Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Assistant Professor, Department of Nature Engineering, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Yasouj University, 75918-74934, Iran
2
Associate Professor, Department of Nature Engineering, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Yasouj University, Yasouj
3
HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Vácrátót, Hungary
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify the strengths and limitations of the medicinal plant sector in
Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province from the perspective of stakeholder groups, using the SWOT
analytical method. Data were collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with experts,
producers, users, and specialists, resulting in 82 respondents selected via snowball sampling. Findings
indicated that the most important strength (weighted score: 0.31) was the province’s rich diversity of
medicinal plant species. The factor related to the presence of individuals and industries engaged in
cultivation and processing also revealed significant differences among stakeholder groups (P < 0.05). Among
weaknesses, the highest score (0.20) reflected producers’ limited market knowledge, lack of processing
industries and packaging facilities, insufficient collaboration between local communities and organizations,
low levels of investment, and weak producer associations. Producers’ lack of awareness of suitable
cultivation methods and low crop yields also differed significantly across groups (P < 0.05). Regarding
opportunities, the highest score (0.45) was linked to the province’s capacity to supply other regions, the
presence of recognized medicinal species, and considerable potential for international export. These factors
also varied significantly among stakeholders (P < 0.05). In terms of threats, the most critical issue (0.30) was
the lack of access to reliable markets and marketing channels. The overall strategic assessment placed the
province in an offensive position. Considering global growth in the use of herbal medicines and the
province’s potential to meet domestic demand and enter global markets, it is essential to leverage existing
strengths, address weaknesses, and transform threats into opportunities to strengthen the medicinal plant
sector.
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