Role of Small Towns in Rural Development Using Concentration Index and Location Quotient (LQ) (Case Study: Roudbar)

Abstract

Today, inequality and spatial imbalances between rural and urban areas are mainly discussed by regional planners. To achieve balance and reduce inequalities in rural areas, it is essential to highlight the role of small towns. This paper employs a descriptive-analytical methodology using quantitative methods and models, such as the location quotient (LQ) and concentration index, to analyze the functions of towns existing in Roudbar County. The purpose of this study is to explain the relationship between the function of urban areas in providing services to rural areas, rank the provided services, and determine the development of villages. The LQ of Roudbar County is 1 for agriculture, industry, and the export of manufactured products, while 1 for services, indicating a dependence on other towns. Based on the concentration index, the levels of villages in Lowshan, Manjil, Rostamabad, and Bareh Sar are regular, while the villages in Jirandeh and Tutkabon are irregular. In addition to administrative and political relationships that result in the dependence of villages on cities, the people of these towns are referred to other towns in the county for economic, social, and cultural relations.