Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Management and Economics, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran.
2 Department of Agricultural Economics and Extention, Faculty of Agriculture, Faryab University, Faryab, Afghanistan.
Abstract
All-inclusive growth in all sectors along with structural reforms in institutions can lead to development. In this regard, the agricultural sector plays a key role in the development of Iran owing to its specific status. The development of the agricultural sector with a sustainability approach can greatly contribute to the development of other sectors, too. In this respect, Sistan and Baluchestan province has a special role to play in the regional economy due to its specific climatic and geographical conditions for agriculture. Therefore, this research aimed to formulate mechanisms and strategies for the development of sustainable agriculture in this province. The research adopted the gray multi-attribute decision-making technique (GRA) for modeling. Data were collected with a questionnaire filled out by experts and farmers in 2020. Based on this, 5 options and 28 indicators were finalized based on the opinions of expert experts. The software package of MCDMSOLVER.2018 was used for modeling. The results derived from the experts showed that choice taxing resource-intensive and polluting agricultural activities was ranked the top with a final score of 0.8134. Also, the use of cooperative methods and processes in the development and extension of sustainable agricultural activities was ranked second with a score of 0.71. The next ranks were for educating farmers and supporting their membership in sustainable agriculture groups and providing specific research and support services in the field of sustainable agriculture with scores of 0.571 and 0.519, respectively. The lowest ranks were assigned to Adjusting the price of products in the market in favor of healthy and ecological products, encouraging and attracting the cooperation of private and non-governmental national and international institutions in the field of sustainable agriculture, such as FAO or the Global Environment Facility and social security and retirement insurance for farmers with scores of 0.334, 0.333, and 0.298, respectively. The farmers ranked taxing on resource-intensive and polluting agricultural activities and using participatory methods and processes in the development and promotion of sustainable agricultural activities at the top with scores of 0.722 and 0.576, respectively.
Keywords
)