ارائه مدل پارادایمی ارتقاء بهره ‏مندی کشاورزان خرده‏ مالک از سیاست‏‏ های عمومی بخش کشاورزی؛ مطالعه موردی استان کرمانشاه

Introduction

In addition to safeguarding food security, smallholders engage in rational economic decision-making and contribute substantially to overall economic growth. Consequently, a fundamental enhancement of smallholder farming is essential to meeting the sustainable development goals and cultivating food systems that are healthier, more equitable, and sustainable. However, smallholder farmers are confronted with a range of challenges. Given the formidable obstacles smallholders face and the critical role that smallholder agriculture plays in overall food security, the formulation and execution of robust public policies in the agricultural sector are essential. Such policies help cultivate a supportive business environment and maintain sustainable production within smallholder agriculture, thereby bolstering food security. In this context, public policy encompasses the array of governmental actions—implemented either directly or indirectly by public institutions—that significantly influence the everyday lives of citizens.

Nonetheless, policy measures intended to support smallholder farmers often fail to correspond with their actual needs and circumstances. The intricacy of administrative procedures can further impede these farmers, limiting their ability to fully access and benefit from government support. Such administrative intricacies often hinder the capacity of smallholder farmers to actively engage in the policymaking process, thereby limiting their ability to effectively champion their own interests and priorities. Considering the inherent constraints faced by smallholder farmers and the deficiencies in prior research, it is essential to systematically examine the obstacles that inhibit this group from benefiting fully from public agricultural policies, and to propose viable mechanisms for resolving these challenges. In this context, the present study aims to analyze the barriers preventing smallholder farmers in Kermanshah Province from reaping the benefits of agricultural public policies, in the areas of infrastructure, extension, finance, market access, input, and risk management.



Methodology

Given the limited body of research examining the effectiveness of public policies on smallholder agriculture, this study employed a grounded theory methodology to investigate the issue. The unit of analysis for this research comprises smallholder farmers in Kermanshah Province who own less than five hectares of land—a group identified through analytical induction and theoretical sampling. Data analysis and interpretation were undertaken using a three-stage coding process. Overall, this methodological approach yielded 75 open codes and 21 axial codes.



Results and discussion

The smallholder farmers interviewed typically belong to families with more than five members. The "Production Leap in Rainfed Areas" plan, implemented to enhance the productivity of smallholder agriculture in Kermanshah Province, has partially fulfilled farmers' needs, particularly in terms of input provision. However, according to interviews, the extension services generally fail the farmers' needs as they are either irrelevant in the interventions they develop or focus on. The smallholder farmers' limited financial capacity often precludes them from affording the agricultural inputs and equipment recommended during training sessions. The available infrastructure projects, including irrigation systems, are also seldom appropriate for small-scale plots of land. Access to finance remains limited because the elaborate application procedures, stringent collateral assessments, and a lack of inclusive financial mechanisms collectively prevent many smallholders from securing the necessary loans. In this regard, one of the smallholder farmers who wanted to establish a greenhouse said: “Due to insufficient capital to both establish and operate a greenhouse, I sought a bank loan for financing. However, the bank required collateral to secure the repayment of the loan—a requirement that I was unable to meet, ultimately leading me to abandon the venture”. Moreover, market access poses substantial challenges, primarily due to the power of middlemen.

The interviews revealed that the limited benefits smallholder farmers derive from public agricultural policies can be attributed to three main factors: a policy-making system inadequately aligned with smallholder needs, the challenges imposed by small landholdings, and a lack of effective organization of the smallholders. In addition, the prevalent top-down approach and the evident bias among government officials toward large-scale farmers have amplified feelings of marginalization among smallholders and deepened the perceived gap between officials and the small producers. The interview analysis revealed that the enhanced focus on smallholder farmers during the Jihad-e-Sazandegi period (1979–2001) can be understood through nine overarching dimensions. These include: (1) the sensitivity of Jihadists to the social and cultural needs of farmers; (2) the establishment of close, personal relationships with the farming community; (3) the cultivation of an optimistic and hopeful outlook; (4) a conscientious commitment to responsibility and diligent follow-up; (5) the adoption of a bottom-up, empowerment-oriented approach in planning; (6) the agile and flexible organizational structure of Jihad-e-Sazandegi; (7) the promotion of humility coupled with active interaction and the formation of working groups; (8) a pronounced inclination among Jihadists to serve the underprivileged; and (9) the prompt and efficient implementation of programs. This detailed categorization not only reflects the multi-dimensional strategies employed during that period but also underscores the critical role of adaptive and inclusive practices in addressing the unique needs of smallholder farmers.

Conclusion

The current situation raises critical questions regarding the inclusivity and responsiveness of current agricultural policies. It underscores the need for a more bottom-up approach that recognizes the unique constraints of small-scale farming and fosters organizational structures that empower all farmers, ensuring that policy frameworks are truly reflective of the diverse realities on the ground. Effective farmer support programs necessitate a comprehensive suite of reforms underpinned by inclusive, adaptive policies. This involves streamlining administrative procedures and instituting capacity-building initiatives that empower staff to utilize participatory planning and community engagement strategies. Moreover, establishing local forums or joint meetings with farmers is vital for amplifying their voices and integrating their insights into policy formulation and implementation. Finally, addressing issues of land fragmentation and enhancing farmers' bargaining power requires the consolidation of land holdings and the strengthening of farmer cooperatives.



Funding

There is no funding support.



Authors’ Contribution

The sequence of author contributions corresponds directly with the order in which their names appear. All of the authors approved the content of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.



Conflict of Interest

Authors declared no conflict of interest.