Explaining the economic consequences of population movements (immigration and immigration) in the rural settlements of Langrod County

ABSTRACT
The current research was conducted with the aim of explaining the economic consequences of population movements in the villages of Langrod city. In this regard, it is practical in terms of purpose and qualitative and quantitative in nature. In terms of the method and method of implementation, it is interview, survey, and exploratory. It is descriptive-analytical. SPSS software was also used to analyze the data. The results showed five economic consequences of population movements (immigration), which include hidden unemployment among immigrants, lack of motivation in employment in agriculture and animal husbandry activities in villages, reducing the gap between urban and rural society in the production of food products and food style, obtaining a better economic position for the immigrants and their families in the village, the capitalization of land and housing in the villages, it was identified that the lack of motivation to work in agriculture and animal husbandry activities in the villages is the most important. In the following, there are five economic consequences of accepting immigrants, including negative consequences as neo-liberalization and rent-seeking in the villages. Moreover, the positive consequences such as identity in rural lands, flourishing employment in villages, increasing productivity in the village, and earning money and capital in the villages were identified, among which neo-liberalization and rent playing in the villages are the most important.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
About a century ago, half of Iran’s population lived in rural areas. However, at the beginning of the last century—especially in recent decades—the share of the rural population gradually declined as urbanization expanded. The phenomenon of population movement coincided with the industrialization of cities, leading many young people to migrate from villages to urban areas in search of industrial and service-sector jobs. This migration had positive effects, including economic improvement, increased youth awareness, better education, and enhanced social connections. On the other hand, negative consequences also emerged, such as young people losing ties with their families in rural areas, disruptions in gender ratios in both villages and cities, increased crime and social issues, and the rise of urban slums. While rural-to-urban migration in Iran has historically been one-way, in the past decade, a reverse migration trend has intensified, with more people returning to rural areas.
A preliminary examination of rural migration patterns in Gilan province and its counties reveals several contributing factors. Issues such as low rural incomes, widespread unemployment in the agricultural sector, inadequate service infrastructure in villages, and better employment and income opportunities in urban areas have intensified rural-to-urban migration in recent years. Since this migration is predominantly youth-driven, the departure of young individuals from villages has resulted in a decline in population growth, an increase in the aging population ratio, and reduced agricultural production due to an aging workforce. However, along with its economic effects, various rural attractions—such as clean air, the absence of urban problems, high urban living costs, psychological and environmental pressures, and the expansion of transportation networks—have encouraged a reverse migration trend (urban-to-rural relocation). This shift in population movement has helped ease the challenges faced by counties like Langarud, while also leading to the revitalization of rural areas through increased job opportunities, investment growth, and overall rural development. Therefore, understanding the economic impacts of population movements in Langarud’s rural settlements can serve as a valuable tool in the decision-making and planning processes of local officials. Given the intensity and persistence of migration patterns (both outbound and inbound) in Langarud’s villages over recent decades, this study aims to analyze and interpret the economic effects of these demographic shifts using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods.
 
Methodology
This study is applied in nature and employs both qualitative and quantitative methods. In terms of research approach and execution, it follows an exploratory, descriptive-analytical design using interviews and surveys as primary techniques. Additionally, SPSS software has been utilized for data analysis. The statistical population consists of residents from seven rural districts—Chaf, Dioushal, Gol Sefid, Otaghour, Lat Lil, Daryasar, and Moridan—where 368 individuals were selected as the sample size. In the second phase, experts, scholars, and knowledgeable individuals from the villages were included, with 30 participants chosen through purposive sampling.
 
Results and discussion
The findings identified five economic impacts of outbound migration, which include hidden unemployment among migrants, declining motivation for employment in agriculture and livestock farming in villages, reduced urban-rural disparities in food production and dietary habits, improved economic status for migrants and their families in rural areas, and the capitalization of land and housing in villages. Among these, the declining motivation for agricultural and livestock employment was found to be the most significant factor. Additionally, five economic impacts of inbound migration were recognized. The negative impact was neoliberalization and rent-seeking in villages, while the positive impacts included strengthened rural land identity, revitalization of rural employment, increased productivity in villages, and greater financial investment in rural areas. Among these, neoliberalization and rent-seeking were highlighted as the most influential factors.
These findings reveal that rural migration has led to five economic consequences, with the most significant being a decline in motivation for agricultural and livestock-related work. This phenomenon signals a critical transformation in rural value systems, where traditional productive occupations are losing their status as a source of pride and sustainable income. As fewer individuals engage in these sectors, the rural economy faces challenges that could reshape its future.
 
Conclusion
The research findings indicate that planning to reduce migration in the rural areas of Langarud County requires a fundamental transformation. This shift must be based on redefining the relationship between local communities, specialized institutions, and territorial resources.Transformation must also be based on spatial planning, meaning that by identifying and utilizing capable rural leaders and local communities, we can not only bring capital into rural areas but also revitalize existing rural resources through the use of knowledgeable elites in villages. By identifying economic and social capacities and potentials, we can prevent the migration of elites, youth, and labor forces. Thus, any migration reduction strategy should begin with a precise understanding of the real concerns of rural residents. This process demands in-depth field studies and the design of an incentive system aligned with local values. Without such understanding, rural communities may resist these programs. Additionally, professional institutions must evolve from mere decision-makers to active facilitators, engaging in participatory learning, direct collaboration in project implementation, and integrating indigenous knowledge with scientific expertise. Successful execution of these strategies calls for strong commitment from all stakeholders. Only through structural transformation can we achieve sustainable migration reduction and balanced regional development. The planning process must preserve rural identity, enhance quality of life, and create sustainable economic opportunities.
 
Funding
There is no funding support.
 
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
 
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
 
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.