Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Mohsen Aghayari Hir ¹
• Hossein Asgharpur ²
• soheyla bakhtar ³

¹ Assistant Professor of Geography and Rural Planning, University of Tabriz

² Department of Economic Science, Faculty of economics and management, university of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.

³ Department of Geography & Rural Planning, Faculty of Planning and Environmental Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.

Abstract

Food safety and health have become a crisis due to the inappropriate and indiscriminate use of Chemical inputs. Considering the importance of the subject, the present research was conducted with the aim of analyzing and identifying the most important factors affecting food security, with an emphasis on organic agriculture in Tabriz County. This research is based on a mixed approach and on practical purposes. The statistical population of this research is the expert agricultural jihad of Tabriz County. In terms of collecting information, it was done in two forms: library and field, using semi-structured interviews. The statistical sample was initially conducted using targeted sampling and then using the snowball method with 16 people until theoretical saturation was reached. Qualitative data analysis was done using the six-step theme model. MAXQDA software was used to code the interviews. The reliability of the interview was checked using the retest method (within the subject). Acceptability and verifiability methods were used to measure validity. The results of the qualitative section included eight main themes, 28 sub-themes, and 62 optional themes. Acceptability and verifiability methods were used to measure validity. The results of the qualitative section included eight main themes, 28 sub-themes, and 62 optional themes. The quantitative part of the research was conducted based on the results of the qualitative part, and a questionnaire was prepared based on 62 selective themes. And in the form of a census, it was provided to 95 people who were directly and indirectly related to the cultivation of crops. To analyze the data from the questionnaire, Structural Equation Modeling with Smart PLS3 software were used. The results showed that the policy dimensions of organic agriculture, economics, health, quality, and standard of living, optimization of production, access, and environment had the greatest impact on food security, respectively.

Highlights

Based on the results obtained, it can be stated that policymaking is one of the important factors that provides the basis for food security in the correct application of nutrition, pricing, support, and monitoring policies. Due to the importance of food security and its effect on social stability, pricing is considered one of the most important issues in the policy system. According to the opinion of the experts of the agricultural jihad of Tabriz County, this issue leads to optimizing decisions, modifying approaches, and finally accepting reasonable mechanisms in product price policy and management. which is considered one of the most important issues in providing livelihood and economic growth. The results of the surveys showed a lack of a correct pricing system that requires special policies. Some factors were reported that affect food security. The more expensive nature of these products makes not all sections of society can afford it. Therefore, if government support is provided, the price of products will also decrease. And after that, wide access to products is provided.

Keywords

• food security
• mixed approach
• organic agriculture
• Tabriz County
• Theme Analysis

Main Subjects

• Rural Planning