Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Research Assistant Professor, Social Economic Research Department, Lorestan Natural Resources Agricultural Educational Research Center, Khorramabad Agricultural Education and Extension Research Organization, Iran.
2
Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.
3
Educational Trainer, Economic, Social Research and Agricultural Extension Department, Imam Khomeini Higher Education Center (RA), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran.
10.22034/gp.2026.71279.3508
Abstract
Objective:Digital transformation as a key requirement of contemporary local governance has significant potential to improve rural development outcomes.This study aims to examine the status of digital transformation and local governance within rural administrations (Dehyaries) and to analyze their effects on rural development in the villages of Borujen County, Iran.
Methodology:This study is applied in terms of objective and adopts a descriptive-analytical methodology. Data were collected through a field-based survey using a researcher designed questionnaire.The statistical population included all Dehyars of 25 villages with populations exceeding 100 persons, and a census approach was adopted. Instrument validity was confirmed through expert judgment, and reliability was verified using Cronbach’s alpha.Data analysis employed one-sample t-tests to compare the observed mean scores of the variables against the scale midpoint of 3. and multivariate regression analysis to explain variations in rural development.
Results:The findings indicate that local governance indicators, including efficiency and effectiveness (mean=3.15), electronic participation and interaction (mean=3.08), and transparency and accountability (mean=3.15), were above average.Regarding digital transformation, digital infrastructure and access (mean=3.06) and digital organizational culture (mean=3.15)were evaluated as desirable,whereas the application and diffusion of key digital technologies (mean=2.93) remained undesirable.Regression results showed that digital transformation components explained approximately 69 percent of the variance in rural development, with digital infrastructure and access having the strongest effect (β=0.335).
Conclusion:Overall, the results emphasize the central role of digital infrastructure and digital organizational culture in strengthening rural governance and promoting sustainable rural development.Nevertheless, insufficient utilization of advanced digital technologies remains a major challenge for rural administrations. Addressing this gap requires targeted capacity-building, institutional support, and policy interventions focused on technology adoption, interoperability, and participatory service delivery.These findings provide practical implications for policymakers seeking to enhance the effectiveness of digital transformation strategies in rural governance systems. And they contribute to evidence-based decision-making in local rural development planning processes.
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