Geography and Human Relationships

Geography and Human Relationships

Assessment of the Economic Effects of the Chazaba Border Market on Surrounding Rural and Urban Areas

Document Type : thesis

Authors
1 PhD student, Department of Geography and Planning, Islamic Azad University, Larestan Branch, Larestan, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Geography, Larestan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Larestan, Iran
10.22034/gahr.2025.542107.2567
Abstract
This study aims to determine the economic impacts of the Chazaba border market on the adjacent rural and urban regions. The research is of applied nature; methodologically, it is descriptive-analytical, and data collection employed a mixed (qualitative-quantitative) approach. The qualitative population consisted of all managers and officials responsible for border markets (particularly Chazaba Market), as well as university faculty members with expertise in border market dynamics. The quantitative population included residents of nearby cities and villages, market employees, and individuals who benefit from the market's effects. Data collection tools comprised interviews and a researcher-designed questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted quantitatively using SPSS software and appropriate statistical tests, including descriptive statistics (mean, skewness, kurtosis), Kendall’s tau, and Friedman's test. Additionally, the internal relationships among factors influencing economic improvement were examined using the DEMATEL decision-making method. The results indicate that the Chazaba border market has exerted positive economic effects on the region through job creation, increased household income, revitalization of local businesses, and infrastructure development. Furthermore, according to the DEMATEL model findings, the most influential factor was the establishment of cultural and economic connections between local populations and traders across the border, with a influence score (D) of 18.248, and the most affected factor was the same, with a score (R) of 18.150. This factor also showed the greatest overall connection with other factors, with a (D+R) value of 36.396.
Keywords

Subjects



Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 02 September 2025

  • Receive Date 18 August 2025
  • Accept Date 02 September 2025