Document Type : Research article
Authors
1
Corresponding Author, Assistant Prof., Forests and Rangelands Research Department, Kurdistan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, ( AREEO), Sanandaj, Iran
2
Assistant Prof., Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran
3
Associate Prof., Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran
4
Prof., Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran
5
Assistant Prof., Forests and Rangelands Research Department, Kurdistan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, ( AREEO), Sanandaj, Iran
10.22092/ijfpr.2023.361640.2093
Abstract
Background and objectives: In light of projections indicating a growing demand for wood in the forthcoming years and the initiation of a plan to cease the exploitation of the Hyrcanian forests from 2019, the inadequacy of wood essential for the country's wood industry has emerged as a paramount challenge. The escalation in the exchange rate has rendered wood imports insufficient to cater to the nation's entire needs, underscoring the imperative to elevate wood cultivation levels as a primary solution. Despite the relatively modest expanse of poplar plantations and wood cultivation in Kurdistan province, the conducive conditions of ample rainfall and the presence of numerous seasonal and permanent rivers render it a viable area for expansion. Consequently, it becomes crucial to identify and effectively manage the obstacles and challenges impeding the development of wood cultivation in Kurdistan province.
Methodology: This study focused on wood plantations and management strategies in Kurdistan province. A comprehensive questionnaire, encompassing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to the development of wood farming in Kurdistan province, was meticulously prepared and finalized. The geographical boundaries of Kurdistan province served as the system's perimeter for the identification and categorization of these four key components. Employing purposeful sampling, experts well-versed in the research topic were deliberately chosen for their valuable insights. A total of 60 informed experts and local stakeholders, determined in accordance with Cochran's formula with a 10% error rate, actively participated in the review and scoring of the SWOT analysis questionnaire for wood farming in Kurdistan province, utilizing a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5 points. The collected data, including the questionnaire results and SWAT analysis scores, were meticulously entered into an Excel program. Subsequently, total points for each item were calculated, followed by the determination of averages and relative weights for each of the four subsections of the SWAT analysis. Building on the average scores for strengths and weaknesses (internal organization) as well as opportunities and threats (external organization), the management strategy was discerned through the utilization of the Space Matrix and Strategic Action tools for wood farming in the province. This determined management strategy served as the foundation for the development of strategic plans spanning a period of 10 to 15 years, meticulously crafted to optimize wood farming in Kurdistan province.
Results: According to the research findings, there are 16 strengths, 22 weaknesses, 15 opportunities, and 8 threats identified for the development of wood farming in Kurdistan province. The results highlight the most significant strength and opportunity for wood farming development in Kurdistan: "3000 kilometers of seasonal and permanent rivers in the province" and "the increasing demand from wood and paper industries for wood raw materials," respectively. Conversely, the most critical weakness and threat for wood farming in the province are identified as the "long harvest period of wood (economic age over 8 years) and the lack of income during this period" and "climate change leading to a reduction in annual rainfall and surface water." Local stakeholders emphasized that "the increase in demand for wood in other Iranian provinces (due to the lack of conversion industries in Kurdistan province)" stands out as a pivotal opportunity for the development of wood farming. Based on these findings, the conservative strategy (with a position of -19.67; 25.14) was endorsed in the second quarter of the coordinate system. Consequently, four long-term programs were formulated to optimize wood farming development in Kurdistan province: 1) Ensuring the annual pre-purchase of wood from farmers, 2) providing support and allocating facilities for the development of wood cultivation in the province, 3) promoting wood farming and increasing community participation, and 4) enhancing the province's infrastructure and fostering the growth of wood-related industries.
Conclusion: Recognizing the crucial significance of advancing wood farming in Kurdistan province, it is imperative to underscore and strategically plan the following short-term initiatives: 1- Construction of a Wood Industry Factory, 2- Cooperative and Local Organization Engagement, 3- Technical Involvement of Natural Resources Experts, 4- Formation of Trade Union Cooperatives, 5- Guaranteed Wood Purchase Opportunities, 6- Wood Farming Festival, and 7- Infrastructure Enhancement and Industry Development.
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