زینب مرادی اندوهجردی

  The development of agricultural tourism as one of the new strategies in the sustainable exploitation of natural and cultural resources, especially in desert areas, can be an effective factor in improving the economic, social and cultural indicators of local communities. The present study aimed to identify and analyze the potential of agricultural tourism in the development of the Andohjerd desert area. The research method was descriptive-analytical and survey-type, and data were collected through questionnaires and interviews with local activists, experts and residents of the area. Data analysis was conducted using statistical techniques and factor modeling. The results showed that in the economic dimension, direct employment creation, branding of local products and local supply chain are the most important capacities; in the cultural dimension, the development of traditional arts, introducing local lifestyles and transferring cultural heritage to future generations are prominent; And in the social dimension, youth empowerment, strengthening the sense of place and women’s participation in agricultural tourism activities are considered to be the main capacities. The research findings confirm that the development of agricultural tourism in the Andohjerd region can be used as an efficient strategy to reduce migration, economic prosperity and social sustainability in desert areas