Studying Indicators and Influencing Factors on the Sustainable Development of the Medicinal Plants Value Chain in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province

Given the increasing global significance of medicinal plants in enhancing public health, generating local employment, and contributing to foreign exchange earnings through exports, identifying the key factors and barriers within their value chain has become a strategic development priority. This study aims to examine the critical factors and challenges influencing the value chain of medicinal plants in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad provinces, adopting a sustainable development perspective. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and expert interviews with professionals specializing in medicinal plants. The focus group technique was employed for data synthesis, while the validity and reliability of the research instrument were assessed using content validity and Cronbach’s alpha, respectively. The results indicated that ecological indicators—including the province’s high biodiversity potential and the suitability of its agricultural lands, rangelands, and forests for the cultivation and domestication of medicinal plants—received the highest weighted average (4.29). This was followed by technological (4.15), political (4.14), economic (4.08), and socio-cultural (3.98) indicators. Key challenges identified include a lack of transparency in target markets, limited adoption of modern technologies, insufficient specialized training and extension services, and weak linkages between producers and market institutions. These findings underscore the urgent need for integrated policy frameworks, enhanced technological infrastructure, capacity-building initiatives, and the strategic mobilization of local ecological assets. Such measures are essential to advancing the sustainable development of the medicinal plant value chain and strengthening the livelihoods of local communities.
 
Extended Abstract
1-Introduction
 A significant portion of the population in developing countries relies on herbal products as their primary source of healthcare. The use of traditional medicine is not only widespread in these regions but has also gained considerable popularity in industrialized countries over the past two decades. This growing global interest highlights the increasing demand for herbal remedies and natural treatments. The economic value of medicinal plants is substantial and cannot be overlooked. These plants serve as a major source of income and livelihood, providing employment to millions of people in both developing and developed nations, and contributing meaningfully to national gross domestic product (GDP). Iran is home to approximately 8,660 native plant species, placing it among the top countries in terms of plant richness and biodiversity. Of these, around 2,760 are endemic, and more than 2,000 species possess medicinal and industrial applications. Given the critical role of these plants in public health, local employment, and foreign exchange earnings through export, it is essential to address the factors and challenges affecting their value chain to achieve optimal outcomes. Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, due to its unique ecological conditions, holds significant potential in the cultivation and utilization of medicinal and industrial plants. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to identify and analyze the key factors and challenges influencing the value chain of medicinal and industrial plants in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province.
 
2-Materials and Methods
This research was conducted in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad provinces during the period 2023–2024. Data collection was carried out through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews with specialists and experts in the field. The study examined the indicators influencing the value chain of medicinal plants across five key dimensions: economic, socio-cultural, political, ecological, and technological. To identify the most critical factors, the Delphi method was employed, enabling iterative consultation with a panel of experts. Participants were selected using reputation analysis and snowball sampling, ensuring the inclusion of knowledgeable and experienced individuals. The classification and aggregation of questionnaire data were facilitated through focus group discussions, which provided a platform for consensus-building and validation. The validity of the questionnaire was assessed through content validity, incorporating expert judgment to ensure relevance and comprehensiveness. Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, confirming internal consistency of the instrument. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27, applying both descriptive and inferential statistical methods to interpret the findings.
 
3- Results and Discussion
The findings revealed that the majority of respondents belonged to the 21–40 age group (58.1%), and 87.1% of the study population were male. In terms of professional classification, 67.7% were identified as experts and 32.3% as specialists. Educationally, a significant proportion (72.6%) held a Master’s degree or higher. Analysis of the socio-cultural indicators highlighted two key factors: the potential for creating secondary employment through the expansion of medicinal plant cultivation in the province, and the importance of supporting entrepreneurship within local communities. The economic indicators emphasized the lack of market transparency and the need to enhance investor awareness regarding the status and profitability of the medicinal plant sector. Regarding political indicators, the most influential factors included the implementation of supportive policies for processing industries and the enhancement of promotional and educational initiatives related to the cultivation of medicinal plants. The ecological indicators underscored the province’s rich biodiversity of medicinal species and the favorable conditions of agricultural, rangeland, and forest ecosystems for the domestication and cultivation of these plants. In the technological domain, the most critical factors were the need to improve production and harvesting technologies, adopt modern and hygienic methods in both traditional and contemporary plant processing, and address weak communication channels between producers and commercial centers. Based on the weighted average scores, the ecological indicator ranked highest (4.29), followed by technological (4.15), political (4.14), economic (4.08), and socio-cultural (3.98) indicators.
 
4- Conclusion
In light of the significant natural potential of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad provinces in the cultivation and utilization of medicinal plants, a strategic and principled approach to development is essential. To effectively meet societal needs and foster sustainable livelihoods for local communities, it is imperative to address existing gaps within the value chain. This requires targeted interventions informed by the key indicators and influencing factors identified in this study—spanning ecological, technological, political, economic, and socio-cultural dimensions. By aligning development efforts with these insights, stakeholders can enhance the resilience, productivity, and market integration of the medicinal plant sector in the region.