Village and Development

Village and Development

Investigating the Obstacles, Limitations, and Solutions for Poplar Cultivation in Rural Areas of Gilan Province

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
F. Askari-Bozayeh 1
S. Nosrati 2
N. Salahi Moghadam 3
Sh. Nobakht Haghighi 4
1 Research Expert of Economic, Social and Extension Research Department, Gilan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Rasht, Iran. and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization(AREEO), Rasht, Iran
2 Expert of Economic, Social and Extension Research Department, Gilan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Rasht, Iran.
3 Expert of Economic, Social and Extension Research Department, Zanjan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Zanjan, Iran.
4 Assistant Professor of Economic, Social and Extension Research Department, Gilan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Rasht, Iran.
10.30490/rvt.2025.367364.1642
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Poplar is a forest species with significant economic and environmental importance, widely cultivated worldwide due to its adaptability to diverse climatic and soil conditions. In Iran, poplar cultivation has gained attention as a strategy to expand afforestation, prevent forest degradation, generate income, create jobs, and develop green spaces. Its characteristics, such as suitability for mass planting, rapid growth, and short harvesting cycles make it valuable. Despite a history of poplar wood production meeting wood and cellulose demands, recent policies like the forest breathing plan and restrictions on natural forest harvesting, combined with challenges in wood imports and price volatility, highlight the need to expand poplar cultivation. Current assessments show that existing poplar plantations in Iran do not meet industrial wood demands adequately. However, untapped potentials exist to bridge this gap. Gilan Province, with favorable natural, climatic, and human resources, is a key region for poplar cultivation. This study aims to identify obstacles, limitations, and potential solutions for enhancing poplar cultivation in rural areas of Gilan Province.
Materials and Methods
This qualitative study used thematic analysis based on the grounded theory approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with experts and pioneers in poplar cultivation in Gilan Province until theoretical saturation was reached. Data analysis was done using open, axial, and selective coding with the Strauss and Corbin paradigm model. MAXQDA software was used for data analysis, and data credibility was ensured through member checking.
Results and Discussion
Conditions for poplar cultivation development include causal conditions like quality inputs, improved seedlings, government support, and suitable land; intervening conditions such as rent-seeking, corruption, poor local officials' performance, lack of transparent pricing, market challenges, and restrictive regulations; and contextual conditions like climate, soil, human capital, technical knowledge, variety selection, scientific planting, and market diversity. These factors influence the direction and extent of poplar cultivation development.
Conclusions
Expanding poplar cultivation can bringeconomic benefits to Gilan Province and the national economy, including increased returns, reduced wood imports, environmental preservation, and economic structure enhancement. Strategic interventions like applied research dissemination, education, technical support, transparent pricing, industry growth, land management, land allocation streamlining, private sector participation, professional associations, and legislative revisions are recommended for sustainable development in poplar cultivation.
Keywords
Wood Farming
Rural Development
Institutional Reforms
Wood Industries

Subjects

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