Environmental Researches

Environmental Researches

Assessing the Sustainability of Agricultural Systems Using an Aggregated Index in Pakdasht Township

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Nasrin Baghbani 1
Jafar Kambouzia 2
Abdul Majid Mahdavi Damghani 3
Romina Sayahnia 4
1 PhD Student of Agroecology, Research Institute of Environmental Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Agroecology Department, Environmental Sciences Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
3 Associate Professor, Agroecology Department, Environmental Sciences Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
4 Assistant Professor, Environmental Planning and Design Department, Environmental Sciences Research Institute, Shahid Behesh University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/eiap.2025.229964
Abstract
Agricultural systems in hot and dry regions are evolving at a high speed. In order to adapt to water scarcity, farmers have turned to new methods based on greenhouse cultivation. The long-term income, food security and adaptability of people in dry areas largely depend on the sustainability of these agricultural practices. In this context, it is very important to evaluate the level of sustainability of these cultivation systems. The present study tries to evaluate the sustainability of agricultural practices in the hot and dry region of Pakdasht township by defining an Aggregated Index (AGI) using four main indicators of stability, compatibility, productivity and equitability, and evaluates the main determining factors. For this purpose, a field study was conducted in three villages with different cultivation systems in Pakdasht township. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, field observations, and secondary data. A comprehensive set of sub-indicators suitable for measuring the main indicators was identified. The main indicators and sub-indices were weighted using Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process to measure the level of sustainability of the studied villages. Among the agricultural methods studied, Golzar village is the most sustainable, Karimabad and Eramboye villages are ranked next. The holistic and interdisciplinary approach used in this research has the potential of a useful framework for sustainability assessment and provides a useful summary of sustainability issues and problems. Therefore, the information obtained from this study has the potential to be used in formulating the policies of this part of the country.
 
Keywords
Agricultural systems
Sustainability assessment
Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process
Aggregate Index
Pakdasht township
Subjects
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Environmental Researches
Volume 16, Issue 31
Recerches
September 2025
Pages 97-113