Strategic planning for cultivation of fruit trees and shrubs in urban landscapes using the SWOT method: A case study for the city of Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

In urban landscape planning, using or not-using fruitful trees and shrubs as part of urban agriculture is a significant challenge. This study evaluated the important factors affecting cultivation of fruitful shrubs and trees in urban landscapes. It also utilized these factors in developing effective strategies for cultivation of these groups of plants in landscaping of the metropolitan city of Mashhad, Iran. It would be crucial for urban landscape managers and decision-makers to understand the relative importance of the affecting factors and to develop effective planning strategies for using these groups of plants in urban landscaping. To support their decision making process, a SWOT analysis approach was applied. Twelve factors and their relative weighting were examined through focus group interviews. This was followed by a semi-structured questionnaire survey with landscape decision makers in the city of Mashhad. The results suggested a range of SWOT strategies among which Strength-Threat (ST) strategies were the most important strategies. These ST strategies should be applied in productive cultivation of trees and shrubs in landscape development in the city of Mashhad. One of the main strategies which might be applicable for urban agriculture development in developing countries is using germplasms of native fruit trees with low water requirements. Using native species leads to sustainable use of local water and soil resources that are critical in these countries, such as the countries in the Middle East, on the benefit of employing more labors that are relatively cheap. This can also improve satisfaction of the society with reduction in unemployment rates.