List of Decision-making subject articles

Open Access Article

1 - Does Agriculture Price Index Respond to Exchange Rate Fluctuations in Iran?
محمد عبدی سیّدکلایی امیر منصور طهرانچیان احمد جعفری صمیمی سیّد مجتبی مجاوریان

Since some raw materials, semi manufactured, intermediate and capital goods in agricultural sector are imported, the exchange rate fluctuations can affect the cost price of products in this sector. Recently, we are facing considerable fluctuations in exchange rate that More

Since some raw materials, semi manufactured, intermediate and capital goods in agricultural sector are imported, the exchange rate fluctuations can affect the cost price of products in this sector. Recently, we are facing considerable fluctuations in exchange rate that has an important impact on all sectors including the agriculture. As a result of an increase in import prices in agricultural raw materials, the exchange rate fluctuates. In other words, this relationship is strengthened by lower domestic supply due to the stimulation of the exports of agricultural products induced by an increase in exchange rate. The present study deals with the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on agricultural price index in Iran using MGARCH method. The results show that the past shocks of exchange rate have a positive impact on agriculture price index at the 1% significance level. Moreover, despite the fact that the current fluctuations of agriculture price index do not relate to its past fluctuations, the past fluctuations of exchange rate have a positive impact on current fluctuations of exchange rate. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

2 - Improving Teaching-Learning Process and Experience Based on Students, Faculty and Staff Perspectives
ماری هولز کلوز لیسا کسلر ویکرام کوندینیا

In order to make strategic decisions, the new leadership team at the College of Agriculture at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona conducted a series of focus group interviews with its students, faculty, and staff members. The purpose of this qualitative More

In order to make strategic decisions, the new leadership team at the College of Agriculture at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona conducted a series of focus group interviews with its students, faculty, and staff members. The purpose of this qualitative study was to poll the opinions of these important stakeholders to improve the teaching-learning process in the college, to promote job satisfaction among the employees, to better fulfill the college’s mission of advancing learning and knowledge, and to prepare students for lifelong learning and leadership in agricultural careers. Six themes emerged from student groups and four from faculty/staff groups, with lack of resources emerging as a common theme from both groups. The leadership team deliberated on the findings, and the results of this study provided the leadership team with specific items to solve needs. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

3 - Optimization Model of Hirmand River Basin Water Resources in the Agricultural Sector Using Stochastic Dynamic Programming under Uncertainty Conditions
محمود محمدقاسمی جواد شهرکی محمد صبوحی

In this study, water management allocated to the agricultural sector’ was analyzed using stochastic dynamic programming under uncertainty conditions. The technical coefficients used in the study referred to the agricultural years, 2013-2014. They were obtained thr More

In this study, water management allocated to the agricultural sector’ was analyzed using stochastic dynamic programming under uncertainty conditions. The technical coefficients used in the study referred to the agricultural years, 2013-2014. They were obtained through the use of simple random sampling of 250 farmers in the region for crops wheat, barley, melon, watermelon and ruby grapes under the scenarios of drought, wet, normal, and water required in the most sensitive growth stages. Production function and profit function were obtained from the yield-water-product function of crops using Eviews software. Expected net profit of the system and optimal allocation of water were also calculated based on the GAMS economic analysis software. The results revealed that 14% of the cases over the past 30 years had wet years (high), 47% of the time and that 39% had experienced drought (low) and normal (average) years. In the best case, i.e. with high current levels, respectively at, 58, 67, 54, and 48% of water requirements for these crops and, in the worst case (with low current levels), 47, 35, 49, 53 and 48% of the water requirements provided during the most sensitive growth stages. Moreover, the results showed that the cultivation of the ruby grape was the best product with the highest expected profit in normal and rainfall conditions. In general, when the expected value of net profit is positive, managers would act optimistically and they would promise the optimal level of water provided to the farmers. Conversely, when the net value is negative they would prefer to be more conservative and would promise a lesser amount of water provided to the farmers. Hence, if the promised water to the farmer is not wasted, he will choose the loss incurred from a lesser harvest. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

4 - Green Product Consumers Segmentation Using Self-Organizing Maps in Iran
نرگس دل افروز سینا سیاوش مقدم

This study aims to segment the market based on demographical, psychological, and behavioral variables, and seeks to investigate their relationship with green consumer behavior. In this research, self-organizing maps are used to segment and to determine the features of g More

This study aims to segment the market based on demographical, psychological, and behavioral variables, and seeks to investigate their relationship with green consumer behavior. In this research, self-organizing maps are used to segment and to determine the features of green consumer behavior. This was a survey type of research study in which eight variables were selected from the demographical, psychological, and behavioral dimensions. Data were gathered through researcher-made questionnaire and distributing it among the statistical population (Supermarket Chains in Rasht city). The sample size was 392. The result showed that among the demographical variables, age, sex, and education had a direct contribution with green consumer behavior, whereas income had an adverse relationship with that. Psychological and behavioral variables including personal values, religiosity, environmental knowledge and attitudes, and personal habits are key predictors of green consumer behavior. The results identified four segments, which were called intense greens, potential greens, selfish darks, and intense darks. Green product marketers and producers can determine the target market using the results and employ an appropriate combined marketing strategy for consumers' based on their respective features. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

5 - Employees' Attitude toward Management Commitment to Internal Marketing and the Emphasis of Managers on Informal Internal Communication in Agriculture Jihad Organization
محمدرضا آزاده دل مهناز شکری

20.1001.1.21595852.2019.9.3.8.0

One of the most important factors for successful implementation of activities, maintaining status and keeping balance in an organization is human resources. The present study aims to analyze the role of informal internal staffing as a mediator in explaining the attitude More

One of the most important factors for successful implementation of activities, maintaining status and keeping balance in an organization is human resources. The present study aims to analyze the role of informal internal staffing as a mediator in explaining the attitudes of the employees of the Agriculture Jihad Organization (AJO) of Guilan Province through the commitment of management to internal marketing. The target population of the study was composed of the employees of AJO. Simple random sampling approach was applied for choosing subjects. To test the hypotheses, structural equation modeling (SEM) and Smart PLS software were used. The results showed that due to the low commitment of management to internal marketing in the statistical society, informal relationships were hard to form between employees and management and the positive attitude toward work was at a low level. This becomes more important when the hypothesis is confirmed, but the severity of the coefficients indicates the moderate relationship between the main variables of the research. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

6 - Farmers Willingness to Pay for Crop Insurance: Evidence from Eastern Ghana
Emmanuella Ellis

Crop insurance is a risk management tool with the potential of dealing with risk more efficiently, the study uses a dichotomous contingent valuation method to elicit the willingness to pay for crop insurance among cereal farmers in the Eastern region of Ghana. The study More

Crop insurance is a risk management tool with the potential of dealing with risk more efficiently, the study uses a dichotomous contingent valuation method to elicit the willingness to pay for crop insurance among cereal farmers in the Eastern region of Ghana. The study employed descriptive statistical techniques to analyse primary data obtained from 208 sampled farmers in the region. Approximately, 52.9% of the farmers expressed interest in crop insurance. A Heckman two stage approach was employed to estimate the factors influencing the WTP for crop insurance. The results revealed that farmers were willing to pay approximately GHc 69.6 per cropping season. The demand for insurance was found to be negatively correlated with the premium amounts suggesting that it is a normal good. The Probit model revealed that marital status, education, borrowing, and awareness of crop insurance influenced farmers willingness to purchase insurance. Farmers WTP amount estimated with the interval regression model was shown to be influenced by key variables such as age, crop type, farm size, farm experience, income, weather variation, savings and access to extension agents. Innovative insurance products and the appropriate distribution channels are also recommended to incite demand for crop insurance. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

7 - Sustainable Management of Groundwater Resources Using Multi-Criteria Programming (A Case Study of Kashmar Plain)
سمیه شیرزادی لسکوکلایه رضا اسفنجاری کناری

Frequent droughts and their consequences result in the loss of groundwater, the deficiency of nutrients, the drying of surface water resources, and substantially more exploitation of the groundwater resources, which, altogether, cause the mobilization of saline waters t More

Frequent droughts and their consequences result in the loss of groundwater, the deficiency of nutrients, the drying of surface water resources, and substantially more exploitation of the groundwater resources, which, altogether, cause the mobilization of saline waters to groundwater tables. This will impair the capacity of the aquifers and the quality of the water. The VIKOR method was applied to determine the best feasible solution according to the selected criteria including the local rainfall status in different years, soil permeability, land slope, and water quality indicators, including SAR, RSC, salinity for determination of groundwater resources quality and land-use restrictions in the Kashmar Plain in the northeast of Iran. The results of sampling performed on the Kashmar Plain showed that water quality was lost as one moved from the northern groundwater tables to the southern ones. The excessive use of groundwater resources, the downfall of the groundwater level, and subsequently, the increased salinity account for the loss of the agricultural water quality and the land-use restrictions. Furthermore, the results of the model within years 2010 and 2014 showed that if the current form of indiscriminate exploitation of groundwater resources is kept, it will lead to the mobilization of the salinity to the lowly-saline upstream regions. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on sustainable management of groundwater resources, control their indiscriminate exploitation, and minimize the damage to the groundwater tables in the study site. In addition, agronomists should work on limiting the use of agricultural land by modifying the cropping pattern and on using deficit-irrigation methods. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

8 - Optimal Cropping Pattern Modifications with the Aim of Environmental-Economic Decision Making Under Uncertainty
Mostafa Mardani Saman Ziaei Alireza Nikouei

20.1001.1.21595852.2018.8.3.5.0

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 More

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. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

9 - On the Effect of Rainfall Variations on Economic Variables: The Application of General Equilibrium Model
زینب معین الدینی حمید محمدی حسین محرابی بشرآبادی

20.1001.1.21595852.2018.8.3.11.6

The economy of Iran is dependent on many variables thatplay a role in its growth and development. On the other hand, rainfall is one of the important factors of climate changethat has affected economic strategic programs including thoseof the agricultural sector. Rainfa More

The economy of Iran is dependent on many variables thatplay a role in its growth and development. On the other hand, rainfall is one of the important factors of climate changethat has affected economic strategic programs including thoseof the agricultural sector. Rainfall variations impact manyeconomic variables, some of which are explored here. Theaim of this study was to evaluate rainfall shocks on some economicvariables using a general equilibrium model thatincluded the best scenario representing the highest rainfall,the worst scenario representing the lowest rainfall, and normalscenario considering average rainfall. To check the effect ofthese changes on the agricultural sector, a set of commoditiesproduced by this section is considered separately, and othersections are considered in general. The results showed thatthe production of these commodities has been increased byabout 14% in the best rainfall scenario. All commodities havebeen faced with reduced consumption from 0.3% to 10.3% inthe worst rainfall scenario; this was the greatest loss ofproducts related to the agricultural commodities. Rainfall increasedthe price of all commodities by 0.25-28.7%, exceptfor industry. Both private and public investments wereinfluenced by rainfall change. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

10 - Evaluation and Ranking of Citrus Gardens’ Risks Using TOPSIS Method (Case Study: East of Mazandaran Province)
سیمین دخت قاسمیان غلامرضا یاوری وحید ماجد ابوالفضل محمودی ابوالفضل جوادیان

Citrus production has a great importance and position in Iran. The growth and sustainability of the agriculture sector is impossible without appropriate and effective risk identification and management. In this study, the main risks of citrus gardens were identified bas More

Citrus production has a great importance and position in Iran. The growth and sustainability of the agriculture sector is impossible without appropriate and effective risk identification and management. In this study, the main risks of citrus gardens were identified based on the Delphi method through questionnaires completed by 16 experts. Then, using the TOPSIS technique, the risks involved in the horticultural industry of Mazandaran Province were prioritized during 2010-2016 and the most important risk of Mazandaran gardens was selected based on the Shannon unweighted entropy matrix. The results showed that the most important horticultural risks were related to the risks of pests and diseases, price, damage, and production, respectively. In addition, the lowest risks were related to technical, labor and credit risks, respectively. Therefore, the results indicated the significant influence of the risks of pests and diseases, price and loss in horticulture. Among the risks of pests and diseases, mealy bugs, red mites and aphids with 76, 73 and 70 percent, respectively, were of the highest risk and risks arising from financing, purchasing the product and the damage caused by drip irrigation and emitters were of the lowest risk. The risk exposure represented that risk management should be considered in these fields. In this regard, it is essential to make major reforms in risk management areas involved in orchards. Thus, the planners and policymakers must consider this issue. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

11 - Effect of Temporary and Permanent Shocks of Total Factor Productivity on the Demand for Agricultural Imports in Iran
زهرا توکلی Sedigheh Nabieian محمدرضا زارع مهرجردی سید عبدالمجید جلایی

20.1001.1.21595852.2019.9.2.5.5

Economic theories show that the direction and magnitude of the fluctuations of economic variables depend on the type and magnitude of the shocks they are faced with. Various reasons are noted for fluctuations in demands for imports, including productivity shocks. Accord More

Economic theories show that the direction and magnitude of the fluctuations of economic variables depend on the type and magnitude of the shocks they are faced with. Various reasons are noted for fluctuations in demands for imports, including productivity shocks. Accordingly, this research was aimed at identifying the effects of Total Factor Productivity (TFP) shocks of the agricultural sector on the demand for agricultural imports during the period 1982-2014. These shocks were divided by the Blanchard-Quah technique into two groups: permanent and temporary. Then, the effects of shocks on agricultural imports were studied by the Structural Vector Auto Regression (SVAR) Method. The results showed that, in the short and longrun, temporary and permanent TFP shocks of the agricultural sector have had a significant effect on the demand for agricultural imports, and the effect of temporary shocks was stronger than the effect of permanent ones. Therefore, if the policymakers seek to reduce the demand for agricultural imports, the agricultural TFP must continuously be incremented. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

12 - Agricultural Economic and Environmental Impacts of Water Resources Management Scenarios of Agricultural Sector in Qazvin Plain
مهرنوش میرزایی سعید یزدانی محمدرضا نظری ابوالفضل محمودی غلامرضا یاوری محسن شوکت فدایی

20.1001.1.21595852.2019.9.1.6.4

With the widening of the gap in water supply and demand in recent years and the schemes of the Ministry of Energy to restore and balance underground tables, the agricultural sector is projected to be under increasing pressure due to the rationing programs and the alloca More

With the widening of the gap in water supply and demand in recent years and the schemes of the Ministry of Energy to restore and balance underground tables, the agricultural sector is projected to be under increasing pressure due to the rationing programs and the allocation of water resources to other sectors with higher economic efficiency in water use. We explored the economic impacts of non-pricing policy of limiting water supply and the policies of water pricing, taxing, and subsidization as per each m3 water use over or below the average gross requirement of the planting pattern on the components of the agricultural sector in Qazvin Province using the data and statistics for the 2013-2014 growing season and the expansion of positive mathematical programming model with the maximum entropy approach. The results showed that the non-pricing policy of 50% limitation of water supply would have the highest economic return per m3 water use. It is estimated to be 0.23$. The highest reduction of chemical fertilizer use would be accomplished in the scenario of 50% limitation of water availability and the integrated scenario of 30% water availability limitation + 50% higher price for water. According to the comparison of employment per unit area vis-à-vis the reference year under different scenarios, the scenario of 50% limitation of water supply (20% increase per ha versus the reference year) would be the best for employment creation followed by the integrated scenario of 30% limitation of water availability. Since the non-pricing policy of limiting water availability would be more effective than the pricing policies in improving water use status and changing planting pattern, it is recommended to apply a combination of these policies in the studied region. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

13 - A Comparative Investigation of TOPSIS, Factor Analysis, and Scale Gram Analytical Methods on Rural Development (A Case Study of Islamshahr Rural Development Level)
سحر ده یوری

20.1001.1.21595852.2019.9.2.2.2

Rural areas have always played a significant role in the global economy by providing a variety of foods and raw materials. This role is much more prominent in developing countries. Rural development is also an important part of regional policies, covering agriculture, f More

Rural areas have always played a significant role in the global economy by providing a variety of foods and raw materials. This role is much more prominent in developing countries. Rural development is also an important part of regional policies, covering agriculture, forestry, natural resource management, land use, and economic diversity in these areas. The present study focused on investigating rural development in rural areas of Islamshar County, Iran. Given the lack of productivity in this region and the fact thatthis county is so close to two metropolitan cities of Karaj and Tehran, it is necessary toexaminethe level of development of the villages in this county. Among various methods of ranking, the credit and point of rural development in this researchwere measuredbyAHP-basedTOPSIS, factoranalysis, and scale gram methods. Categorization by TOPSISandfactoranalysis revealed close results considering 27 criteria for the evaluation of choices. Scale gram analysis generally confirmed these results. Also, the overall results show that the economic factor derived from the factor analysis method and the agricultural factor derived from the AHPmethod wereacceptable. According to the viewpoint of the research population, many of the rural areasin the studied county were categorizedin "deprived" group. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

14 - Identification of Appropriate Strategies to Improve and Develop Private Agricultural Extension System: A Study in Mazandaran Province, Iran
امیر احمدپور فاطمه ابوالقاسمی هادی مؤمنی هلالی

In many countries, private sector provision of agricultural extension services is recognized as a key factor in the process of agricultural development. Insufficient attention to the private agricultural extension system in Iran, despite its relative success, has made i More

In many countries, private sector provision of agricultural extension services is recognized as a key factor in the process of agricultural development. Insufficient attention to the private agricultural extension system in Iran, despite its relative success, has made it imperative to explore and identify appropriate strategies to improve and develop its activities. The statistical population of the present study consisted of 40 knowledgeable and experienced experts of agricultural consultation and technical service firms as a sample of private extension systems in Iran. The research used the SWOT and TOWS methods as the basis for the AHP technique known as the hybrid A’WOT method. In the first step of the research, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of these firms were evaluated. The results of the first step were used to extract 11 strategies by the TOWS diagram. In the second step, to identify the most appropriate strategies to improve the performance of private extension firms, 12 experienced experts were sampled from the research population by the snowball technique. The research instrument was two questionnaires whose validity were determined by face and content validation methods and whose reliability were estimated by Cronbach’s alpha and inconsistency ratio strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats were assessed in the first step. Then, TOWS was employed to develop 11 strategies. In the second step of the research, the AHP technique was used to identify the most appropriate strategies. The ranking of the strategies revealed that the strategies “financial support of firms and farmers in order to lay the ground for the privatization of agricultural activities” and “orienting the attitudes of the policymakers and managers of the public sector towards the role of private extension activities” were the most important strategies to improve and develop these firms in Mazandaran province, so they should be considered by the officials. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

15 - Group Dynamics Features and Socio-economic Status of Cocoa Farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria
Olaoluwa Ayodeji Adebayo

20.1001.1.21595852.2019.9.2.1.1

Group dynamics features are important factors for improving farmers’ socio-economic status. This study focused on the effect of group dynamics features on the socio-economic status of cocoa farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used More

Group dynamics features are important factors for improving farmers’ socio-economic status. This study focused on the effect of group dynamics features on the socio-economic status of cocoa farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 93 cocoa farmers for the study. Descriptive statistics and linear regression were used to analyze the data. Results showed that the mean monetary value of their material possessions, income generated from the cocoa producer per production cycle per year and other agricultural production activities were 9,819,796.60 Naira, 2,693,900 Naira and 1,887,400 Naira respectively. Majority (51.7%) of the cocoa farmers are of moderate socioeconomic status (M=4,800,365.53 Naira). Results showed that the group dynamics features of the cocoa farmers are high in group cohesion (M=31.04) and leadership dynamism (M=25.75) while it is low in group attitude and behavior (M=23.09), discipline, trust and accountability (M=17.76) and group rapport (M=14.47). The results of linear regression revealed that farming experience (β=0.301) and educational level (β=0.561) significantly (p< 0.01) increased the socio-economic status of the cocoa farmers. The study concluded that personal characteristics can influence cocoa farmers’ socio-economic status and their group dynamics features. The study recommended that cocoa farmers’ personal characteristics (educational level and farming experience) should be improved through intervention programs, training and sensitization as this will translate into better-quality group dynamics features thereby enhancing their socio-economic status. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

16 - Factors Affecting on Research Practices Development regarding Entrepreneurship in Agricultural Higher Education: A Two-Step Approach to Structural Equation Modeling
مسعود احمدی نژاد

20.1001.1.21595852.2019.9.4.3.7

The purpose of this research was to identify the factors affecting research practices development (RPD) regarding entrepreneurship in agricultural higher education, case study Islamic Azad University, Khouzestan Province, Iran. Faculty members in Islamic Azad University More

The purpose of this research was to identify the factors affecting research practices development (RPD) regarding entrepreneurship in agricultural higher education, case study Islamic Azad University, Khouzestan Province, Iran. Faculty members in Islamic Azad University, Khouzestan Province were considered as statistical population. The sample size based on Cochran formula was determined (n=210). Stratified random sampling was used to select faculty members. A researcher-made questionnaire was employed for data collection. Its validity was confirmed by content validity and its total reliability was estimated by Cronbach's alpha as to be 0.81. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to describe RPD performance regarding entrepreneurship in agricultural higher education and inferential statistics to analyzing factors affecting on RDP. The results of the factor analysis showed that four factors such as encouraging researchers to research in entrepreneurship (MF1), institutionalization of entrepreneurship in academic research (MF2), establishing proper communication between the university and industry (SF) and creating the necessary rules and infrastructure for the commercialization of knowledge regarding entrepreneurship (LF) were identified as factors affecting the research practices development (RPD) regarding entrepreneurship in agricultural higher education which explained 62.55% of the total variance altogether. The result of the structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that, it can be seen that the predictive positive effect of MF1 to RDP is supported (β=0.38, t-value=4.86, p<0.001). In addition, MF2 has a positive effect on RDP (β=0.39, t-value=5.08, p<0.001). Also the LF has a positive effect on RDP (β=0.31, t-value=4.05, p<0.001). MF2, SF and LF also have a significant impact on MF1. The findings showed that R2 for RDP was 0.53. So that, these four construct (MF1, MF2, SF and LF) determinants accounts for 62% of the variance in the RDP. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

17 - Forecasting Iran’s Saffron Export by Comparison of Machine Learning Algorithms
علیرضا امیرتیموری منصور صوفی مهدی همایونفر مهدی فدایی

20.1001.1.21595852.2023.13.2.5.3

Imports and exports play an integral role in the economic growth of all countries. Therefore, selecting the right products can enhance a country's competitiveness in global trade. Saffron stands out as one of Iran's most vital and unique non-oil products for export. The More

Imports and exports play an integral role in the economic growth of all countries. Therefore, selecting the right products can enhance a country's competitiveness in global trade. Saffron stands out as one of Iran's most vital and unique non-oil products for export. The objective of this study was to predict saffron exports using three data mining algorithms and determine the most suitable algorithm for forecasting. The sample period for the forecasting models encompasses saffron export data from Iran for the years 2012 to 2019, gathered from the Iran Saffron Association. Following the data preparation steps, saffron export was forecasted using three data mining algorithms: artificial neural network, deep learning, and gradient boost tree. The validity of the models plays a crucial role in selecting the best forecasting model. The predictive validity of the three designed models was evaluated using the absolute error (artificial neural network = 0.036, deep learning network = 0.031, and gradient boost tree = 0.047), R-squared (artificial neural network = 0.045, deep learning network = 0.044, and gradient boost tree = 0.073), and correlation coefficients (artificial neural network = 0.95, deep learning network = 0.98, and gradient boost tree = 0.97). Based on the findings, all models demonstrate high accuracy, with very low prediction errors that are closely matched. However, the deep learning network exhibits a slightly lower, albeit statistically insignificant, error. These results can be valuable for enhancing the precision of saffron export planning. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

18 - Farmers’ Decision-Making Process under Climate Change: Developing a Conceptual Framework
طاهر عزیزی‌خالخیلی توماس آئنیس میثم منتی زاده غلامحسین زمانی

20.1001.1.21595852.2021.11.1.1.3

In recent decades, climate change and frequent droughts have had great impacts on farming systems and have led farmers to become accustomed to these conditions, which are causing problems, especially, for smallholder farmers. With the severe weather events and their adv More

In recent decades, climate change and frequent droughts have had great impacts on farming systems and have led farmers to become accustomed to these conditions, which are causing problems, especially, for smallholder farmers. With the severe weather events and their adverse effects, especially in arid regions, farmers' adaptation to these changes is an indisputable and critical strategy. Thus, farmers need to make complex decisions about mitigating the adverse effects of climate change to take advantage of newer opportunities as possible. The understanding of the process by which farmers decide to stand facing climate changes and probing into the determinants of the process provide research evidence for policymakers to assist farmers to adapt to climate change effects. This article would establish a conceptual framework, inclusive of factors influencing farmers’ decision-making to adapt to climate change, and would clarify causal relations among these factors. According to the results, household characteristics, economic factors, knowledge, motives and goals, perceived outcomes of adaptation, social, personal norms, perception of climate change, perceived risk and obstacles, attitude towards climate change, prospective perception of climate change, the evaluation of climate change, and adaptation initiatives could influence farmers’ decisions to adapt to climate change. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

19 - Challenges of Foreign Investment on Shahid Rajaee Agroindustry Company
سحر دهیوری آزیتا زند معصومه عارفی

20.1001.1.21595852.2021.11.4.4.2

"Shahid Rajaei is a highly promising agro-industrial company for agricultural production in the Khuzestan region. The goal of this study is to investigate the challenges and factors hindering foreign investment in Shahid Rajaei's agro-industry. To understand these chall More

"Shahid Rajaei is a highly promising agro-industrial company for agricultural production in the Khuzestan region. The goal of this study is to investigate the challenges and factors hindering foreign investment in Shahid Rajaei's agro-industry. To understand these challenges (including technical, economic, infrastructure, socio-cultural challenges, and policy-making as dependent variables), an Exploratory Factor Analysis was conducted. Additionally, their impacts on the level of foreign investment in Shahid Rajaei's agro-industry (as the dependent variable) were tested through regression analysis. Based on the results, three independent variables - policy factor, technical factor, and infrastructure factor - have the most significant impact on the level of foreign investment in Shahid Rajaei's agro-industry, explaining 53.5 percent of the variation in foreign investment level. These findings highlight the critical role of these factors in influencing the level of foreign investment in Shahid Rajaei's agro-industrial sector." Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

20 - Job Burnout Role on the Occupational Performance of Experts in Jihad Agriculture Organization of Mazandaran Province, Iran
سمانه سلیمانی مهدی چرمچیان لنگرودی

20.1001.1.21595852.2021.11.3.3.9

Occupational performance serves as one of the most influential components in organizations incorporating an important part of organizational studies. One of the factors that is expected to lead performance in contravention of the organization's goals is the problem of j More

Occupational performance serves as one of the most influential components in organizations incorporating an important part of organizational studies. One of the factors that is expected to lead performance in contravention of the organization's goals is the problem of job burnout. Therefore, the aim of this research was to investigate the job burnout role on occupational performance of experts in Jihad Agriculture Organization of Mazandaran, Iran. The statistical population comprised 255 experts; 155 experts were selected for the study using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire composed of two sections of job burnout section encompassing issues on emotional fatigue, personal accomplishment failure, depersonalization and conflict, and occupational performance section covering areas like ability, role clarity, support, encouragement, assessment, credibility and environment. The content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by experts' opinions. Also, based on the average variance extracted (0.554 >AVE< 0.741) and composite reliability (0.846 >CR < 0.944), the questionnaire had a convergent validity and appropriate reliability. SPSS16 and Smart PLS2 software were used to analyze the data. The achieved results of the research showed that job burnout had a significant negative impact on occupational performance of experts in Jihad Agriculture Organization. According to the achieved results of the research, it is recommended to create incentives such as giving responsibility to experts and encouraging and respecting them. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

21 - Modeling Attitude Components Affecting the Acceptance of Functional Dairy Foods among Iranian Urban Consumers
محمد کاوسی کلاشمی امیرعلی فریدی حمید ال بلالی

20.1001.1.21595852.2021.11.4.3.1

Since conventional foods can have different negative effects on human health and cause a variety of diseases, including cancer, the use of functional foods is highly recommended. In this study, the attitudinal factors affecting the acceptance of functional dairy foods ( More

Since conventional foods can have different negative effects on human health and cause a variety of diseases, including cancer, the use of functional foods is highly recommended. In this study, the attitudinal factors affecting the acceptance of functional dairy foods (FDF) by urban consumers in Rasht (Guilan province, northern Iran) were investigated. Data were obtained from 223 households in Rasht City. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to investigate the effects of the general purchasing component as well as those of benefits of FDF, need of functional dairy foods, confidence in functional dairy foods, safety of functional dairy foods, health consciousness and healthy lifestyle, and willingness to buy FDF. The results show that the components of attitude towards healthy lifestyle and the general component of purchasing were the most effective factors in determining the acceptance of FDF by the households of Rasht City. The designed model explains 79.5 percent of the variation in willingness to use FDF. Given the benefits of consuming these products in preventing diseases and reducing health costs, public investments in awareness raising campaigns are needed to promote healthy lifestyle among urban consumers and increase the acceptance of FDF in Iran. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

22 - The Effect of Sustainability Orientation and Prior Sustainability Knowledge on Agriculture Students’ Sustainable Entrepreneurial Intentions
سعید کریمی فاطمه سپهوند

20.1001.1.21595852.2021.11.3.1.7

The purpose of the present study was to examine an extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB) model within the domain of sustainable entrepreneurship and identified the most important factors impacting on sustainable entrepreneurial intentions in sustainable entrepreneu More

The purpose of the present study was to examine an extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB) model within the domain of sustainable entrepreneurship and identified the most important factors impacting on sustainable entrepreneurial intentions in sustainable entrepreneurship. In particular, the study aimed to extend the TPB model to include sustainability orientation and prior sustainability knowledge. Data were collected from 211 Iranian agriculture students. The results of structural equation modelling showed that sustainable entrepreneurial intentions were determined by attitudes toward sustainable entrepreneurship and perceived behavioural control (PBC) but not subjective norms. The analysis also revealed that sustainability orientation and prior sustainability knowledge influenced sustainable entrepreneurial intentions indirectly through their effects on attitudes toward sustainable entrepreneurship and PBC. As a practical implication, educators who want to stimulate the creation of new sustainable businesses could consider the pivotal role not only of attitudes toward sustainable entrepreneurship and PBC but also of sustainability orientation and prior sustainability knowledge. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

23 - Analyzing Interventions Affecting the Development of Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture Production using the Analytical Network Process (ANP)
مریم مورج حسین شعبانعلی فمی ژیلا دانشور عامری علی اسدی

20.1001.1.21595852.2022.12.1.1.0

Nutrition is recognized as both an input to and a result of sustainable development, where agricultural production also plays an undeniable role. Alborz, one of the major provinces of Iran, faces several issues that have been adversely affecting its food security over t More

Nutrition is recognized as both an input to and a result of sustainable development, where agricultural production also plays an undeniable role. Alborz, one of the major provinces of Iran, faces several issues that have been adversely affecting its food security over the years and the implementation of nutrition-sensitive agriculture been has deemed to be a necessity to alleviate these problems. The research in hand investigates the interventions affecting the implementation of nutrition-sensitive agriculture production in Alborz Province and structures a multiple-criteria decision making (MCDM) analysis to prioritize these interventions, as well as identifying the best implementation strategy to be followed in the area of the study. To achieve this goal, the Analytical Network Process (ANP) has been employed. Based on library and documentary studies and interviews with experts and authorities, the structure of the ANP model has been developed and pairwise comparisons have been made. Results indicate that income generation for nutrition was the most important intervention, followed by nutrition-sensitive post-harvest handling, storage and processing. Decision makers and authorities should dedicate more attention to these aspects in the implementation of nutrition-sensitive agriculture in Alborz Province. Also, a long term (6-20 years) implementation strategy has been found to be a better alternative to target and plan for by the decision-makers and authorities. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

24 - A Root Analysis of The Factors Limiting Multifunctional Agriculture in Iran
محبوبه خیراللهی امیرحسین علی بیگی فرحناز رستمی قبادی

20.1001.1.21595852.2023.13.3.5.5

Despite numerous studies on multifunctional agriculture, the development of this practice in developing countries, including Iran, remains uncertain. The purpose of this qualitative study was to analyze the underlying factors limiting multifunctional agriculture in west More

Despite numerous studies on multifunctional agriculture, the development of this practice in developing countries, including Iran, remains uncertain. The purpose of this qualitative study was to analyze the underlying factors limiting multifunctional agriculture in western Iran. The study population consisted of 12 purposefully selected experts and farmers involved in multifunctional agriculture in Dehloran Township, Iran. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, following a root cause analysis approach proposed by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The analysis of the interviews identified 19 direct causes categorized into six groups, along with 234 superficial causes. Additionally, 12 root causes that significantly impact the problem were identified. Using the GUT (Gravity, Urgency, and Tendency) decision matrix and Pareto diagram for scoring and prioritizing, eight key root causes emerged: Absence of research laboratories. Inefficient supervision of agricultural processes. Lack of guaranteed support for all agricultural products in the region. Failure to promote multifunctional agriculture. Failure to formulate strategic policies based on regional conditions. Inefficient policies for training multifunctional agricultural experts. Lack of targeted support plans. Inadequate policy-making to support multifunctional farmers. By addressing and rectifying these root causes, not only can superficial causes be eliminated, but also the development of multifunctional agriculture can be expedited. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

25 - Learning Organization Model in Agricultural Cooperatives of Iran: A Two-Step Approach to SEM Based on DLOQ
اله کیانی Azadeh Noorollah Noorivandi Ahmadreza Ommani طهماسب مقصودی

20.1001.1.21595852.2023.13.3.3.3

The purpose of this study was to design a learning organization model for Agricultural Cooperatives (ACs) in Iran. To conduct this study, a survey research method was employed, with stratified random sampling as the chosen sampling method. The primary tool used in the r More

The purpose of this study was to design a learning organization model for Agricultural Cooperatives (ACs) in Iran. To conduct this study, a survey research method was employed, with stratified random sampling as the chosen sampling method. The primary tool used in the research was the Dimensions of Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ), a standard assessment questionnaire for evaluating learning organizations. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to analyze the collected data. A two-step approach to SEM was used to assess the measurement model and design the structural model. The results revealed that the status of cooperative organizations in Iran did not align with the indicators of a learning organization (LO) and highlighted the need for a model to facilitate the adaptation of cooperatives towards becoming learning organizations. The proposed model identified the most critical dimensions of LO compatibility with cooperatives and the factors influencing them. Cooperative stakeholders can utilize this model to guide their adaptation towards becoming learning organizations in their respective fields of work. This research contributes to the existing literature by offering a model that is tailored to the unique context of cooperatives aiming to become learning organizations. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

26 - On the Comparison of the Applications of Conventional Ranking Techniques in Determining the Priority Factors Affecting Seed Production of Medicinal Plants: Case of Guilan Province, Iran
سیدعلی نورحسینی اسماعیل فلاحی سپیده قلی نژاد

Aimed at identifying and prioritizing promoters and deterrent affecting seed production of medicinal plants, the present study was conducted in 2014. The Delphi method was conducted using a panel of 13 experts in Guilan Natural Resources and Agriculture Organization. In More

Aimed at identifying and prioritizing promoters and deterrent affecting seed production of medicinal plants, the present study was conducted in 2014. The Delphi method was conducted using a panel of 13 experts in Guilan Natural Resources and Agriculture Organization. In the first round of the study, multiple-response techniques were used for content analysis. Based on the results of the first round, the second round questionnaire was featuring a Likert type scale that was then filled out by the first round respondents. Next, by comparing the conventional techniques, data were analyzed for investigation. The use of ranking techniques led largely to the same results or results with slight differences. The study recommends devoting due attention to the technical and environmental conditions such as proper storage, to avoid the wasteful harvesting of seeds at risk, and to provide favorable conditions for the domestication of medicinal plants. In addition,, the role of research, training, and information dissemination of the economic benefits would receive high importance. Furthermore, designing and implementing a legal monitoring mechanism and an active and comprehensive policy making process, as well as providing facilities and equipment necessary for the preparation, cultivation, and harvest of seeds by decision-making, executive institutions, and organizations would notably be effective to tackle the present challenges. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

27 - Factors Affecting Commercialization of Agricultural Innovation in Kermanshah Science and Technology Park, Iran
نصیبه پورفاتح نادر نادری فرحناز رستمی

Science and technology parks have been a major driver of both the commercialization of agricultural innovation and the financial success of many farm and agribusiness firms. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to explain the factors affecting commercialization More

Science and technology parks have been a major driver of both the commercialization of agricultural innovation and the financial success of many farm and agribusiness firms. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to explain the factors affecting commercialization of agricultural innovation in Kermanshah Science and Technology Park. The experts of this center were sampled by the census method (N=110). Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. Research findings indicated that factors affecting commercialization of agricultural innovation in Kermanshah Science and Technology Park included support of small and medium enterprise firms, relationship of parks with universities and research centers, and consequence of commercialization for agricultural sectors and research centers. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

28 - Effective Factors Influencing on the Implementation of Knowledge Management in the Agricultural Bank of Qom Province
محمد اسماعیلی مهرداد نیکنامی علی بدرقه

The main objective of the present work was to study the factors affecting the deployment of knowledge management in Agriculture Bank of Qom Province. It was a causative-relational study in terms of data collection. Also, it was a field study, non-experimental in terms o More

The main objective of the present work was to study the factors affecting the deployment of knowledge management in Agriculture Bank of Qom Province. It was a causative-relational study in terms of data collection. Also, it was a field study, non-experimental in terms of variables control. Sample size was estimated by Morgan table and the data were collected by a questionnaire. The statistical society included manager, experts and assistants of Agriculture Bank in Qom Province including 250 people. Sample size was calculated (n = 152) by Morgan table. The reliability was estimated by a pretest with 20 questionnaires filled out by a statistical population similar the studied one. The validity was confirmed by experts whose advice was taken care of about modifying or replacing some questions. Finally, Cronbach's alpha was estimated for the questionnaire to be 0.81. To achieve research objectives, the descriptive statistics of frequency, mean, variance, and standard deviation and the inferential tests of correlation and multiple regressions were conducted by SPSS Statistical Software Package. Results revealed the significant relationship of knowledge management deployment with organization culture, knowledge sources, organization memory, and information technology at the one percent level with modified determination coefficient of 0.632. In other words, 63.2% of the variation of the dependent variable was accounted by independent variables (organization culture, knowledge sources, organization memory, and information technology). Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

29 - Entrepreneurial Strategies of Enhancing Competitive Advantage of Medicinal Herbs in Ilam Province, Iran
محمد جاسمی همایون مرادنژادی محمد سلاورزی

Finding new ways to compete in competitive markets is the essence of strategic thinking and marketing strategy. This issue has always been addressed by the experts and scholars of economics and management overrecent decades. In this regard, the present study explores th More

Finding new ways to compete in competitive markets is the essence of strategic thinking and marketing strategy. This issue has always been addressed by the experts and scholars of economics and management overrecent decades. In this regard, the present study explores the entrepreneurial strategies to gain a competitive advantage in IlamProvincemedicinal plants. This studyemployed a mixed-methods research paradigm. In the qualitative part, Delphi method and in quantitative part the Analytic Hierarchy Process was used. The population in the qualitative part comprisedexperts in the fields of marketing, entrepreneurship and herbs in IlamProvince that among them 12 participantswere selected using purposive sampling methods. In the quantitative part, the population included 33 experts in the field of medicinal plants which were studied by census method. The data were collected using a paired comparison questionnaire and analyzed by Expert Choice11 software. Results showed that according to considered criteria in this research) differentiation strategy, ways to reduce costs, focusing on customers and market strategies, innovations and risk taking strategy) differentiation strategy plays the greatest role in gaining advantage for medicinal plants in Ilam Province. Manuscript profile

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