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This research was driven by the need for sustainable and efficient farming, productivity, and market expansion. This study mapped the industrial potato value chain, identified key stakeholders and their responsibilities, and assessed value chain linkages. This case study employed purposive sampling. The industrial potato value chain includes input suppliers, producers, processors, traders, and consumers, according to the research. Agricultural entrepreneurs are vital to the industrial potato value chain. He chose the Sharazur Plain, Kalar City, and Penjwin districts of Sulaimani Governorate in Iraq's Kurdistan Region for industrial potato production. Additionally, the entrepreneur has entered into agreements with Green Iraq Company as a processor, input supplier, and a chain supporter of the industrial potato value chain. The company has a significant role in enhancing producers to produce industrial potatoes, Lay's Chips is manufactured by a company in Sulaimani governorate/Bazian region. The study demonstrates that the implementation of contractual agreements may lead to a win-win situation for all parties involved. This reduces the farmer's risk by promoting cultivation and guaranteeing the firm has enough raw materials for processing. According to this study, universities, research centers, and agricultural departments have no role in the industrial potato value chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to achieve objectives through SWOT analysis and focus group discussion, identifying internal and external factors through the local decision-makers in Kurdistan Region, to explore the way to describe and analyze Kurdistan Rural information System Platform (KRISP). Problems with information in rural areas still exist in the Kurdistan region administration. The aim of this study is an attempt to develop a digital platform that will help rural communities realize their full potential and contribute to a resilient and successful digital future. The primary objectives of this project are how to design and implement an agricultural information system to collect rural data from various areas by various farmers and make it available online so that future users may eventually search for and obtain the essential data. The first category is concerned with knowledge sharing, information exchange, self-improvement, and self-improvement for grassroots extension practitioners. The study made use of qualitative data, with fixed questions. for the analysis. The achievement of primary data was also collected using a FGD's implemented in Sulaimani governorates. The period of data collection from different study areas starting from June 2023 to September 2023 and were used in this study to collect qualitative data from a variety of government sectors (decision-makers) from various organizations were included in group discussions and gatherings to address the issues highlighted in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local food production in a short distance for consumers depends on a social structure and supply chain system. In simple terms, the local food system is all about producing and selling food within a particular area. Decisions by individuals, households, and society regarding the utilization and disposal of food, as well as efforts to share food with others, are influenced by various factors such as gender, age, and social dynamics. Additionally, actions aimed at fostering transformations in food environments are also taken into account in order to achieve these goals, a questionnaire- based was carried out in the Sulaimani City in KRG-Iraq. Data was collected from consumers who were participated by an online-google form. A total number of 469 questionnaires were validated. A principal component analysis was run, followed by cluster analysis. The results lead to 3 cluster solution: "local food consumers", "local agricultural supporters", "health concerned", being statistically significant different in terms of socio-demographic characteristics. The results are useful for future development policies of the local products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was driven by rising global potato consumption, the potato sector's economic impact, and the need for ecologically sustainable growing methods. The objective of the study was to identify entrepreneurial activity and the spirit in the context of entrepreneurship to achieve economic sustainability via the cultivation of industrial potatoes. Furthermore, it accurately recognized the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats this agribusiness in Sulaimani Governorate, Kurdistan Region of Iraq is confronting. This study classifies the farmer as an entrepreneur based on his alignment with various entrepreneurial activities, such as product diversification, hiring professional farmers, implementing an irrigation system, owning resources, conducting research and development, adding value to products, engaging in inter-sector interactions, and creating employment opportunities. Additionally, the farmer demonstrates entrepreneurial spirit through activities such as agro-climatic zoning, risk analysis, developing marketing strategies, having a vision, taking advantage of opportunities, encouraging others, employing critical thinking, and displaying resilience. In this study also the SWOT analysis was used. the primary strength identified was the improvement of the economy, whilst the biggest opportunity for the farmer included the establishment of a Lays chips plant by Green Iraq Company. Lastly, the major threats encompassed the lack of financial services and political instability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this research is to describe and analyze the Kurdistan Region's seed system development. Also, to examine why and how the formal seed system has been prioritized over other alternatives (farmers' and community-based seed systems). It further illustrates how the growing seed systems development debate generates challenges for policymakers and governments using the KRG case. Seed sector development policies have been formulated and implemented. The reason is to motivate the new seed policy bill and new agenda for future farmer seed production, with the different actors' interests influencing seed policy formulation and implementation. The study was conducted from February to June 2023. Primary data for this study were gathered through focus group discussions (FGDs), which were defined as gatherings of individuals with similar experiences or backgrounds to investigate a specific topic of interest. The extensive utilization method used by qualitative researchers to examine qualitative data is a thematic analysis, which typically consists of descriptive information. These themes encompass various aspects related to seed, including seed origin and seed transparency, sustainable agriculture and food security, cooperation with stakeholders, regulation, and the governance gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyse Romanian consumers' perception towards a traditional product from Kurdistan. For this purpose a research was conducted among consumers of traditional products from Cluj-Napoca City. To achieve the purpose of the study a face to face survey was conducted. The research instrument was divided into 3 main parts: (i) expectation regarding the attributes of traditional product; (ii) perception of "Gezo" a traditional sweet product from Kurdistan; (iii) socio-demographic profile of the respondents. To determine if there are any differences between the perception and expectations regarding the traditional analysed product, a set of 13 items related to product attribute were evaluated on a scale from 1 to 5. The results indicated that the analysed product did not meet the Romanian consumers expectations especially in terms of taste (-1.1) and flavour (-0.22), but were positively appreciated the low content of fats (0.45) and sugars (+0.28). This study represents a first step in analysing the possibility of exporting traditional products outside of Kurdistan, and offers valuable information to adapt future development product strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism development involves both positive and negative impacts on economic, social and natural environments, which represent essential pillars for sustainable development. It is in this context that the present research was conducted in the Adjara Mountain area of Georgia aiming to identify residents' perception towards tourism development. An online survey was conducted among 620 residents. The data collected were analyzed by descriptive statistics and principal component analysis. As such, the results of the principal component analysis led to a two-factor solution: "positive effects" and "negative effects". Older and more educated respondents perceived the impacts of tourism development more positively compared to the younger group and to the less educated one. A statistically significant difference was found between females and males regarding their perception of the positive impacts of tourism development. The study represents a first step in investigating the residents' perception towards tourism development in the Adjara Mountain region, and the results could constitute a starting point for future tourism strategies in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The food industry is becoming more customer-centric and requires faster reaction times in order to manage food crises and catastrophes. Effective traceability systems reduce the risk of negative publicity, litigation, and recalls by preventing the creation and sale of dangerous or inferior items. The current system of food labeling is unable to ensure that food is genuine, of good quality, and safe. As a result, traceability is used to help ensure food safety and quality while also increasing customer confidence. Food safety has elevated to a global priority in recent decades. Food safety concerns consumers, producers, and regulatory authorities all, and traceability systems are crucial in resolving these challenges. As a result, several techniques for maintaining proper traceability in the food industry have been devised. Document-based systems, information and communication technologies, alphanumerical codes, barcodes, holograms, radio-frequency identification, nuclear processes, and nanotechnology are all covered in depth in this article. Immunoassays, DNA polymerase chain reaction, omics, and isotope ratio analysis are among the primary approaches for food traceability analysis covered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural communities face significant challenges, mostly because of globalization, demographic change, and rural-to-urban migration. Rural farmers make up a large portion of the population in every developing country, including The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). When rural farmers lack access to knowledge, general services, early warning systems (drought, pests, diseases, etc.), improved seedlings, fertilizer, agricultural equipment, credit, market prices, and information that would help them achieve the maximum agricultural yield, they are not only left in the dark but are forced to seek formal employment in urban areas. In KRI, over 90% of water is used for irrigation, and more than a quarter of irrigation withdrawals are deemed unsustainable. Climate changes all have an impact on water availability. Significant agricultural output is reliant on surface water, groundwater, or a mix of the two for irrigation. Over the last 20 years, a growing body of literature has examined the lack of agricultural water policy and a competent agricultural extension program has resulted in many difficulties in terms of water scarcity and the migration of rural people to urban areas in Sulaimani Governorate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the huge economic and social disparities between urban and rural areas of Romania, it is important to investigate the local community perception on the perceived impact of the rural development strategies, provided that local strategies should be developed based on citizens’ needs. The study represents a first step towards a more complex research to evaluate the degree of satisfaction and wellbeing of the rural communities from Cluj County, following the implementation of the rural development programs. The research was conducted on the basis of primary data obtained from citizens of Cuzdrioara, a commune from Cluj County which represents a particular case, as its position allows the direct connection to national roads. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were performed for comparisons of proportions, while Mann-Whitney test and Kruskal Wallis test were used for the comparisons of scale scores between respondents. Through the objectives of the Local Development Strategy, Cuzdrioara commune aims to improve the way of life of the inhabitants by achieving the objectives proposed in the strategy. Many projects have been completed, being positively assessed by the citizens. The public administration fulfilled the objectives established in the Local Development Strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consumption of fruit and vegetables is essential for a healthy lifestyle and preventing many diseases. Still, in Romania the consumption is very low compared to the countries of the European Union. The main aim of the research was to determine the consumer behavior of local fruit and vegetables for the urban consumers in Cluj-Napoca. A study was conducted using the questionnaire. Result indicated that consumers purchase fruit and vegetables 2-3 times per week, and most of them spend between 50-80 lei per week for this food category. The most preferred place of purchase is the farmers markets and the local origin is a very important criterion during the decision-making process of purchase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the impact of training on the productivity of beekeepers in Sulaimani City, Kurdistan Regional Government, Iraq. Data for the paper was collected from questionnaire surveys from April until August 2019. The sample size was of 82 beekeepers, but in the end 54 questionnaires were validated. Data analysis was conducted by using standard statistical and economic processes. The study revealed that training plays a vital role in enhancing the productivity of the beekeepers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indigenous knowledge of traditional food can have high potential and a major role in achieving a sustainable food security system. Rural women usually have responsibility in securing household food security by applying their indigenous knowledge of food processing and preservation. This study was conducted in Shahrazor plain, which is a culturally and historically rich area in Kurdistan region of Iraq, to investigate Kurdish rural women's indigenous knowledge of food processing and preservation and their role in achieving and sustaining household food security. The data in this study showed that 100% of the respondents still apply their indigenous knowledge of traditional food processing and preservation methods depend on the availability of the needed resources and family members or market demand on these foods. Generally, most of the respondents are making some specific foods especially dairy products such as Masti Kurdi (Kurdish Yogurt) 72.89%, Paniri Kurdi (Kurdish Cheese) 37.35% and Dou (a sour yogurt-based beverage) 34.94%; and processing cereal grains such as Sawar 37.95%. Despite the fact that, Kurdish women still practice their indigenous knowledge of food processing and preservation but there are some ancient foods which are less practiced by the Kurdish women household, particularly fermented food and sundry food. Women in rural areas of Kurdistan region has a wide indigenous knowledge of food processing and preservation which offer a number of traditional Kurdish food products and a big contribution to improving food security in the region, sustainably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giving the high number of semi-subsistence farms in Romania, Measure 141 "Supporting semi-subsistence farms" under the National Rural Development Program 2007-2013 was designed to transform them in commercial farms. The main objective of the research was to find out how the financial support received was used by the farmers in Alba County, in the last year of the project and to what extent the financial support was a real help. Results indicated that generally it was, but farmers are not yet prepared to meet customer's requirements and cannot face big producers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tourism activity increased during the last years, especially in the developing countries, represeting an important source of income. Kurdistan Regional Government has a high touristic potential due to its unique tourist sites. The aim of this research was to identify the entrepreneurial intention of rural residents to invest in tourism. The method used was the survey based on questionnaire. The data were collected from 320 respondents and analyzed using descriptive statistics Mann-Whitney U test, and chi-square test. The findings indicate that rural residents with lower level of education and eldery are more interested to become entrepreneur. The main motivational factors to start up a business are: need of additional income, self-asseration, and self-dependence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to success in any business an important factor is considered to be the quality of the services delivered to customers. The paper presents the tourists' satisfaction with respect to the services offered by the rural guesthouses. Lodging represents an important part of the holiday. According to the available legislation of Romania there are more than 10 different types of accommodation facilities which can be certificated to assure the tourists' services. Hitherto in Romania the certification of accommodation facilities is due only based on the technical characteristics. For the main objective of the paper a survey was conducted in 2 flowers and 3 flowers rural guesthouses. The respondents were asked to evaluate the quality of the services by using the SERVQUAL model. The quality of the services offered by the rural guesthouses did not meet the tourists' expectations for none of the comfort categories. For future research it is recommended to conduct a similar study at the nation level to determine if only the technical characteristics are enough or not to certificate an accommodation unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural areas are meeting considerable challenges today which arise mainly from globalization, demographic change and the rural migration -to-urban migration. Rural farmers were account the prominent part of the population of any developing country such as Kurdistan Region. When the rural farmers lack access to knowledge, general services, early warning systems (drought, pests, diseases etc.), improved seedlings, fertilizer, lack of agricultural equipments, credit, market prices and lack of information that would help them achieve maximum agricultural yield, they are not only grope in the dark but are driven to the urban centres in search of formal employment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]