Today, rural development is synonymous with achieving a better and more desirable quality of life. In this regard, governments are obligated to provide a suitable and dignified living environment for rural residents through rural planning and development. The Village Guidance Plan (or Rural Master Plan) is one of the rural development initiatives that can play a fundamental and infrastructural role in the comprehensive development of rural areas.



Using a descriptive-analytical method, this study examines the effects of implementing the Village Guidance Plan on the quality of life of villagers in Shirkooh Rural District, Taft County. The research aims to assess the plan’s impacts on improving villagers' quality of life across various indicators and evaluate public awareness regarding its implementation and effectiveness.



The study population consists of villagers and officials in Shirkooh Rural District, Taft County. The sample size was determined using Morgan’s standardized table, and accordingly, 300 individuals were surveyed via questionnaires in selected villages, employing random (quota) sampling.



The results indicate that the implementation of the Village Guidance Plan has had positive effects in:



Social aspects: Increased community participation and willingness to stay in the village.



Economic aspects: Creation of job opportunities and diversification, improved household savings and assets, reduced economic inequalities, and increased rural housing prices.



Physical aspects: Enhanced housing quality (construction materials, facilities such as bathrooms and toilets), improved ability to afford housing, better surface water drainage, upgraded road networks, pedestrian pathways, and accessibility.



Environmental aspects: Improved village cleanliness, drinking water quality, establishment of wastewater disposal systems, proper waste collection and disposal, avoidance of construction on steep slopes and floodplains, and reduced water resource wastage and pollution.



Ultimately, there is a significant correlation between the implementation of the Village Guidance Plan and the improvement in quality of life (environmental, economic, physical, and social indicators) in the central district villages of Taft County.