Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• seyed mohammad jafar Esfahani ¹
• Mojtaba Palouj ²
• Shohreh Soltani Khankahdani ¹

¹ Assistant Professor, Agricultural Planning, Economic and Rural Development Research Institute (APERDRI), Tehran, Iran.

² Associate Professor, Agricultural Planning, Economic and Rural Development Research Institute (APERDRI), Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Today, the concept of “smart village” is increasingly recognized as a strategy for integrated rural development worldwide. This study was conducted using an analytical   method and seeks to answer the question of how a smart village contributes to integrated rural development and its effects are on various dimensions of rural development. Based on the results of this study, we found that a smart village encourages local community participation in the process of change and transformation through improved governance and management. Additionally, a smart village will promote economic and human development through the use of digital technologies, and by optimizing the management of natural resources, it will have positive effects on all economic, social, and environmental dimensions of the village. A comparison between smart and digital villages also showed that smart villages have a broader scope of influence, emphasizing sustainability and community participation in social issues, as well as a comprehensive and integrated framework in governance.
Introduction: The concept of smart village has been considered as a strategy for integrated rural development and is largely concerned with how rural communities can best use ICT and social innovation to respond to current and emerging challenges. The development of smart villages can significantly help improve the quality of life of residents, while strengthening their communities, increasing their resilience, independence and connectivity. These villages also help to use available resources more efficiently and develop a sense of community and belonging, which can make these areas more self-sufficient and independent.
The concepts of smart and digital villages are essentially similar in different countries. Both concepts emphasize the importance of continuously strengthening the scope and maturity of the use of digital technologies in rural areas and enabling the comprehensive and sustainable development of villages in economic, social, political and cultural fields. The terms “smart village” and “digital village” refer to concepts that aim to improve rural development through technology, but they differ in focus and implementation. Smart villages emphasize more on the use of innovative and integrated technologies to improve the quality of life, increase community participation and sustainable development. This approach involves the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) and smart systems to solve local problems and improve public services.
On the other hand, digital villages emphasize more on access to digital technologies and the Internet and aim to increase communication and information in rural areas. This concept seeks to provide digital infrastructure and improve access to online services, education and information for rural residents. In general, while both concepts seek to develop rural areas through technology, a smart village emphasizes a more holistic and innovative approach to managing and improving the quality of life, while a digital village focuses more on the access to and use of digital technologies. For example, in Indonesia, smart villages have been developed with specific programs such as local e-commerce platforms and digital governance tools that respond to community needs. These initiatives seek to meet various needs in the areas of governance, economy, and social services in the development of a smart village. In contrast, a digital village focuses primarily on its infrastructure and access to digital technology.
Research Methodology: This research, using a library-analytical method, seeks to answer the question of how smart village leads to integrated rural development and what is its effect on different dimensions of rural development? In the first stage, by systematically reviewing relevant articles, books, reports and documents, key concepts such as "smart village", "digital village", "comprehensive rural development", "new technologies" and "information and communication technology in villages" were defined and the theoretical framework of the research was developed. In this regard, 95 initial articles were screened in three stages. Finally, 42 articles were excluded from the three screening steps and 53 were included in the review.
Results: The systematic literature review revealed that a key element of the smart village model is community participation. Although smart villages seek to create economic benefits for local residents, the main emphasis is on improving governance through transparency in administrative processes and social development through residents’ participation in planning. This participatory approach can lead to desirable social outcomes, such as creating job opportunities, reducing migration, and increasing interactions with neighboring areas. Economically, smart villages can increase competitiveness, provide direct access to local markets, and increase residents’ incomes. In addition, these villages can also provide environmental benefits, such as improving efficiency and optimal use of resources, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. By prioritizing community participation and transparent governance, smart villages not only improve the quality of life of residents but also contribute to the overall sustainability of rural areas.
Discussion and Conclusion: Smart villages are fundamentally about people. They represent the efforts of rural citizens who take the initiative to find practical solutions to the serious challenges they face, while also capitalizing on the unique opportunities that rural areas offer. The term “smart” implies the conscious use of digital technologies when they are appropriate, not simply because they are trendy. While smart villages often harness the power of digital technologies, these tools are only one of the tools available to rural communities. A key element of the smart village model is the emphasis on community participation, ensuring that residents are actively involved in planning and implementing development strategies that respond to their unique needs. This participatory approach not only strengthens social cohesion; it also enables the local population, especially young people, to harness their resources and talents in sustainable ways. While smart villages are a promising model for rural development, they are not without challenges. Issues such as inadequate infrastructure, social and economic barriers, and the digital divide can hinder the successful implementation of these initiatives. Furthermore, achieving genuine community participation can be difficult due to varying levels of awareness and engagement among residents.
In addition to further developing digital infrastructure in villages, the following three main suggestions are presented to develop smart villages in the country:
1-Training and empowerment including
- Using ICT to hold online classes on various topics to enhance value chain.
- Improve various digital skills and empower villagers to use new technologies for agricultural development.
2- Developing a database and decision-making platform on big data in the agricultural and rural sectors
- Creating and completing a data analysis platform to help planners and policymakers in villages improve resource management and services.
- Development of information platforms, including the design of digital information systems to update villagers on up-to-date news, emergency alerts, and government services.
3- Designing web-based systems or mobile applications accessible to rural people and farmers
-Creating databases about various agricultural products, growth conditions, pests and diseases, and management solutions can help farmers make better decisions regarding crop cultivation and harvesting. Also, market information and prices.
-Designing web-based systems or mobile applications that are easily accessible to farmers, rural residents, and other users.
-Developing multilingual platforms can be effective that support multiple languages and simplify access to data.
 
Keywords: Rural Development, Smart Village, New Technology.
 
 
 

Keywords

• Rural Development
• Smart Village
• New Technology

Main Subjects

• Data science, intelligence and future analysis