Original Article
Farm Management
Yazdan Habibi; Jafar Azizi; Fathollah Keshavarz
Volume 8, Issue 3 , September 2018, Pages 321-328
Abstract
Agriculture sector faces risks caused by natural damaging events. So, it is necessary to predict, counteract and mitigate the risks of agricultural activities to increase investment security, to identify risks and to practice risk management methods, in which insurance has a special niche as a risk counteraction ...
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Agriculture sector faces risks caused by natural damaging events. So, it is necessary to predict, counteract and mitigate the risks of agricultural activities to increase investment security, to identify risks and to practice risk management methods, in which insurance has a special niche as a risk counteraction and mitigation measure. The objective of this study was to study the role of insurance in risk management of broiler farms in Rudbar County in Guilan Province in 2016. The statistical population was composed of 121 broiler chicken farms that were active in Rubdar County, Iran in 2013-2015, out of which 55 farms were selected as the sample according to Bartlett Table. Data were collected by interview and a questionnaire whose validity was confirmed by a panel of experts and whose reliability was estimated to be 73% by Cronbach’s alpha. Results of stepwise regression showed that the main production parts affected by risk factors included hygiene and control, technical factors including ventilation and temperature, nutrition, disease prevention, and chicken hatching capacity. Results of the test of variable correlations showed a negative, significant relationship of dependent variable (risk management) with hatching capacity, hygiene factors, technical factors, nutrition, disease prevention, and insurance. Also, risk management was found to have no relationship with farm managers’ age and farming experience.
Original Article
Education and training
Saadi Fathollahi; Hosein Shabanali Fami; Ali Asadi
Volume 8, Issue 3 , September 2018, Pages 329-339
Abstract
The role of nutrition in the health area, increasing efficiency and its relationship with economic development has been approved through extensive research in the world using scientific foundations and empirical evidence. Therefore, accessing to food security is the basic pillar of development. ...
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The role of nutrition in the health area, increasing efficiency and its relationship with economic development has been approved through extensive research in the world using scientific foundations and empirical evidence. Therefore, accessing to food security is the basic pillar of development. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the role of socioeconomic factors affecting the food security of rural households in Nahavand County, Iran. The statistical population consisted of 26599 rural households of Nahavand County that 255 people were selected using Cochran formula and stratified random sampling technique. A questionnaire was used to data collection, which its validity was confirmed by a panel of faculty members in the University of Tehran and its reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha which its range was 0.72 to 0.91 for different sections of the questionnaire. Data analysis was performed in two parts of descriptive and inferential statistics using the software SPSS21. Results showed that the difference in various levels of household income in terms of food insecurity levels was statistically significant at the 0.01 level. The results of logit regression (probit) analysis suggested that variables of decision-making ability, nutritional awareness of head of the household and the household income have the greatest impact on rural households’ food security.
Original Article
Education and training
Mehdi Homayounfar; Seyyed Mohammad Zargar; Mansour Soufi; Seyyedeh Fereshteh Mousavi
Volume 8, Issue 3 , September 2018, Pages 341-354
Abstract
The rapid world economic growth has driven the businesses towards involvement in international marketplaces due to lower business risks, lower commitment of resources, and higher flexibility of these markets. However, evidence indicates that barriers to exportation vary across different ...
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The rapid world economic growth has driven the businesses towards involvement in international marketplaces due to lower business risks, lower commitment of resources, and higher flexibility of these markets. However, evidence indicates that barriers to exportation vary across different stages of internationalization. Therefore, this empirical study was carried out to explore exportation barriers of agricultural commodities, especially honey, in Iran. Based on an explorative literature review, several factors were considered as export barriers of agricultural commodities. These barriers were provided to a sample of 20 honey exporters in Ardabil province using a questionnaire. After collecting and analyzing the data, 21 factors were identified as the important barriers to honey export. A graph theory-based technique (DEMATEL) with feedback structure was used to explore the direct and indirect effects of barriers on the other barriers and the whole system. The results indicate that adjusting export promotion activities, lack of home government assistance/incentives, shortage of working capital to finance exports, high tariff and nontariff barriers, different foreign customer habits/attitudes are the most critical barriers in the order of importance.
Original Article
Masoud Masoudi; Abdollah Ebrahimi; Parviz Jokar
Volume 8, Issue 3 , September 2018, Pages 355-364
Abstract
Increasing world population has led to product more foods and crops, while agricultural lands have been decreased. Then, it is necessary to use the maximum potential of these lands which product maximum yield without any damage. To reach this objective, land suitability evaluation ...
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Increasing world population has led to product more foods and crops, while agricultural lands have been decreased. Then, it is necessary to use the maximum potential of these lands which product maximum yield without any damage. To reach this objective, land suitability evaluation is the most important way that can reach-this objective. The main objective of this research was to compare different irrigation methods based on a parametric evaluation system in an area of 100 ha in the Chikan and Mourzian Subbasin of the Fars province, in the south of Iran. After preparing land unit map, 10 points were selected for sampling. Soil properties were evaluated and analyzed. Suitability maps for drop and gravity irrigation were generated using GIS technique. The result revealed land suitability of 71.9 ha (71.9%) of the case study was classified as permanently not suitable (N2) and 28.1 ha (28.1%) currently not suitable (N1) for gravity irrigation. On the other hand, land suitability of 47.3 ha (47.3%) of the case study was classified as permanently not suitability (N2), 28.5 ha (28.5%) currently not suitable (N1) and 24.3 ha (24.3%) marginally suitable (S3) for drop irrigation. The limiting factor for drop irrigation was slope and for gravity irrigation were slope and drainage.
Original Article
Decision-making
Mostafa Mardani; Saman Ziaei; Alireza Nikouei
Volume 8, Issue 3 , September 2018, Pages 365-375
Abstract
Sustainability in agricultural is determined by aspects like economy, society and environment. Multi-objective programming (MOP) model has been a widely used tool for studying and analyzing the sustainability of agricultural system. However, optimization models in most applications are forced to use ...
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Sustainability in agricultural is determined by aspects like economy, society and environment. Multi-objective programming (MOP) model has been a widely used tool for studying and analyzing the sustainability of agricultural system. However, optimization models in most applications are forced to use data which is uncertain. Recently, robust optimization has been used as an optimization model that incorporates uncertainty. This paper develops a framework for environmental-economic decision making that includes the environmental and economic sustainability criteria for determining an optimal allocation of agricultural areas that cover an irrigation network under uncertain data. The primary uncertain parameter of the robust model was quantity of available water for each season. Application of the proposed model to the case study of the right side of Nekooabad irrigation network in the province of Isfahan, Iran, demonstrates the reliability and flexibility of the model. The results show that that the optimal total gross margin decreases with higher robustness levels. To compensate loss of gross margin of farmers in the robust pattern, efficiency enhancement policies emphasized.
Original Article
Strategic planning
Shir Ali Koohkan; Ahmad Ghanbari; Mohammad Reza Asgharipour; Barat Ali Fakheri
Volume 8, Issue 3 , September 2018, Pages 377-387
Abstract
In the current century, agriculture sustainability and the reduction of environmental pressure are two main objectives of the management of agro-ecosystems that is challenged by energy inefficiency. In this respect, the present study assessed one of the most important planting systems in Sistan region ...
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In the current century, agriculture sustainability and the reduction of environmental pressure are two main objectives of the management of agro-ecosystems that is challenged by energy inefficiency. In this respect, the present study assessed one of the most important planting systems in Sistan region by emergy analysis approach. It analyzed all inputs of greenhouse cucumber production system in Sistan including renewable inputs (sunlight, wind, rain), non-renewable inputs (net topsoil loss), and purchased inputs (machinery, fossil fuels, electricity, plastic, utility, labor, N, K, P and micro fertilizers, and chemical herbicides) and services. In this study, an emergy analysis was performed on greenhouse cucumber production system of Sistan using the data collected from a 3000-m2 greenhouse in Zahak Agricultural Research Station (as an average representative of agricultural lands in Sistan Region). The results revealed that total emergy of greenhouse cucumber system was 1.094 × 1018 seJ, and diesel fuel and labor were the main emergy consumers with the emergy consumption rates of 7.9 × 1017 and 1.92 × 1017 seJ ha-1, respectively. Main emergy indices including emergy yield ratio, emergy investment ratio, environmental loading ratio, and sustainability index were found to be 1.00, 2089, 4.34 and 20.23, respectively. Therefore, it is imperative to consider the optimization of highly consumed inputs, the reduction of environmental impacts, and the increase in sustainability by making changes in greenhouse structures, enhancing energy use efficiency inside the greenhouse, and mechanizing the planting, cultivating and harvesting processes in order to develop greenhouse cucumber system in Sistan.
Original Article
Farm Management
Hassan Brati; Mohammadreza Khaledian; Mohammadhassan Biglouei; Atefeh Parvaresh Rizi
Volume 8, Issue 3 , September 2018, Pages 389-396
Abstract
About 20% of the electricity produced in the world is consumed in rotary equipment for conveying fluids such as water, gas, air, and other liquids, while the loss of energy consumption in this sector is more than 60%. The aim of this study is to evaluate different efficiencies in the pumping stations ...
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About 20% of the electricity produced in the world is consumed in rotary equipment for conveying fluids such as water, gas, air, and other liquids, while the loss of energy consumption in this sector is more than 60%. The aim of this study is to evaluate different efficiencies in the pumping stations in the pressurized irrigation systems to address low energy efficiency issues in the pump stations, and then finding proper solutions to increase it. In this regard, the electrical efficiency, hydraulic efficiency, and mechanical efficiency were determined in the studied pump stations. The total efficiency of each pump station was determined using those efficiencies. Pump station assessment tool (PSAT) software was used for modeling each station and predicting annual energy consumption costs; furthermore, the potential of increasing the efficiency was calculated. Results showed that the total efficiency of the studied pump stations ranged from 13 to 32% and averaged 24%. Factors, such as improper design, disproportion in terms of the operation conditions, and the design and improper operation caused a drop in efficiency of pump stations, and addressing these issues can improve the productivity of the energy consumption in the pump stations from 24 to 49%.
Original Article
Farming Systems
Majid Ghanbari Nezhad; Seyed Mojtaba Sajadi; Ali Badizadeh
Volume 8, Issue 3 , September 2018, Pages 397-407
Abstract
Agriculture is one of the pillars of economics and its development requires a particular attention to all production factors. This paper aims to provide a systematic and conceptual model that is based on a conceptualization of the field. For this purpose, the theory and methodology based on data derived ...
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Agriculture is one of the pillars of economics and its development requires a particular attention to all production factors. This paper aims to provide a systematic and conceptual model that is based on a conceptualization of the field. For this purpose, the theory and methodology based on data derived from field observations and interviews drawn from a systematic conceptual model of key informants, was extracted. The current model shows that original category of agriculture business i.e. business growth is originated from causal conditions including personal features, supportive roles, and production factors and based on evaluation strategies and the exploitation of opportunities leads to new value based on business growth as a result of the process. Underlying conditions, such as individual factors, and geographical conditions as well as environmental conditions, including the government, the legislature, and banks are effective in this process. Understanding the aspects of business growth is effective in formulating policies to support and promote entrepreneurship. Moreover, designing a growth model to help business owners select a definition for firm growth is essential. It is noteworthy that until now, the majority of the proposed models have been ineffective in some aspects and more attention is needed for future growth modeling in research areas.
Original Article
Farm Management
Sedigheh Samiee; Kurosh Rezaei-Moghaddam
Volume 8, Issue 3 , September 2018, Pages 409-420
Abstract
Activities to reduce soil erosion and to improve soil fertility, agricultural production and finally, crop income have been considered to be fundamental for the implementation of sustainable agriculture in Iran. This research investigates the effects of no-till (NL) technology on reducing ...
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Activities to reduce soil erosion and to improve soil fertility, agricultural production and finally, crop income have been considered to be fundamental for the implementation of sustainable agriculture in Iran. This research investigates the effects of no-till (NL) technology on reducing soil erosion and increasing agricultural income and eventually achieving sustainability. Data were collected with a questionnaire. The research sample including 165 NL adopter farmers was selected using multi-stage stratified random sampling method in Fars Province, Iran. The findings revealed that this technology improves performance and reduces water, energy and input consumption. The findings contribute to understanding the effects of no-till technology on agricultural systems. Also, information is provided to help the necessary planning for more effective implementation of no-till technology. According to the results of regression, wheat yields, increased use of pesticides, awareness of the benefits, and satisfaction with NL technology are the factors underpinning farmers` willingness to keep using NL technology.
Original Article
Education and training
Abdolvahed Kaabi; khourosh Roosta
Volume 8, Issue 3 , September 2018, Pages 421-431
Abstract
Recently, innovation has become a very important issue, as it provides a strategic advantage for organizations to outperform competition and remain agile in the environment. Additionally, knowledge management is considered to be a strong support for innovation. However, few studies examine the ...
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Recently, innovation has become a very important issue, as it provides a strategic advantage for organizations to outperform competition and remain agile in the environment. Additionally, knowledge management is considered to be a strong support for innovation. However, few studies examine the role of human resource management in fostering knowledge capability which leads more innovation in the organizations. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of knowledge management components in organizational innovation among agricultural extension experts in Khuzestan Province. The statistical population of this study consisted of all agricultural extension experts in Khuzestan Province (N=328). Using Bartlett’s et al. (2001) sampling table, 130 of them were selected as a sample using the proportionate stratified random sampling method (n=130). The instrument of gathering data was a questionnaire that validity was confirmed by the panel of experts and its reliability was established by Cronbach's Alpha coefficient (α>0.70). The results of multiple regression analysis revealed that knowledge management components (knowledge creation, knowledge acquisition, knowledge storage and knowledge sharing and application) had positive significant effect on organizational innovation among agricultural extension experts in Khuzestan Province. The results emphasize the importance of knowledge management components to the success of innovation process in agricultural extension system.
Original Article
Decision-making
Zeinab Moinoddini; Hamid Mohammadi; Hosein Mehrabi Boshrabadi
Volume 8, Issue 3 , September 2018, Pages 433-439
Abstract
The economy of Iran is dependent on many variables that play a role in its growth and development. On the other hand, rainfall is one of the important factors of climate change that has affected economic strategic programs including those of the agricultural sector. Rainfall variations ...
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The economy of Iran is dependent on many variables that play a role in its growth and development. On the other hand, rainfall is one of the important factors of climate change that has affected economic strategic programs including those of the agricultural sector. Rainfall variations impact many economic variables, some of which are explored here. The aim of this study was to evaluate rainfall shocks on some economic variables using a general equilibrium model that included the best scenario representing the highest rainfall, the worst scenario representing the lowest rainfall, and normal scenario considering average rainfall. To check the effect of these changes on the agricultural sector, a set of commodities produced by this section is considered separately, and other sections are considered in general. The results showed that the production of these commodities has been increased by about 14% in the best rainfall scenario. All commodities have been faced with reduced consumption from 0.3% to 10.3% in the worst rainfall scenario; this was the greatest loss of products related to the agricultural commodities. Rainfall increased the price of all commodities by 0.25-28.7%, except for industry. Both private and public investments were influenced by rainfall change.
Original Article
Environmental policy and management
Reza Dinpanah
Volume 8, Issue 3 , September 2018, Pages 441-449
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine influencing factors on adoption of organic farming in Sari County, Iran. The methodological approach of this study was descriptive-correlation. The research population consisted of 18830 horticulturists in Sari County, which was selected using stratified randomizing ...
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The aim of this study was to determine influencing factors on adoption of organic farming in Sari County, Iran. The methodological approach of this study was descriptive-correlation. The research population consisted of 18830 horticulturists in Sari County, which was selected using stratified randomizing sampling method and Cochran formula. Validity of the instrument was established by a panel of experts consisting of senior faculty members in agricultural extension and education department. Reliability analysis was conducted by using and Cronbach alpha formula and result was 0.89. The results showed that 54.6 percent of horticulturists expressed situation of adoption of organic farming were low. Variable of experience with adoption of organic farming had been relationship of negative and significant. Also, variables of yield, cost-benefit, drip irrigation acreage, connect to experts, social status, social participation, effect of extension-education activities, use of information resources, compatibility of organic farming innovations and testability of organic farming innovations with adoption of organic farming had been relationship of positive and significant. The results of the multiple regression analysis (stepwise method) revealed that the variables of social participation, effect of extension-education activities and drip irrigation acreage in three steps explained variation of 24% of adoption of organic farming.
