A Hybrid SWOT-QSPM Framework for Enhancing the Medicinal Plants Value Chain in Delfan County

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Delfan County, located in Lorestan Province, has significant biodiversity and climatic advantages, making it well-suited for the production of these plants. However, the value chain or these products in the region is predominantly halted at the primary production stage, with structured processing, packaging, and marketing segments having a minimal share. This research aimed to analyze the value chain of medicinal plants in Delfan County and formulate strategies for its development.
Materials and Methods: This applied research utilized a descriptive-analytical approach. The statistical population consisted of 5,400 stakeholders in the medicinal plant value chain of Delfan County, categorized into three groups: farmers, intermediaries, and experts. The sample size was determined as 357 individuals using the Cochran formula for a finite population and selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The instrument's validity was confirmed by expert opinion, and its reliability was verified using Cronbach's alpha coefficient (>0.7). Data analysis was performed using Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA), SWOT matrix, and Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM).
Results: The most significant strengths identified included climatic diversity, potential for organic cultivation, and farmers' indigenous knowledge. Conversely, the absence of processing industries, a high rate of raw product sales (78.3%), and a weak marketing system were among the primary weaknesses. Based on the SWOT matrix, strategies such as developing processing industries, establishing contract farming, forming local cooperatives, and creating a regional brand were proposed.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that implementing integrated value chain management and strengthening processing and marketing links can lead to a 45% increase in added value, the creation of 250 new jobs, and a 30% increase in exports. This lays the groundwork for sustainable development and enhances the competitive position of Delfan's medicinal plants in national and international markets.

Keywords

References

منابع
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Strategic Value Chain Management
Volume 2, Issue 2 - Serial Number 5
Research papers
August 2025
Pages 141-168

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History

  • Receive Date: 26 August 2025
  • Revise Date: 18 September 2025
  • Accept Date: 26 September 2025
  • Publish Date: 23 July 2025

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