Identification of Digital Agriculture Development Strategies in Kermanshah Province: Application of Meta-SWOT Technique

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Postdoctoral of Agricultural Education, Agricultural Extension and Education, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.

2 Professor of Agricultural Extension and Education, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran

Abstract

Today, the biggest global issue and problem, especially in developing countries like Iran, is food security. Digitalization of agriculture can overcome the challenges of food insecurity to a large extent by increasing the productivity of production factors security. Digitalization but the acceptance and development of these technologies is not as expected. This research was conducted to identify digital agriculture development strategies in Kermanshah province in a descriptive-analytical manner. The data were collected through interviews and questionnaires and analyzed using Meta-SWOT software. The participants in the research were 16 experts in the agricultural sector who were selected in a purposeful-standard way. According to the results, "diversity of agricultural, horticultural, fishery and animal husbandry activities in the development of digital agriculture" was highly important. The results of the investigation of environmental factors also showed that "lack of computer literacy among farmers"; "a small number of specialist experts"; "Inadequacy of faculty members specializing in technology" and a "lack of prioritizing the development of digital technology and it's training" are the most powerful and influential barriers to the development of digital agriculture in the province. Based on the strategic map, three important strategies for the development of digital agriculture, "drafting a specific plan and law with an urgent declaration in line with the development of digital agriculture"; "Quantitative and qualitative development of technical and social knowledge and skills of agricultural sector operators" and "Monitoring and supporting experts in promoting and training them in line with the development of technologies." It is suggested that while facilitating the infrastructure, necessary planning should be done to train and familiarize managers, experts, and farmers with technology through educational programs and software as well as popular media. Cultivation in the field of the impact of agricultural digital technologies on food security can also be effective in the acceptance of technology by farmers, which needs to be considered in training.

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Main Subjects

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Geography and Development
Volume 23, Issue 81
October 2025
Pages 31-62

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History

  • Receive Date: 23 April 2024
  • Revise Date: 15 March 2025
  • Accept Date: 08 April 2025

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