Developing and Prioritizing Strategies for Sustainable Greenhouse Agribusiness: A Case Study in Hamedan Province, Iran

Sahel Gholami Jalal, Saeid Karimi (), Yaser Mohammadi, Ahmad Yaghoubi Farani and Genovaitė Liobikienė ()
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Sahel Gholami Jalal: Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan 6517833131, Iran
Saeid Karimi: Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan 6517833131, Iran
Yaser Mohammadi: Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan 6517833131, Iran
Ahmad Yaghoubi Farani: Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of Agriculture, University College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj 7787131587, Iran
Genovaitė Liobikienė: Department of Environmental Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy, Studentų str. 11, LT-53361 Akademija, Lithuania

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 11, 1-25

Abstract: Sustainability in agribusiness is pivotal for addressing environmental challenges and ensuring long-term agricultural productivity, particularly in resource-constrained regions. This descriptive and exploratory study aims to develop and prioritize strategies to enhance the sustainability of greenhouse agribusiness in Hamedan Province, Iran, offering practical insights for policymakers and practitioners. We employed a comprehensive approach, integrating a systematic literature review with semi-structured interviews conducted with 18 purposively selected experts, including university faculty, agricultural researchers, and sector managers. Through SWOT analysis, we identified key internal strengths (e.g., year-round production potential) and weaknesses (e.g., high energy consumption), as well as external opportunities (e.g., access to export markets) and threats (e.g., reliance on imports). The analysis revealed that the most effective strategies for promoting sustainable greenhouse development are predominantly defensive, focusing on mitigating internal weaknesses and external threats. Using the TOWS matrix, we developed and prioritized strategic recommendations, including policy frameworks for organic production, a national sustainability support program, and cooperative marketing initiatives to improve market access. These strategies can serve as a roadmap for enhancing greenhouse sustainability in Hamedan and offer a replicable framework for similar semi-arid regions facing comparable challenges.

Keywords: sustainability; agribusiness; greenhouses; SWOT analysis; TOWS matrix; Iran (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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