The role of rural–urban linkages in perceived environmental effects of farmers for participation in sustainable food security plans

Abstract

Abstract Background This study examines the rural–urban linkages about the perceived farmers' environmental effects of food security plans to participate in these plans in Iran's rural areas. We have also considered the mediating role of farmers' empowerment as the capacity of rural–urban linkages in this field. In the past, increasing food production and supply in the short term for urban and rural areas was concerned with food security. However, over time, in sustainable food security, instead of emphasizing increasing production and maximizing resource pressure, empowering farmers to become more involved in food security plans is essential. Therefore, using the capacity of rural–urban linkages and directing them towards empowering farmers reduces the negative consequences of food security plans. Methods The present research is quantitative and has been done by the descriptive-analytical method. Statistical methods in this study were performed by correlation analysis and regression using software (SPSS). In addition, the structural equation model (SEM) was performed using the least-squares method (PLS) and software (SMART PLS 3). Results The results showed that rural–urban linkages have a positive effect on empowering farmers. Empowerment of farmers affected by rural–urban linkages is effective on the environmental effects perceived of food security plans. Perceived environmental–ecological and political–cultural effects of farmers from implementing food security plans are not effective in their participation. However, socio-economic effects provide the basis for farmers' participation in the process of sustainable food security. In general, empowerment affected by rural–urban linkages in farmers' participation is effective for investment in diversifying products, improving agricultural and non-agricultural production infrastructure, and processing products. Conclusions Rural–urban linkages through the empowerment of urban specialists in formal and informal organizations are an essential step towards improving the farmers' perceived effects of implementing food security plans. This issue creates the context for increasing the participation of farmers in such plans. Thus, with increasing attention to empowering farmers in implementing sustainable food security plans, their perceived environmental effects of implementing these projects will increase. It also provides the basis for their participation in these plans.