Abstract

In the rural area, majority of households are involved in farm activities but many of them get their income from non-farm activities. This paper examines the comprehensive effects of non-farm incomes on west Azerbaijan rural development. The study was based on the original field survey with data from about 60 experts of rural development from three different organizations. This study was a descriptive-correlation research and a combination of data gathering techniques. The study found that this activities have economic, social and environmental effect which explained while 68.40% variance at saving rural sustainable developement in west Azerbaijan province and the economic effects are important as first priority. Finally, the study found that putting into consideration the limited capability of agricultural sector, it is necessary to provide infrastructure, legislation, incentives and training for Non-farm business.
 
 Key words: Non-farm activities, economic effects, social effects, environmental effects.