Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research

Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research

Designing a Market-Oriented Agricultural Extension System in Yazd Province

Document Type : Reserch Paper

Author
Amir Reza Rezaei
Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
10.22059/ijaedr.2026.415938.669437
Abstract
Agricultural extension systems in arid regions must respond simultaneously to resource scarcity, fragmented institutions, market volatility, and the limited bargaining power of smallholders. This study designed a context-specific Market-Oriented Agricultural Extension (MOAE) system for Yazd province, Iran, using Soft Systems Methodology (SSM). Empirical material was generated during a two-day participatory workshop with 29 agricultural extension and development experts purposively selected for their professional experience. Workshop statements were thematically organized and examined through rich-picture development, CATWOE analysis, root definition, conceptual modeling, comparison with the perceived real-world situation, and identification of feasible and desirable changes. The analysis identified interdependent needs related to local needs assessment, market and value chain development, multi-actor coordination, human and social capital, knowledge integration, private advisory services, institutional continuity, investment, and market risk management. The resulting design comprises three interacting subsystems: extension–farmer–market–consumer interaction; policy, regulation, and support; and research, education, and adaptive learning. Five implementation principles connect these subsystems: human and social capital development; market responsiveness and value-chain orientation; decentralized and accountable governance; multi-actor networking and adaptive learning; and risk management and smallholder inclusion. The study contributes a system-design perspective to the MOAE literature by showing how SSM can translate an ill-structured regional problem into a locally differentiated institutional architecture. The model remains conceptual and should be validated with farmers, value-chain actors, financial institutions, and consumers before pilot implementation.
Keywords
Market-Oriented Agricultural Extension
Soft Systems Methodology
Agricultural innovation systems
Decentralized governance
Value chains
Arid regions
Yazd province
Subjects
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Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research
Volume 57, Issue 2
Summer 2026
Pages 405-424