Evaluation and Zoning of Agricultural Development in Counties of Kohgiloyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Iran

Agriculture is one of the most important economic sectors in Iran and it is the main source of rural income. Agricultural development is a result of planned and coordinated efforts in order to broaden the contexts, experiences can broaden the scope and increase the performance in a comprehensive program of rural development. Identifying and exploring the possibilities and capabilities and then determining the level of agricultural developmet is the first step in the process of planning and agricultural development. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate and zoning of agricultural development of Kohgiloyeh and Boyer-Ahmad counties, Iran. In this study, based on agricultural statistical yearbook 1392, a list of 84 indicators in five major groups of agricultural development (agricultural exploitation; performance; agricultural mechanization; livestock, pultry and fish; and agricultural associations) using the taxonomy model was evaluated. The results showed that the Gachsaran county has the highest degree of agricultural development (Fi = 0.723) and based on two criteria, "agricultural mechanization" and "livestock, poultry and fish" was in the first place. In contrast, the Dena township has the lowest agricultural development (Fi=0.927). Thus, the range in levels of agricultural development townships 0.204 estimated. Moreover, according to development levels, in total, none of the townships have not developed and only two townships Gachsaran and Boyer-Ahmad considered relatively developed. Therefore, it is recommended that planners and authorities in line with policies of justice and eradication of deprivation, more consider to these regions.