Economic Geography Research

Economic Geography Research

Analysis of Comparative Advantage and Prioritization of Agricultural and Horticultural Products in the Villages of Malekan County Using the Policy Analysis Matrix Approach

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
1 29 Bahman Tabriz East Azerbayjan
2 Associate Professor, Department of Geography and Rural Planning, Faculty of Planning and Environmental Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
Abstract
This study aims to analyze and prioritize the comparative advantage of agricultural and horticultural products in Malekan County. The research employs a descriptive- analytical and field- based methodology. The statistical population consists of 40 active farmers from various villages within Malekan County, selected through purposive and snowball sampling methods. Data were collected using a questionnaire and secondary sources. Data analysis was conducted using the Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM), which enables the assessment of private and social profitability, resource-use efficiency, and the impact of government support policies. The agricultural and horticultural products under investigation include almonds, dryland wheat, grapes, plums, and alfalfa. These were ranked based on comparative advantage indices (DRC less than 1 for almonds and dryland wheat), water productivity (value added per cubic meter of water for almonds was approximately 400,000 IRR), and sensitivity to exchange rate fluctuations (minimum exchange rate required to maintain advantage). The results indicate that almonds hold the highest comparative advantage and water-use efficiency, identifying them as the top-priority crop. Dryland wheat and grapes rank second and third, respectively, and play significant roles in economic sustainability and export markets. Plums and alfalfa ranked lower due to their relatively lower efficiency and higher sensitivity to exchange rate volatility, suggesting the need for targeted support policies. The study recommends promoting high comparative advantage crops, improving supportive policies, managing currency risk, and optimizing water resource use. These strategies can contribute to the sustainable development of agri culture and improve the liveli hoods of farmers in M alekan County.
Keywords


Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 21 February 2026

  • Receive Date 20 July 2025
  • Revise Date 04 August 2025
  • Accept Date 16 September 2025