the dimensions of rural tourism development.
Source: Prepared by the researcher based on the statistical program (SPSS v25)
Table (13) shows that the correlation coefficient between the components of the Iraqi countryside and the development of rural tourism reached (0.820**) at the level of significance (0.000), which is lower than the significance level of (0.05), which indicates that there is a strong direct correlation between them, and this means accepting the first hypothesis that states that "there is a significant relationship between the dimensions of the components of the Iraqi countryside combined and the dimensions of rural tourism development".
Second: Testing the second main hypothesis: which states that there is a significant effect of the dimensions of the components of the Iraqi countryside in the dimensions of rural tourism development.
Table F = 4.08 at significance level = 0.05 and tabular t value (1.66)
Table (14) shows the following:
Y= a + b (x)
Applying the equation, the values are as follows:
Y= 0.629 + 0.852(x)
First: Conclusions
Second: Recommendations
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