Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research
Year:2020 | Volume:51 | Issue:3|Papers Count:19

The wide range of factors influencing growth in theoretical foundations and empirical studies and the weakness of conventional methods have led studies to focus on only one aspect of theoretical and empirical growth patterns. This gives rise to uncertainty about specifying or combining variables in the model and estimated coefficients. This uncertainty can lead to bias and inefficiency in estimating the coefficients resulting in inaccurate predictions and inaccurate statistical inference. Therefore, in this study, using the Bayesian averaging method, the influence of the most important factors affecting the growth of Iranian agricultural sector during 1978-2017 was investigated. Using this approach, all possible sub-models are estimated using study variables and then the coefficient of each variable is averaged across the models. The weights in this averaging are determined by the Bayesian rule or the posterior probability of each pattern. In this study, 2048 different models were estimated. The results showed that investment, financial development and oil revenues with the probability of impact of 0. 81, 0. 67 and 0. 42, respectively, are the most important variables affecting the growth of agricultural sector and also the growth rate of agricultural imports with a probability of impact of 0. 90 had the most negative effect on the growth of value added. Therefore, investing and financing producers, paying attention to domestic production and setting trade policies on imports should be a top priority in policy making and planning.

The country's water resource depletion is a problem that exerts its effects in various areas such as climate, agriculture, vegetation, wildlife and so on. In this study, using systematic and holistic system dynamics approach, we will analyze and analyze the dynamic relationship between municipal water level and urban green space in Zarghan city. This system model has been simulated and analyzed with Vensim Dss software. The overall results of the simulations and scenarios are that heat islands and construction are among the most important factors in increasing water consumption in the system. Also, the most important factors affecting the reduction of water use, type and amount of vegetation water use in Zarghan municipality are as follows: Annual survey and model simulation for 1385 for twenty years. Actual data were collected from 1385 to 1395. In this regard, the quantitative results of the model show that by reducing the water consumption by defined methods per square meter by 40%, saving 42 million cubic meters of total water over a 20-year simulation period.

The existence of irregularity in the ownership and pattern of agricultural land distribution is one of the most important challenges to sustainable agricultural development, which can lead to increase production costs, wasteful time for farmers, and reduce production efficiency. Therefore, the present research was carried out with the aim of analyzing the arable land fragmentation in East Azarbaijan Province so that by identifying these impacts, could be suitable solutions proposed for coping with arable land fragmentation. The statistical society of this research is the farmers of the agricultural sector located in East Azarbaijan province (N=212926). The sample size was estimated using Cochran's formula of 380 people. They selected by stratified sampling method. The research instrument was a questionnaire, that its validity confirmed by a group of faculty members at Tehran universities and Gorgan Agriculture University, and experts in agricultural lands working in Land Affairs Organization of Iran. The reliability of the questionnaire was measured by Cronbach's alpha coefficient: economic impacts=0. 81, social impacts=0. 91, technical impacts=0. 75 and management impacts=0. 86. The results of prioritization of impacts of arable land fragmentation showed that the most important effecs of arable land fragmentation were: increase of the problem of water division and its transfer to the other farm, increase of production costs, and decrease of productivity of production factors, increase in transportation costs, and the waste of time in the rebellion to various parts. Also, the results of structural equation modeling showed that economic impacts (with factor load of 0. 87) were the most effective outcomes among the impacts of arable land fragmentation.

The aim of this study was to predict the rural women’ s quality of life as a function of both microfinance and individual quality in Kermanshah and Hamedan counties. The research method was descriptive-correlational and the paradigm was quantitative. The statistical population consisted of all female members of microfinance funds in Hamedan and Kermanshah cities who have received credits from these funds and were surveyed through census method. The questionnaire face validity was confirmed by a number of experts and its reliability was confirmed by calculating the Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α = 0. 8). The results showed that most of rural women used the received microfinances to create or expand a business, and after receiving the microfinance, the percentage of individuals with own income increased from 18 to 30 percent. Also, the results showed that there was a positive and significant relationship between "passed training courses" and rural women’ s quality of life and all of its dimensions. But the number of family members showed a significant negative correlation with women’ s quality of life. Also, variables of membership years in the microfinance fund, perceived microfinance adequacy, the amount of income generated by the business and the number of created employment showed a positive relationship with the rural women’ s quality of life. Ultimately, "passed training courses" were the most important predictor of rural women’ s quality of life.

Earth warming and climate change are one of the most important environmental issues in the world. In Iran, unsustainability of climatic conditions, the lack of uniform distribution of spatial temporal and rainfall changes, and the use of drought management are necessary. In recent years, decreasing precipitation and increasing the temperature of air has caused problems in the agricultural sector and the profitability of crops. In this study, the sensitivity of agricultural products' profitability to fluctuation of climatic variables in Khuzestan province based on combined data was investigated during the period of 1992-2012. The results showed that the fluctuation of climate variables led to decrease in economic profit by 58154. 01 thousand Rials per hectare, and contribution of climatic growth to yield of products indicates the high contribution of rainfall. According to the results of the research, it is recommended that farmers' education should be used to counteract the decrease in the profitability of products, given the country's vulnerability to climate change. Creating an agricultural insurance system can also help to stabilize yields from product performance.

It is believed that land fragmentation and small size of the farms causes low productivity and, high cost of production and results in a decrease in the farmers’ net income. Thus, it is worth to study empirically the effects of lands fragmentation on the cost of production. Guilan province is one of the areas where agricultural land Fragmentation is widely observed. Therefore, the main goal of this study is to estimate the effect of agricultural land fragmentation on the production cost of rainfed wheat in Guilan province. To this end, production and cost data of wheat and barley was collected for the crop year 2014-2015 through questionnaires from Deylaman and Malakut regions in the Guilan province. An indirect cost function approach was utilized and the best functional form was chosen using econometric criteria. Based on the estimated parameters of the chosen model, the cost elasticities of all variables including numbers of land fragments were estimated. Results indicate that, the Translog functional form is most appropriately represents production technology of wheat and barley in the study regions. Also, result confirms that fragmentation of land causes increase in the average cost of production and demand for labor input in these two crops. In addition, the estimated scale elasticities reveal an increasing returns production technology in the studied crops. Accordingly, land consolidation and augmentation policies are suggested to reduce average cost of production.

The main objective of this research was to design a model for assessing and partitioning the international pistachio market in order to identify Iran's opportunities in these markets. Accordingly, in this paper, the study of market structure, the status of competitors in the market, market access, and the cultural and political adaptation of countries for the years 2001-2016 provide indicators for clustering target markets in these markets. Subsequently, using international meta-clustering methods, international pistachio market segmentation has been done and homogeneous export clusters have been extracted for Iran's target markets. In this research, using Cummins clustering algorithm, Cummins and Clooney Antes algorithm and also Cummins and hierarchy combination algorithms for clustering of target countries of Iranian export of pistachio were studied. Comparison of the results of the three clustering methods showed that in the Cummins and hierarchical combination algorithms, the resulting clusters display less error. Based on the results of the Davis-Bouldin, Chu-Su, five clusters were identified for Iran's export destination countries for export of pistachios, and the same policy for the countries in each cluster and policy in the target countries of different clusters could lead to increased efficiency of the considered strategies.

Given the strategic importance of wheat production in country, optimal applying resources and planning to increase its production efficiency is essential. This study conducted with purpose of evaluate and analyze types of Technical, allocative, economic, revenue and profitability efficiency of wheat producers in Kermanshah Ravansar-Sanjabi Study Area with Using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Data required collected by random stratification method and completion of 100 questionnaires in 2017-2018 crop year. results showed that the mean of technical, management, scale, allocative, economic, income and profitability efficiency were 70. 2%, 74. 5%, 94. 4%, 90%, 67. 2%, 73. 5% and 26. 9%, respectively and it demonstrates the failure of study area farmers in economic production of wheat and profitability. In addition, 74% of surveyed farmers are on increasing, 18% on decreasing and only 8% on optimum return to scale which it seems logical suggestion in order to increase efficiency is increasing scale of production. Therefore, it is recommended to government and relevant authorities that provide context for relationship successful farmers and share their experiences and used methods with others and help farmers by providing extension services and transfer of latest research findings in the field of efficient use of inputs.

Nowadays, the issue of providing food security of vulnerable groups is one of the formidable challenges at the international level. Refugees as one of these vulnerable groups are always considered by governments and improving the situation of their food security is substantial in many developed and developing countries. In this study, the situation of food security of Afghan refugees was assessed in Southern areas in Tehran province, 2018-2019. The needed data was collected via filling out the HFIAS questionnaire and the questions related to socio-economic factors. The results showed that 88. 7% of Afghan refugee households face food insecurity in the target areas and prevailing moderate food insecurity is more than mild and severe level (40. 7%). The age of headed-household, heads' occupation (permanent or seasonal job), income groups (medium and high level of income), the number of employed members, and personal saving are inversely and significantly associated with food insecurity. On the other hand, having a child greater than 18 years old, the number of male children, and head's smoking have a direct and significant association with food insecurity among Afghan refugee household. Therefore, attending to socioeconomic factors which were confirmed their significant association with food insecurity in this study is important. Developing employment opportunities, making easier access to banking facilities, the needed education in the line of reducing the consumption of cigarette and decreasing the limited access to the job market are suggestable.

The purpose of this study was identifying the factors affecting Mashhad Citizens’ willingness to pay for herbal teas. Data was gathered through a survey method and completing 368 questionnaires by simple random sampling among citizens of Mashhad in spring and summer of 2017. In order to identify the factors affecting consumers' willingness to pay, the Contingent Valuation Method and Ordered Logit Model were used. Data analysis showed that 50 percent of consumers were willing to purchase 5 to 25 percent additional cost for buying these products. The results of estimated model showed that household income, awareness about health benefits, packaging, lack of essence, supply type, existence of information labels, gender female and consumers’ education level, have positive and significant effects, and age, family size, quality, processing and price of herbal teas have had negative and significant effects on willingness to pay for herbal teas. About 23 percent of the respondents have known the lack of knowledge about the uses of herbal teas and 21 percent of them have known the lack of knowledge about the health benefits of herbal teas as the most important problems for the consumption of herbal teas. According to the results, considering appropriate supply and packaging with information label, and publication brochures to inform consumers about health benefits and uses of herbal teas, can increase willingness to pay and more correct consumption of herbal teas.

Entrepreneurship is one of the important stimulus factor for social and economic development in society development process. Stability of entrepreneurship important as much as entrepreneurship itself. As world face with daily changes in human society and unemployment and lack of prepare training are one of the most important disturbance for many governments. These problems become more serious especially in the field of agriculture in which trained and amateur work force are gathered. Existing theories about the relationship between education and entrepreneurship can be positive and normative. In the normative theory, education must be obedient to the production system, and education will be successful and effective, with high levels of entrepreneurship and a loyalty to business ratio. In the positivist theories, one of which is the theory of human capital, it provides the simplest explanation about the relationship between education and entrepreneurship. Accordingly, the main purpose of the present study is to identify and rank the components of entrepreneurship development, sustainable development in the country’ s education system. This research is a descriptive survey, and data collection tool is a twostage Delphi expert questionnaire. The statistical population of experts includes experts, educational specialists and non-random sampling method was selected with 12 interviews. Based on the results of two Delphi rounds and consensus panel members and reaching theoretical saturation, 80 indicators identified by experts. Among the all criteria for entrepreneurship development, the highest priority given to individual and economic factors and lowest priority goes to political and cultural criteria. Educational system is the main factor in mampower training. Therefor it should be identic in cope with changes and be able to solving unempioyment related problems. Considering sustainable entrepreneurship development indicators its expected that the educational system be capable for step forward to find some practical solutions for unemployment through focus on sustainable entrepreneurship development.

The purpose of this study was to provide a model for identifying the antecedents for purchasing organic agricultural products focusing on the role of the store image. The study was applied and descriptive. The population of the study consisted of all consumers of organic agricultural products in Bioneshan stores in Tehran, who used the products of this company. About 384 samples were selected using the available sampling method. In order to confirm the validity of the questionnaire, content validity, construct validity and convergent validity were examined. To assess the reliability of the questionnaire, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used, which was 0. 787 for the whole questionnaire. The results of the research show that the price image, brand image, and perceived risk affect the image of the organic agricultural products store. The store image has a significant effect on the perceived quality and perceived value of organic agricultural products and perceived quality has a significant effect on the perceived value and intention to purchase organic agricultural products. Also, the perceived value has a significant effect on the intention to purchase organic agricultural products.

The integrated chains of meat production in Iran are an example of vertical supply and value chains that all of their stages are managed in centralized structure. These supply and value chains in each of their stages face challenges that affect their performance. This study amid to problem analysis the integrated value chains related to poultry production in Mazandaran. So, Zarbal, Afagh Toyoor and Ajdade Mazandran value chains were studied using a qualitative method. Data were collected using non-participant observation and semi-structured interview techniques from stakeholders, managers and actors in mentioned chains (19 participants). In the process of data analysis, at first, a description was presented about structure of each chain and then, using qualitative content analysis, coding and results interpretation were considered. Findings revealed that State Livestock Affairs Logistics (SLAL) has caused the most damage to the value chains by adopting inefficient policies and inappropriate behaviors. The importance of these policies is that they cover across the chains and specifically affect the market. Indeed, although these chains are faced with challenges in terms of inputs, collaboration agreements, and laws, they are facing more serious challenges due to the ineffective policies adopted by SLAL in the market.

In the colleges of agriculture in Iran, the lecture is used as a dominated teaching method. Team learning is one of the most commonly used educational methods in the present era. The aim of this study was to compare the Team Member Teaching Design (TMTD) and the regular lecture method on the academic achievement and teamwork behavior of agricultural students. The use of active and participatory teaching methods where students are directly involved and gain experience through direct participation is more appropriate for agriculture students. Application of team teaching methods and interactive learning have several benefits including increased vitality in class, increased beliefs and expectations of students, student participation in class management, more referral to other texts and increased persistence and reduced absenteeism from the classroom, dependence on group members, brainstorming, collective empowerment, increased self-confidence and learning satisfaction, attempts to adapt to the group. Also, it provides a common understanding of learning materials, deeper processing of ideas, better preservation and transfer of educational materials, greater stability and scientific sustainability, more academic success, greater intrinsic motivation and positive attitude to the subject of learning. Although the lecture method can be helpful for information acquisition, for the organization and transfer of knowledge, for the integration of information from multiple sources, and clarification of complex information, it does not teach problem-solving strategies or attitude change. To improve the teaching methodology, many researchers have suggested the use new and innovative methods, among them the peer teaching and collaborative learning are increasingly used worldwide. Among the methods of team teaching, the TMTD teaching method, as a combination of new collaborative methods can be used. Teamwork behavior is a combination of knowledge, skills, and attitude of team members. Teamwork knowledge includes common mental models, student knowledge and understanding of topics related to team, environment, actions, and programs. Teamwork attitudes include mutual trust, belief in the importance of teamwork, and prioritizing team approaches to individual approaches in dealing with problems. Teamwork skills include communication skills, creative behaviors, and leadership and management skills. Various studies have been conducted on the impact of lecture and team teaching methods on the academic achievement of students. Many of them have found that team teaching is more effective in improving the students' learning skills and academic achievement compared to lecture methods. At the same time some other studies have argued that there is no significant difference between lecture and team teaching methods in terms of enhancing the performance and academic achievement of students. Methods A within-subject design was followed for two groups in which first group attended a series of lectures and second group participated in team teaching. Differences between lecture and team teaching methods were examined for their academic achievement and teamwork. The study samples were taken of medicinal herb Department of the University of Arak during the academic year of 2018-19. A questionnaire of behavior measurement was used to collect the teamwork behavior data. This is a modified form of the behavior Teamwork Scale and includes 50 statements that measure teamwork behavior on a four-point Likert scale (from never = 1 to always = 4). After the questionnaire was revised, it was presented to a panel of relevant experts, and its content validity was confirmed. To assess the reliability of this scale, Cronbach's alpha and split-half method were used. This coefficient for the whole scale was equal. The results demonstrate the desirable and acceptable reliability and validity of this scale for assessing teamwork behavior of students. Prior to the beginning of the semester and after briefing the selected faculty trainers, several meetings were held to cooperate with the scholars and trainer. After they accepted to have this pilot project conducted in their classroom, all stages of the implementation of the TMTD teaching method were explained by the researcher step by step, and he was provided with the resources on how to teach TMTD. It should be noted that the trainer had previously learned how to apply team teaching methods and had a lot of interest in implementing this teaching method in their classes. Teaching in lecture and teamwork methods was planned according to the educational calendar. Results The mean scores of academic achievement and the teamwork behavior of students were compared. In compared groups, the effect of TMTD method on the academic achievement of students was shown. The results of means comparison tests indicated a significant difference between the two methods of teaching in the field of academic achievement and the strengthening of the teamwork behavior of students. The results of this study showed that the mean score of academic achievement and teamwork behavior of students after intervention in both courses was significantly higher than that of lecture method. As well, the effect of providing educational content by the TMTD model has been used to increase awareness and improve the performance of individuals. Discussion The paper further discussed team method implementation and its implication for teaching and proffered the way forward for effective use of teaching methods for better results in the classroom teaching and learning process.

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the barriers to application of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) technologies to sustainable of Citrus Gardens in Mazandaran Province. Population consisted of all citrus farmers in the villages of 12 county of Mazandaran province, a sample of 290 farmers was selected by using proportional random sampling method among 122361 citrus Orchardman. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire. Validity of questionnaire was determined through sustainable agriculture experts of Mazandaran County and some faculty members at University of Tehran, Department of Agricultural Extension and Educatin, Agricultural Management and Development. Cronbach’ s alpha was used to estimate the reliability (More than 0. 7). The reliability was found to be acceptable. The results of factor analysis showed that technical-informational barriers, infrastructure-institutional barriers, supporteconomical barriers, psychological barriers, management-control barriers were the five barriers to application of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) technologies to sustainable of Citrus Gardens. These factors explained 68. 27 percent of the total variance.