Analysis of quinoa cultivation adoption challenges in Iran: A qualitative study with a causal modeling approach

Abiotic stresses are becoming the most destructive threats that limit agricultural productivity for most crops. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) can deal with abiotic stresses. The present study examines the challenges of cultivating quinoa as a new crop in Iran using an inductive qualitative content analysis method. The elements of the criterion of “Trustworthiness of study” confirm the validity of this study. The statistical population, selected through purposive sampling, included experts and farmers familiar with quinoa in ۱۴ cities located in four provinces of the country. Findings revealed that extension-training classes were most effective in familiarizing farmers with quinoa, while media played the weakest role. The responses extracted five main components including “economic,” “quinoa characteristics,” “personal characteristics,” “knowledge,” and “supportive policy” as reasons for cultivating quinoa. Nine components were challenges and reasons for not cultivating quinoa, i.e., “economic,” “environmental,” “performance,” “personal-ownership,” “knowledge,” “mental schema,” “supportive policy,” “equipment,” and “hygiene.” Among them, “Quinoa characteristics” was the primary adoption driver, while “economic” factors were the main reason for rejection. Based on these results and global experience, it is recommended to introduce quinoa in marginal areas suffering from water scarcity and salinity. This strategy can generate income, enhance farmer economic resilience, and contribute to food security. Government incentive policies for these areas are crucial accelerators. One of the most important conclusions is that successfully establishing quinoa in Iran hinges on creating a structured market and value chain to overcome the primary challenges of low consumer demand and unfavorable income conditions for farmers.

Keywords:

Cultivation challenges , Food security , innovation , Quinoa , Sustainable agriculture