Exploring latent dimensions of in situ urbanization in northern rural Kazakhstan through structural equation modeling

Darima Zhenskhan, Onggarbek Alipbeki, Song Soo Lim (), Jumi Song, Aida Balkibayeva, Anar Nukesheva, Raushan Mussina and Gauhar Mussaif
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Darima Zhenskhan: S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University
Onggarbek Alipbeki: Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
Song Soo Lim: Korea University
Jumi Song: Korea University
Aida Balkibayeva: The Academy of Physical Education and Mass Sports
Anar Nukesheva: S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University
Raushan Mussina: S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University
Gauhar Mussaif: S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University

Asia-Pacific Journal of Regional Science, 2025, vol. 9, issue 2, No 1, 329-355

Abstract: Abstract In situ urbanization is a rural development model in which the essential rural characteristics are maintained while living standards are raised to urban levels. Few studies determined the complex factors influencing in situ urbanization, despite its importance for rural development, in developing Central Asian Countries such as Kazakhstan. The objective of this study was to examine evidence of in situ urbanization and investigate its driving factors in northern rural Zerendy, Kazakhstan. Annual data from 22 rural settlements between 2015 and 2022, including 79 villages in the Zerendy District, one of the largest getaways in the Akmola Region, were used. The results of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and structural models supported the relevance of productivity, amenities and friction as constructs associated with in situ urbanization patterns in the area. Among the three factors, amenities demonstrated the strongest association with in situ urbanization processes. Productivity and friction constructs yielded only statistically insignificant path coefficients. These findings imply that improving the availability of rural amenities can be a useful policy strategy to aid a country’s rural development.

Keywords: In situ urbanization; Promising villages; Agglomeration; Rural population; Partial least squares structural equation modeling; Structural model; Q18; R23; P25 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s41685-025-00376-8

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