https://jead.gau.ac.ir/ Journal of Studies in Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Agricultural Development en daily 1 Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0330 Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0330 https://jead.gau.ac.ir/article_7681.html Among the effective strategies for agricultural product production aimed at enhancing productivity is the development of greenhouse cultivation. In this context, Alborz Province possesses unique potential; however, it also faces several challenges. Accordingly, the present study aimed at strategic analysis of greenhouse cultivation development in alborz province was conducted using a mixed-methods approach. In the qualitative phase, 17 strengths, 49 weaknesses, 45 opportunities, and 42 threats were identified across four dimensions—technical-production, economic, social, and environmental—through content analysis of the perspectives of 19 experts. These individuals were selected for in-depth interviews using a purposive sampling method of snowball sampling. In the quantitative phase, SWOT analysis was performed by collecting opinions from 25 experts using a two-dimensional questionnaire to determine the significance and intensity of internal and external factors. Overall, the analysis of the internal environment indicated a total final score of -1.804, indicating that weaknesses outweighed strengths, while the analysis of the external environment showed a total final score of -1.109, signifying that threats outnumbered opportunities. Consequently, 20 strategies were extracted, including four aggressive strategies (SO), five revisional strategies (WO), four competitive strategies (ST), and seven defensive strategies (WT). The strategic space analysis revealed that the environment for greenhouse cultivation development strategies predominantly fell within the defensive realm, where strategies such as "optimizing water and energy consumption and enhancing productivity," "implementing intelligent cultivation models," "executing specialized extension programs," "utilizing modern marketing systems," "developing waste management," and "establishing insurance mechanisms" were prioritized. https://jead.gau.ac.ir/article_7682.html Bankruptcy among tourism businesses, particularly during economic and environmental crises, poses a significant challenge to the sustainable development of this industry. Examining preventive policies in this context can play a vital role in enhancing resilience and maintaining the economic dynamism of tourist destinations. This study aims to analyze the pathology of bankruptcy prevention policies in tourism businesses using a survey-based approach. The statistical population comprised academic experts, managerial personnel, and owners of tourism businesses, from whom samples were purposefully selected. After conducting 17 semi-structured interviews, theoretical saturation was achieved. The gathered data were coded using thematic analysis, and the validity was confirmed by experts, while credibility was verified through the Holsti method. Following final coding, the final model was extracted and analyzed using MaxQDA20 software. In the second phase, to analyze the relationships among constructs and design the conceptual model, Structural-Interpretive Modeling (ISM) and MicMac software were utilized. The results indicated that four factors—economic conditions, tourism infrastructure, natural capabilities, and legal factors—emerged as the most significant and influential preventive policies against bankruptcy in tourism-focused businesses, exhibiting the highest level of influence (12) and the lowest dependency (4). Accordingly, the formulation of flexible policies, reinforcement of infrastructure, and targeted financial support are key strategies for preventing bankruptcy in tourism businesses. Additionally, the strategic utilization of natural resources and the digitalization of services can ensure resilience and sustainable development within the industry. https://jead.gau.ac.ir/article_7683.html Lean agriculture serves as the cornerstone of sustainable production by minimizing resource waste and enhancing productivity. E-commerce, through direct sales, fewer intermediaries, and the use of digital platforms, further streamlines the supply chain and boosts farmers’ profitability. However, overcoming infrastructural hurdles and raising farmers’ awareness are critical to the success of this integrated approach. This study aims to identify the inhibitors of e-commerce within lean agriculture. It employs an applied research design and utilizes qualitative thematic analysis. Data were gathered from existing documents and records, alongside semi-structured interviews. Fifteen practitioners active in agricultural e-commerce were interviewed, selected via purposive sampling and snowball techniques. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the qualitative data, and credibility was established through expert review and feedback. The findings revealed 110 basic themes, 16 organizing themes, and 7 overarching themes related to e-commerce inhibitors in lean agriculture. The primary barriers identified include legal and regulatory constraints, structural and managerial weaknesses, political instability and ineffective policymaking, supply chain disruptions and digital distrust, limited market access and global connectivity, socio-cultural resistance, and deficiencies in digital technology and infrastructure. https://jead.gau.ac.ir/article_7684.html This study aimed to analyze the role of extension facilitation in rural entrepreneurship in the Kalpoosh district of Miami city. The present research is a mixed-method (qualitative-quantitative) sequential study. In the qualitative part, 12 rural experts and entrepreneurs were interviewed using the snowball method until theoretical saturation was reached. The validation of the findings was confirmed by the participants and the triangulation technique. The qualitative data were analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis. In the quantitative part of the descriptive-survey method, the required data were collected and analyzed using the non-parametric Kruskal Wallis test. The sample of the quantitative part was 182 beneficiaries who were selected using the simple random stratified sampling method. Face validity of the researcher-made questionnaire was confirmed by a group of experts and the reliability was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient (value 0.72-0.91). The findings of the study showed that seven key indicators (educational dimension, utilization of modern technology and equipment, access to information resources, social dimension, economic dimension, awareness of laws, and environmental dimension) are effective in the effectiveness of extension. Also, The effectiveness in the development of crop entrepreneurial activities is greater than that of other agricultural activities. It is recommended to develop and utilize modern technologies in horticultural activities, pay attention to environmental aspects in agricultural activities, raise awareness of laws in the livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and processing industries sectors, and hold special training courses for experts in order to enhance the role of extension facilitation in the development of rural entrepreneurship. https://jead.gau.ac.ir/article_7516.html The main objective of this research was to analyze the obstacles and strategies for the development of event-based tourism in the Qamsar rose-picking event in Kashan. The general approach of the present research was mixed and was carried out using the Delphi-fuzzy method. The study population included all experts in all relevant communities in the field of event-based tourism in the Qamsar rose-picking event in Kashan. The sampling method was purposeful snowball type and data saturation was achieved through interviews with 16 people. In the quantitative part, identification strategies were also prioritized by the experts. In order to process the data, the three-stage coding technique was used in the qualitative part and the fuzzy method was used in the quantitative part, using SPSS22 and Excel13 software. Accordingly, in the first phase of the research, 30 concepts were identified in the open coding stage, which were finally placed in 6 categories in the axial coding stage, including infrastructure, socio-cultural, managerial, marketing, economic, and political-legal barriers, and the research model was presented in the selective coding stage. Next, event-based tourism development strategies were identified in the Qamsar rose-picking event in Kashan, in which 24 codes (strategies) were identified in this section and classified into 6 categories, and then in the fuzzy (quantitative) section, scoring and prioritization were carried out, which in order of importance included strategies of political-legal (0.807), marketing (0.777), economic (0.773), managerial (0.748), infrastructure (0.740), and cultural-social (0.719). https://jead.gau.ac.ir/article_7685.html Entrepreneurial urban regeneration, as an innovative approach to sustainable urban development, requires precise identification of institutional, physical, financial, and social challenges. This qualitative exploratory study aimed to identify and analyze the challenges of entrepreneurial urban regeneration in Gorgan, using thematic analysis. The study population included urban managers, decision-makers, and active investors in urban projects. Seventy participants were purposefully selected for interviews. The collected data were categorized through three stages of coding: open, axial, and selective. The significance of themes was determined based on frequency and intensity of focus. Findings reveal that the main challenges are concentrated in institutional, financial, infrastructural, and physical domains, accounting for over 36% of total occurrences. Key issues such as lack of institutional cohesion, weak physical management, and deficiencies in the financial system were rated as “high importance” with “very high intensity,” requiring urgent intervention. Structural and functional challenges, including social participation and innovation, represented 53% and were classified as “moderate importance,” suggesting a need for mid-term reforms. Software, educational, and environmental components accounted for approximately 42%, falling into the “low” and “very low” importance categories, and despite their complementary role, have been marginalized in policy-making. To enhance entrepreneurial urban regeneration in Gorgan, establishing an inter-organizational coordinating body and developing financial, legal, and technological infrastructures alongside support for innovation and flexible urban design is essential. https://jead.gau.ac.ir/article_7686.html Global agricultural production methods are predominantly based on a linear economy, where natural resources are disposed of as waste after use. This process not only leads to environmental pollution but also causes the depletion of natural resources. In contrast, the circular economy (CE) emerges as a novel alternative, emphasizing optimal resource utilization and waste reduction through leasing, reuse, and recycling. This quantitative study aims to investigate the influence of barriers, pressures, and enablers on farmers' behavior regarding the adoption of CE practices, specifically in recycling agricultural and horticultural waste in Western Iran. The statistical population comprised all farmers generating agricultural/horticultural waste in the western region of the country. A stratified random sample of 384 farmers was selected. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire, validated by five experts, and its reliability was confirmed using Cronbach's Alpha and composite reliability. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) results indicated that pressures (γ= 0.42) and enablers (γ= 0.258) have a significant positive effect on farmers' recycling behavior. Conversely, barriers (γ=-0.158) exerted a significant negative influence. The coefficient of determination (R2) for recycling behavior was 0.29, signifying the explanatory power of the exogenous variables on farmers' waste recycling behavior. These findings highlight the critical roles of external influences and obstacles and should inform the design of effective interventions to promote waste recycling behavior in agriculture, particularly concerning crop and orchard residues. https://jead.gau.ac.ir/article_7258.html This study examines the comparative advantage and private and social profitability of major crop production in Gorgan County during the 2022-2023 cropping season using the Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM). The required data were obtained from the production cost database of the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad, the FAO, and the NETWAT software. The indices analyzed include Domestic Resource Cost (DRC), Nominal Protection Coefficient (NPC), Effective Protection Coefficient (EPC), private profitability, and Net Social Profitability (NSP). The results indicate that, based on the DRC index, the production of high-yield rice, premium rice, soybeans, wheat, and canola has a comparative advantage, whereas cotton and potato production lack this advantage. The NPC index reflects indirect subsidies for the producers of all crops except rice farmers.Furthermore, the EPC index shows that the government supports the input and output markets for all crops except premium rice. According to the NSP index, soybean, wheat, and canola production have positive social profitability, while cotton and potato production exhibit negative social profitability. Rice production demonstrates the highest private and social profitability, with high-yield rice outperforming premium rice in private profitability due to higher yields and lower costs. Based on the findings, the production or expansion of soybean, wheat, and canola cultivation is recommended, while increasing the cultivation area of potatoes and cotton is not advisable under current conditions. It is advised that regional cropping patterns be designed and implemented with due consideration of the comparative advantage and private and social profitability of agricultural crop production. https://jead.gau.ac.ir/article_7687.html The sustainability of rural home-based businesses is recognized as an effective strategy for poverty alleviation, economic empowerment of households, and prevention of rural migration. Achieving this sustainability requires precise identification of key drivers influencing the utilization of support facilities. This study aims to identify the critical factors contributing to the stabilization of rural home-based businesses supported by financial aid in Golestan Province. Employing a descriptive-analytical method and a futures studies approach, the research targeted two main groups: business and entrepreneurship experts, and rural home-based business owners who had received support. A total of 50 participants were selected purposefully based on professional criteria. Data collection was conducted using a researcher-developed questionnaire, derived from 20 final indicators identified through the Delphi method. The matrix-based questionnaire assessed interrelations among indicators using a scoring scale from zero to three. Data were recorded in Excel and analyzed structurally using MICMAC software. Findings revealed that three internal factors—“easy access to local microfinance funds,” “flexible repayment plans aligned with seasonal income,” and “role modeling of successful villagers” each with a score of 586, had the highest direct impact. Among external factors, “facilitating access to bank loans” (score: 544), “targeted allocation of credits,” and “establishment of collective product dispatch centers” (score: 527) were identified as the most influential. Based on these results, strengthening local financial institutions, designing seasonal repayment models, and developing marketing and cultural infrastructure are essential for the long-term sustainability of rural home-based businesses. https://jead.gau.ac.ir/article_7688.html Sustainable rural development requires the identification of strategic factors that contribute to the empowerment of local communities. Cluster-based development plans, with a forward-looking approach, can pave the way for improving quality of life and enhancing social resilience. This study was conducted to identify and evaluate the key drivers influencing the empowerment of local communities within the framework of cluster-based development plans in Kurdistan Province.This research is applied and exploratory in nature and was carried out using a survey method. The statistical population consisted of facilitators, leading local communities, and expert specialists, of whom 60 individuals were purposefully selected. Data were collected through a researcher-designed questionnaire based on 16 indicators finalized using the focus group technique. Structural analysis of the most influential indicators was performed using cross-impact analysis with the MICMAC software to determine the degree of influence and dependency of each indicator on the feasibility of the plan. The findings revealed that four indicators “targeted training and enhancement of local communities’ skills in line with rural capacities,” “provision of low-interest loans accompanied by supportive packages,” “systematic community-based facilitation and engagement of rural leaders in monitoring,” and “empowerment through diversification of income sources” had the highest impact on community empowerment within the studied cluster-based rural development programs. Accordingly, continuous implementation of community-based training and skill development tailored to local capacities should be prioritized. Furthermore, integrating financial and credit facilities with supportive packages and local institutionalization can foster sustainable empowerment and enhance the economic resilience of rural communities. https://jead.gau.ac.ir/article_7689.html Despite the rich potential of indigenous handicrafts in Savadkuh County, these businesses face serious challenges such as declining demand, weak innovation and marketing, and the lack of a localized development model. Although increasing emphasis has been placed on the creative economy as a framework for linking culture and economic development, a significant research gap remains regarding integrated models for developing indigenous handicraft businesses within cultural tourism. This study aims to identify the factors influencing the development of these businesses through a creative economy approach to promote cultural tourism in Savadkuh County. The research adopted a qualitative approach using thematic analysis. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 19 experts and specialists in art, handicrafts, tourism, and culture. Participants were selected based on relevant academic qualifications, professional experience (minimum three years), and practical expertise. Theoretical saturation was reached after the fifteenth interview. The analysis identified 36 basic themes, 12 organizing themes, and 6 global themes: “Product and Design Innovation,” “Creative Marketing and Product Introduction,” “Creative Tourism and Participatory Experience,” “Local Empowerment and Skill Development,” “Cultural Networking and Collaboration,” and “Creative Economy and Cultural Sustainability.” The study’s contribution is presenting an integrated, localized framework explaining the dynamic interaction among these six dimensions. Unlike previous studies that merely listed factors, this research proposes a model of creative interaction among innovation, culture, the market, and the local community. Its main theoretical implication is the conceptualization of a “localized creative economy” as a model for simultaneous economic value creation and cultural reproduction in less-developed regions. https://jead.gau.ac.ir/article_7690.html Family handicraft businesses, despite their undeniable role in preserving cultural heritage, creating employment, and linking with tourism, face the risk of decline and obsolescence due to the lack of systematic succession planning programs. However, limited research has addressed the factors influencing succession in this sector. Aiming to fill this gap, the present study sought to identify, hierarchically structure, and determine the positions of key factors influencing the development of family handicraft businesses based on a succession approach in Dezful County. This study employed a mixed-methods design. In the qualitative phase, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 24 experts and practitioners in the handicraft sector in Dezful County; thematic analysis was then used to extract 10 key factors. In the quantitative phase, Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and MICMAC analysis were applied. The findings revealed that “technical skill assessment” and “managerial and motivational skill assessment” acts as independent, root driving factors that provide the basis for developing capable successors and guide other factors. “Technical and managerial training,” “participation in operational and strategic decision-making,” and “performance and quality evaluation” play intermediary and linking roles, while “market development” and “product and service innovation” were identified as dependent factors, and “consolidation of position and independent growth” was recognized as the most dependent factor and the final output of the system. Systematic implementation of this framework can preserve the authenticity and traditional skills of handicrafts, ensure successful intergenerational transfer, and contribute to the sustainable socio-economic development of rural and underprivileged areas.