Applying multi-criteria decision making method to analyze stability and mechanization patterns in small farms

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze stability and mechanization patterns in small-scale farms in Khuzestan province, Iran, and their implications for productivity and profitability. The objectives were to assess the sustainability level of farmers, determine the stability level of the farms, identify the optimal mechanization pattern, and evaluate the implications of moving towards sustainability. To achieve these objectives, the research employed multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods, which allowed for the assessment of multiple criteria and the evaluation of various alternatives. The study focused on farmers and operators managing small farms below 5 ha in Karoon and Behbahan counties, with a sample size of 48 farmers. The findings of the study indicated that the majority of farmers (75.7%) fell into the “very little” sustainability group, indicating significant challenges in terms of stability and mechanization. Only a small percentage of farmers (0.5%) were classified as having a “high” sustainability level. The average stability level among the sample was 18.09, with a range from 7.98 to 79.89. The study also identified the optimal mechanization pattern for the study region, which required an increase in the availability of necessary tools. The ideal planning model suggested that moving towards sustainability would involve specializing in specific products that align with the region's facilities. This specialization would reduce tool variety and eliminate some tools from the current model. Additionally, the study found that implementing the optimal mechanization pattern would result in a gross return of 4.2 billion Rials, indicating increased productivity and profitability. In conclusion, small-scale farms in Khuzestan province face various obstacles that affect their productivity and profitability. By analyzing stability and mechanization patterns using MCDM methods, this study highlighted the need for increased sustainability and identified the optimal mechanization pattern for the region. The implications of moving towards sustainability include reduced tool variety, specialization in specific products, and increased gross returns. These findings can guide policymakers and farmers in improving the productivity and profitability of small-scale farms.