Measurement and Prioritization of Rural Areas in Term of Economic Sustainability levels: A Case Study of Meshgin Shahr County of Iran

This study aimed at measuring and prioritizing the rural areas of Meshgin Shahr County of Iran in terms of economic sustainability levels. It was conducted in an analytical-explanative survey method. The statistical population included 90359 people at the ages of 15 and higher residing in the studied areas, among whom 384 people were selected as sample size in simple random sampling method using Cochran's formula. The required data were collected through a questionnaire, the content and face validity of which was confirmed by faculty members at university and several experts of administrative offices; and to determine its reliability, a pilot test was conducted and the Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.79 was achieved. The achieved data were analyzed by Fuzzy TOPSIS techniques. The results of multi-attribute decision making methods on the basis of calculated weights showed that Lahroud and Shaban sub-districts were in the first and second ranks in terms of economic sustainability, respectively, and Northern Arshagh sub-district was in the last rank. Finally, based on the results analysis, some applied recommendations were presented.