Strategic Potential of the Vermicompost Agribusiness in Iran: A SWOT Analysis

Authors
K. Zarafshani 1
M. Sahraee 1
M. Helms 2
1 Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Razi University, Kermanshah, Islamic Republic of Iran.
2 School of Business, Dalton State College, Dalton, GA, U. S. A.
Abstract
Vermicomposting, or using worms along with bacteria and fungi to recycle agricultural and organic wastes into nutrient-rich bio-fertilizer, has a variety of uses including protecting plants from disease. Through semi-structured in-person interviews, vermicompost practitioners across Kermanshah Province of Iran were surveyed to determine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of this emerging technology. The results provide useful implications for agricultural policymakers in general, and, in particular, for farmers who are seeking diversified sources of income. For both vermicompost practitioners and academicians alike, the SWOT analysis methodology combined with Analytic Network Process (ANP) analysis has implications for other types of agribusiness.

Keywords

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Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
Volume 17, Issue 6
November and December 2015
Pages 1393-1408