Fatemeh Kazemeyeh, Javad Hosseinzad, Ghader Dashti, Hushang Ghafouri,
Volume 3, Issue 8 (8-2014)
Abstract
Agricultural sector taking into account its role in GNP (11%), employment opportunities (23%) and food provision (over 80%) performs a critical role in Iranian economy. Water resources are being considered as a very prominent factor with respect to agricultural sector. This study aims to investigate effective indicators regarding agriculture development as well as water management in Tabriz plain. It is based on factor analysis. Statistical society is composed of 39 villages. Data gathering technique is predominately based on questionnaire and documentation. It is further supported by getting information from ministries of agriculture and water organization. This is followed by determination of 25 indicators for the assessment of agricultural development and 11 indicators regarding water management of the study area. Deducting the number of variables requires the application of principle component analysis. This study suggests that mechanization, cropping based on irrigation system, structure and performance are capable of explaining 79 percent of the variations pertaining to agricultural development. It is argued that surface water, deep wells, semi deep wells explain 61 percent of the variations regarding water management as well. It further suggests that those counties with comparative advantages with respect to agricultural products and simultaneously not experiencing water deficiency should emphasize agricultural plans based on high priority crops. However, those encountering with agricultural problems should stress optimum resource usages and preservationissue.
Alireza Jafari, Hemmatollah Pirdashti, Fatemeh Razzaghi Borkhani, Zahra Saber,
Volume 14, Issue 51 (6-2025)
Abstract
Objective: In the context of rural and agricultural development, designing an environmentally sustainable system with economic and social justification and a future-oriented perspective is essential. This study aims to develop integrated crop management (ICM) strategies for rice farms in Mazandaran Province.
Methods: Using theoretical foundations and analytical studies, the four SWOT components—strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats—were identified. The statistical population consisted of specialists and experts with academic backgrounds and practical experience in sustainable rice cultivation and agricultural extension (18 individuals), along with managers from relevant organizations such as the Agricultural Jihad Organization of Mazandaran Province (20 individuals), selected through purposive sampling. Data analysis was conducted using the SWOT technique in Microsoft Excel.
Results: The internal and external evaluations reveal that the system's strengths and opportunities outweigh its weaknesses and threats. The weighted scores indicate the predominance of favorable over risky conditions. The strategic priority lies in the SO (Strength-Opportunity) or "maximum-maximum" area (approximately 36%). Following this are the WO (Weakness-Opportunity), ST (Strength-Threat), and WT (Weakness-Threat) strategies, accounting for approximately 25%, 23%, and 16% of the total strategies, respectively.
Conclusions: Based on the strategic analysis, key strategies for ICM development include enhancing farmer empowerment and participation through the FFS/IPM approach, managing production risks via insurance, establishing healthy crop production cooperatives, and implementing collective branding within the rice value chain. Emphasizing collaboration among key stakeholders is vital. The implementation of these strategies can significantly contribute to the adoption of ICM and the advancement of sustainable agricultural development.
