Iranian Agricultural Extension and Education Journal

Iranian Agricultural Extension and Education Journal

Application of an Integrated Analytical Framework for Identifying Smart Agricultural Tourism Development Strategies in Kermanshah Province

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
AmirHossien Alibeygi
Masoumeh Taghibaygi
Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, College of Agriculture & Nature Resources, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.
10.22034/iaeej.2026.552829.1883
Abstract


Rural areas possess significant agricultural and cultural potential but often encounter structural challenges. Smart agricultural tourism can help address these issues by establishing a systematic connection between farming practices and tourism while utilizing technology-based solutions. However, the widespread adoption of this technology faces significant challenges. This research aims to develop strategies for enhancing smart agricultural tourism in Kermanshah Province, employing the Meta-SWOT analytical framework. The study is descriptive-analytical, with data collected through interviews and questionnaires. Eighteen experts from the agricultural and tourism sectors in the province were purposively selected as participants. The findings indicate that the province's key resources and capabilities for advancing smart agricultural tourism include: “a large number of agricultural land users,” “a diverse range of agricultural, livestock, horticultural, and fisheries activities,” and “the presence of specialized and experienced human resources in agriculture.” Additionally, the analysis of environmental factors revealed significant obstacles to the development of smart agricultural tourism in the province, including insufficient and inadequate training for farmers regarding the benefits of smart agricultural tourism, climate change and natural disasters such as prolonged droughts and water scarcity, and the aging population of farmers. Based on the strategic plan, three crucial strategies for promoting digital agriculture have been proposed: creating a network of smart ethnic-agricultural festivals that leverage ethnic and cultural diversity; establishing a specialized accelerator for smart agricultural tourism utilizing the resources of knowledge-based companies; and developing a living laboratory for smart tourism by drawing on the capabilities of innovation centers. It is recommended that, in addition to enhancing infrastructure, comprehensive planning be implemented to educate and familiarize farmers with agricultural tourism. This education can be facilitated through training programs, digital learning resources, and mass media to make these initiatives more effective.
Keywords
Agritourism, Economic growth, Meta-SWOT Technique, Smart tourism, Sustainable rural development
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Iranian Agricultural Extension and Education Journal

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 27 February 2026