Research Article-en
Agricultural Economics
A. Karbasi; S. Jalalian
Abstract
AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic presented major global challenges, including a decline in per capita income growth across all income groups in 2020. The protein sector, particularly Animal-Source Foods (ASF) faced increased pressure on both supply and demand, resulting in price volatility. This study examines ...
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AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic presented major global challenges, including a decline in per capita income growth across all income groups in 2020. The protein sector, particularly Animal-Source Foods (ASF) faced increased pressure on both supply and demand, resulting in price volatility. This study examines how income shocks affected food expenditure patterns and consumption behavior, with a focus on protein-rich ASF. Utilizing the QUAIDS model, budget data from Iranian households in rural and urban areas were analyzed for 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2020 (during pandemic). The findings yield three key insights: (1) The average food expenditure share rose from 37% to 42%, with a sharper increase in rural areas; (2) Positive expenditure elasticities were observed across the six ASF groups including livestock meat, poultry, aquatic animal products, dairy, eggs, and fats, while own-price elasticities were relatively smaller; and (3) Welfare losses across ASF groups ranged from 2% to 24.2%, driven by policy imbalances, supply chain disruptions, and unequal utility distribution. Rural households experienced greater welfare losses in all ASF categories except fats. The study recommends targeted interventions: price-based support for urban areas and expanded social services for rural regions. To strengthen policy responses and enhance long-term food security, future research should assess the potential for substituting plant-based proteins as sustainable and cost-effective alternatives. These findings offer valuable guidance for policymakers aiming to improve nutritional resilience and economic stability in the post-pandemic era.
Research Article-en
Agricultural Economics
Sh. Zarif Moradin; M. Daneshvar Kakhki; M. Sabouhi Sabouni
Abstract
AbstractOne of the essential goals of societies, primarily developing and underdeveloped countries, is to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development. As vulnerable individuals in many communities’ face growing economic, environmental, and political challenges, proactive crisis management ...
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AbstractOne of the essential goals of societies, primarily developing and underdeveloped countries, is to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development. As vulnerable individuals in many communities’ face growing economic, environmental, and political challenges, proactive crisis management by governments and policymakers—aimed at increasing the productivity of key economic sectors such as agriculture—has become essential. The efficiency of the farm sector is not only crucial for ensuring national food security, but it also significantly impacts the livelihoods, incomes, and resilience of rural smallholders. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of agricultural support policies on the resilience of rural farmers in the Fariman region. The study area is the Hossein Abad Rekhneh Gol village, Iran, and the data were collected through documentation and the use of questionnaires. The Resilience Index Measurement and Analysis (RIMA) introduced by the FAO has been used to determine the resilience of rural farmers. Additionally, the distribution of subsidized fertilizers to farmers as a common agricultural support policy in the country has been chosen. The impact of this agricultural support policy on the resilience of rural farmers has been estimated using the propensity score matching method in this study. The study results indicate that households eligible to receive subsidized fertilizers have higher resilience on average compared to households that are not eligible. Based on the research findings for the study area, it is recommended that rural smallholders be prioritized in the allocation of subsidized fertilizers, which is constrained by quantity and budget limitations imposed by the government, compared to large-scale farmers. Additionally, facilitating rural farmers’ access to the available agricultural wells owned by non-private institutions can potentially improve farmers’ resiliency.
Research Article-en
Agricultural Economics
M. Molaei; M. Rashidghalam; B. Hosseinpour
Abstract
Abstract
The importance of understanding consumer engagement with digital marketing in agriculture is highlighted by the rapid evolution of digital platforms, which are transforming traditional marketing approaches. This study investigates the factors influencing consumer intentions to engage with digital ...
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Abstract
The importance of understanding consumer engagement with digital marketing in agriculture is highlighted by the rapid evolution of digital platforms, which are transforming traditional marketing approaches. This study investigates the factors influencing consumer intentions to engage with digital marketing of agricultural products in Urmia, Iran. Data were collected from 385 respondents through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using a logistic regression model. Results indicate that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, trust, information quality, and social influence positively and significantly impact engagement intentions. Demographic factors such as age (negatively), education level, and income (both positively) also play significant roles. Notably, prior online purchase experience emerged as a strong predictor of engagement intention, while price sensitivity showed a marginally significant negative effect. The study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence from a developing country context and offering a comprehensive model for understanding consumer behavior in digital agricultural marketing. Implications for marketers include developing user-friendly platforms, prioritizing trust-building mechanisms, and tailoring strategies to different demographic segments.
Research Article-en
Agricultural Economics
H. Kazmi Shabanzade Aflaki; O. Javanbakht; Kh. Alefi
Abstract
AbstractAgricultural activities are inherently riskier than other types of production and are often accompanied by inefficiencies. Therefore, studying risk and inefficiency simultaneously can help enhance productivity. The statistical population in this study consisted of rice farmers in Rasht County. ...
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AbstractAgricultural activities are inherently riskier than other types of production and are often accompanied by inefficiencies. Therefore, studying risk and inefficiency simultaneously can help enhance productivity. The statistical population in this study consisted of rice farmers in Rasht County. Based on data from the Agricultural Jihad Organization of Guilan province (2016), the total number of farmers at the time of the study was 38,763. Using Cochran’s formula, the required sample size was calculated to be 226, representing approximately 58 percent of the population. The questionnaire consisted of two parts: one focusing on the inputs used in the rice production process, and the other on the socio-economic characteristics of farmers and their farms. To simultaneously evaluate the technical efficiency and production risk of rice farmers in Rasht County in 2018, a generalized Stochastic Frontier Production (SFP) model with flexible risk properties was employed. The results of estimating production risk function showed that (i) rice production was significantly affected by land, seed and labour inputs; (ii) land, water, age, and gender variables were risk-increasing factors; (iii) seed, herbicides, machinery, farmer’s education, family size, and farming experience were risk-reducing inputs; (iv) seed, labour, membership in the agricultural cooperatives and insurance increased technical inefficiency; and (v) nitrogen fertilizer, water, gender, experience, and participation in educational and promotional programs reduce technical inefficiency in the studied area. The results of estimating technical efficiency showed that the average technical efficiency of the rice paddy field was 93.47 percent and 96.27 percent with and without a risk component, respectively. Therefore, it is clear that estimating the model without a risk component leads to biased results of technical efficiency. In conclusion, it is recommended that the risk component be considered when measuring the technical efficiency of paddy fields to achieve sound risk management and highly efficient production.
Research Article-en
Agricultural Economics
M. Ghasabi; M. Haji-Rahimi; H. Ghaderzadeh; R. Shankayi
Abstract
Abstract
Risk is an undeniable factor in agricultural activities, and its neglect can lead to inefficient resource allocation in the sector. Various theories and mathematical programming models have been developed to assist decision-making in cropping pattern management under risk conditions. This study ...
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Abstract
Risk is an undeniable factor in agricultural activities, and its neglect can lead to inefficient resource allocation in the sector. Various theories and mathematical programming models have been developed to assist decision-making in cropping pattern management under risk conditions. This study aimed to determine the optimal cropping pattern for Dehgolan Plain, Iran, using data from 2014 to 2023. A linear programming model was employed to maximize farmers' gross income, and the results were compared with those from a Quadratic Programming Model and the Minimization of Total Absolute Deviation (MOTAD) model, both incorporating risk minimization. The findings revealed that risk factors can significantly influence cropping patterns. Under the highest level of risk, the profit-maximizing cropping pattern included only cucumber, alfalfa, and canola, indicating a preference for higher gross-income crops despite their greater water requirements. However, when risk was incorporated into the model, the cultivated area of wheat and barley increased compared to the risk-neutral scenario. This shift reflects a tendency toward lower water-requirement crops, even at the cost of reduced gross income. These results highlight the necessity of balancing income maximization and risk management for more sustainable cropping pattern.
Research Article-en
Agricultural Economics
M. Shabanzadeh-Khoshrody
Abstract
Investigating food consumption patterns in rural areas of Iran is necessary to understand the state of food security and social health in the country. Identifying provinces with standard and homogeneous consumption patterns not only helps improve planning to meet food needs, but also can lead to the ...
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Investigating food consumption patterns in rural areas of Iran is necessary to understand the state of food security and social health in the country. Identifying provinces with standard and homogeneous consumption patterns not only helps improve planning to meet food needs, but also can lead to the formulation of appropriate and effective policies to address issues related to nutrition and public health. This study examined: (i) the current food consumption patterns in rural areas of Iran in 2023, compared to the standard dietary pattern; (ii) the ranking of provinces based on the similarity of their dietary patterns to the standard; (iii) the identification of similar food consumption patterns across rural regions in different provinces; and (iv) the relationship between food consumption patterns and the infrastructural, economic, and social indicators of the provinces. The methodology of this study includes statistical analysis tools, such as TOPSIS method and k-means clustering technique. The results showed that the current dietary pattern of households in rural areas of Iran mainly consists of various types of cereals, providing more than 60% of an adult's daily calorie intake. Comparing, global scale, cereals provide 50% of daily calories intake, averagely, varying from 30% to 55% and 70% in high, middle, and low-income societies, respectively. We found that food consumption in rural areas of Iran does not necessarily align with the standard pattern, meaning 28.4% lower food items than required in the standard basket, and 16% less than standard energy requirements. For instance, the consumption of bread was more than recommended level while the share of dairy products, fruits, and red meat, was 64.4%, 52.1%, and 50% lower than the recommended amount, respectively. While the dietary patterns in rural areas of six provinces - Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Markazi, Isfahan, Hamedan, Zanjan, and Mazandaran - satisfied the standard dietary. The converse evidence was observed for Hormozgan, Semnan, Kerman, North Khorasan, Ilam, and Sistan-Baluchestan. Between comparison of provinces confirmed (i) a heterogenous consumption pattern, mostly, dominated by five types of behavioral patterns; (ii) non-significant effect between consumption pattern and geographical distribution; (iii) a more desirable consumption pattern depending on more suitable infrastructure, economic, and social indicators. To deal with the undesirable consequences of calorie shortage and non-standard consumption pattern, this study suggests a comprehensive plan regulating supportive policies, public awareness, sustainable agriculture, and educational programs about nutrition and market access. Nutrition in rural regions is influenced by economic, regional, social, cultural, and individual factors, and improving dietary health necessitates addressing these interconnected elements.