Parisa Noori Darzikolaie, Fatemeh Razzaghi Borkhani, Ali Akbar Barati, Taher Azizi Khalkheili ,
Volume 13, Issue 49 (11-2024)
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to develop a model to improve the efficiency of the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus in rice farming in Sari County.
Method: The research was conducted using a quantitative, survey-based approach and falls under the category of applied studies. The statistical population consisted of 25,590 rice farmers in Sari County, with a sample size of 170 farmers, determined using G-Power software. A multi-stage stratified sampling method with proportional allocation was employed. Data collection was conducted through a researcher-made questionnaire, whose face and content validity were confirmed by experts. The reliability of the research tool was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Data analysis was performed using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to evaluate the efficiency of the WEF nexus.
Results: The findings indicate that the efficiency index of the WEF nexus among the studied rice farms was 0.198, reflecting very poor efficiency in rice production. Specific observations include: 70% of the studied units exhibited unsatisfactory nexus efficiency; A negative correlation was found between the amount of water and energy consumed and the nexus efficiency index; Larger-scale farms demonstrated higher nexus efficiency, while smaller farms exhibited lower efficiency levels; There was a positive correlation between the nexus efficiency index and farm size, suggesting that economies of scale positively influence efficiency.
Conclusion: The study highlights significant inefficiencies in the WEF nexus within rice farming in Mazandaran Province, specifically regarding water and energy consumption. Key conclusions include: The amount of rice produced relative to water and energy consumption is low, indicating substantial resource wastage; Optimization of water and energy use is critical to enhancing nexus efficiency without compromising crop production or food security; Tailored strategies are required to address regional differences and align cropping patterns with local climatic and weather conditions.
To improve WEF nexus efficiency, the following recommendations are proposed:
- Agricultural Zoning: Implement zoning strategies based on regional climate and conditions to optimize cropping patterns.
- Extension-Education Programs: Develop training initiatives for farmers, focusing on efficient farm management practices.
- Demonstration Farms: Promote exemplary farms as models for best practices through demonstration sites, model farms, and farmer field schools.
These measures aim to reduce resource wastage and improve sustainability in rice production while ensuring food security in the region.
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.
