Research Article-en
Agricultural Economics
H. Hashemzadeh; N. Yousefian; S. Esfandiari Bahraseman; A. Karbasi; A. Firoozzare
Abstract
Urban retail markets are state-owned retail markets that were recently established in Iran to increase the welfare of consumers and producers. To achieve this goal and expand its presence in the Iranian retail sector, it is essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of consumer behavior within these ...
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Urban retail markets are state-owned retail markets that were recently established in Iran to increase the welfare of consumers and producers. To achieve this goal and expand its presence in the Iranian retail sector, it is essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of consumer behavior within these markets. This study examines the various socio-economic factors influencing consumers' decisions in the retail market by using the C4.5 algorithm. The data were collected using a random sampling method through a survey of 189 consumers, focusing on the population of Mashhad, Iran, during 2019-2020. Results revealed that awareness of available discounts significantly drives consumer choices in urban retail markets. Despite existing discounts, awareness among consumers remains low, suggesting a need to review promotional strategies within the marketing mix. The study also identifies previous purchases from urban markets, household income, and education as influential factors. Findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, market strategists, and stakeholders seeking to enhance the effectiveness of local retail markets in Iran. By leveraging insights into consumer behavior and market dynamics, these markets can thrive, benefiting Iran's retail sector and overall economy. Following the study, recommendations such as enhanced promotional campaigns, education-oriented strategies, loyalty programs, collaborations with local producers, and inclusive marketing policies was made aim to improve access for all consumers to urban retail markets.
Research Article-en
Agricultural Economics
F. Vajdi Hokm Abad; H. Rafiee; A.H. Chizari; S. Yazdani; S.S. Hosseini
Abstract
In contemporary marketing, maintaining and enhancing customer loyalty toward a company's products or services has become a primary focus. Among the factors influencing customer loyalty is ethical marketing, a field of applied ethics related to the principles governing behavior, advertising, and regulation ...
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In contemporary marketing, maintaining and enhancing customer loyalty toward a company's products or services has become a primary focus. Among the factors influencing customer loyalty is ethical marketing, a field of applied ethics related to the principles governing behavior, advertising, and regulation in marketing. Over the past two decades, ethical consumerism has grown in importance due to increasing social and environmental concerns. This study examines the impact of ethical components on Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) for dairy product consumers in Tehran in 2023. A total of 710 questionnaires were completed, and the GWRFM method was employed to extract the necessary information for calculating CLV. The results revealed a high frequency of clusters with low lifetime value. In the subsequent phase, multinomial logit regression was utilized to analyze the effect of ethical components on CLV, highlighting the significant positive impact of adherence to industry regulations and acceptance of social responsibility. Therefore, it is recommended that stakeholders in the dairy industry assure customers of their compliance with regulations and social responsibility to elevate them to higher-value clusters and foster loyalty. By respecting ethical norms, a substantial portion of consumers of cheese, yogurt, and ayran products may transition toward becoming valuable customers in this sector.
Research Article-en
Agricultural Economics
S. Sadafi Abkenar; A.H. Chizari; H. Rafiee; H. Salami
Abstract
Iran Mercantile Exchange is striving to become a regional hub for price discovery of essential commodities and raw materials, providing producers with financial instruments and risk management tools. This study investigates the optimal hedge ratio in future and commodity deposit receipts (spot) contracts ...
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Iran Mercantile Exchange is striving to become a regional hub for price discovery of essential commodities and raw materials, providing producers with financial instruments and risk management tools. This study investigates the optimal hedge ratio in future and commodity deposit receipts (spot) contracts for Round Fandoghi pistachios. Using the BEKK-VAR-TARCH model, the impact of seasonal and daily volatility on returns and hedge ratios was assessed over the period from 19 October 2018 to 18 January 2022. The results showed that volatility on specific days of the week and during different seasons affect speculative and investment decisions in the commodity exchange. Particularly, sharp volatility during certain periods can lead to significant changes in returns and hedge ratios. These findings suggest that investors should update their investment strategies based on seasonal and daily volatilities. Additionally, the importance of utilizing financial instruments suited to market conditions for managing existing risks was confirmed. Ultimately, investors, speculators, and policymakers in the commodity exchange are advised to pay special attention to temporal changes and existing volatilities when composing their investment portfolios and adjusting hedge strategies. Furthermore, the use of futures contracts and derivative instruments is recommended as risk management approaches. This study contributes to a better understanding of volatility behavior and offers strategies for improved risk management in the Round Fandoghi pistachio market.
Research Article-en
Agricultural Economics
Z. Zarei Dastgerdi; Kh. Kalantari; A. Asadi
Abstract
The agricultural sector in developing countries plays an important role in promoting national development and rational policy making and strategic planning to advance the sustainable development of this sector are of main concerns of the relevant institutional actors. In this regard, the current research ...
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The agricultural sector in developing countries plays an important role in promoting national development and rational policy making and strategic planning to advance the sustainable development of this sector are of main concerns of the relevant institutional actors. In this regard, the current research was conducted with the aim of identifying scenarios of sustainable agricultural development in the catchment area of Zayandeh River in Isfahan province. The present research was applied, of descriptive-survey type. The statistical population was experts related to agricultural development in the province. To collect data, library sources, questionnaires and interviews were used. Delphi method and interviews with elites and executives were used to identify the primary components and drivers effective on the sustainable development of agriculture in the Zayandeh River watershed of Isfahan province. The snowball technique was used to select the experts. Finally, 8 key drivers were identified and separated in order to explain the research variables in a strategic format. Based on this, in the section related to the expression of research priorities in two direct and indirect modes, these 8 key factors have been repeated in different priorities. Questionnaires were distributed among 25 experts. In this study, five plausible scenarios were identified for forecasting the future of sustainable agricultural development by considering potential outcomes based on key factors and their similarities or differences across the categories of favorable, static, and critical scenarios. Based on their total scores, which range from 85 to 109, two scenarios were identified as the most likely: one favorable scenario and one critical scenario.
Research Article-en
Agricultural Economics
M. Haji-Rahimi; P. Alizadeh; F. Sharifi
Abstract
The broiler chicken industry is a vital agricultural subsector in Kurdistan Province, Iran, with 716 production units in the province and a 5% growth from 2019 to 2024. However, there is no study to evaluate the comparative advantage indices or competitive capacity of broiler chicken production in Kurdistan ...
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The broiler chicken industry is a vital agricultural subsector in Kurdistan Province, Iran, with 716 production units in the province and a 5% growth from 2019 to 2024. However, there is no study to evaluate the comparative advantage indices or competitive capacity of broiler chicken production in Kurdistan Province. This study aims to assess these factors using the Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM) for 2023. Findings indicate that Kurdistan Province has a comparative advantage in broiler chicken production, as shown by the Domestic Resource Cost (DRC) ratio and Social Benefit-Cost Ratio (SBCR), across all production capacities. The Nominal Protection Coefficient (NPC) for the product reveals that the market price of live broiler chicken is lower than its shadow price, effectively imposing indirect taxation on producers. Conversely, the NPC for inputs shows that input shadow prices exceed market prices, suggesting indirect subsidies for poultry inputs. The Effective Protection Coefficient (EPC), which combines these effects, indicates effective government support for the industry. Competitiveness indices suggest that broiler chicken production in Kurdistan Province is viable both domestically and internationally. The findings suggest that the broiler chicken industry of Kurdistan could compete in regional markets, particularly Iraq market, even without supportive policies in form of input subsidies, provided price suppression is eliminated and market-based pricing is implemented. Thereby, this study suggested transitioning from interventionist policies to establishing a transparent and competitive market infrastructure to ensure sustainable growth in broiler chicken production.
Research Article-en
Agricultural Economics
M. Bahrami Nasab; A. Firoozzare; A. Dourandish; M. Sabouhi; M. Ghorbani
Abstract
Groundwater is a vital resource for agriculture in arid regions which its over-extraction has led to significant challenges of declining water levels and increased scarcity. This study addresses the urgent need for sustainable groundwater management by employing an inclusive group decision-making approach ...
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Groundwater is a vital resource for agriculture in arid regions which its over-extraction has led to significant challenges of declining water levels and increased scarcity. This study addresses the urgent need for sustainable groundwater management by employing an inclusive group decision-making approach involving diverse stakeholders, with a focus on farmers. Overlooking the participation of farmers in the decision-making approach led to ineffective policies. Utilizing Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods, specifically the fuzzy Shannon entropy and Fuzzy TOPSIS techniques, the research prioritizes strategies for reducing groundwater consumption in the Safi-Abad region of North Khorasan, Iran. Qualitative data from stakeholder interviews provided insights into the challenges and opportunities related to groundwater use, revealing two primary strategies: (i) transitioning to low water-demand crops; and (ii) adopting modern irrigation systems. These approaches not only promise significant reductions in water usage but also support sustainable agricultural practices. The findings highlighted the importance of stakeholder collaboration in implementing effective water management policies, ensuring responsible resource use, and securing long-term viability. This study served as a model for future research, advocating for mixed methods integrating qualitative and quantitative analyses to inform policy recommendations and improve water resource management.