Management of salinity issues in Iraq's agricultural sector using SWOT analysis

Abstract EN

-Iraq's agricultural sector suffers from the salinity problem of agricultural land which reflects negatively on the production of field crops and agricultural land investment, particularly in the governorates geographically located in the sedimentary plain.

The management of salinity problems facing by the agricultural sector has become crucial priorities for the Iraqi government.

In this study, SWOT analysis was applied to suggest proper strategies that might be followed to solve the problem of salinity.

After the internal and external factors have been identified, 17 strategies planning was developed.

Internal–External Matrix (IE matrix) was used to select the appropriate type of strategy.

Based on the results of Internal–External Matrix, government should consider the conservative strategies.

Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) was also used in this study.

By applying the QSPM, re-arrangement of the proposed strategies has been made by importance and priority.

The first three suggested strategies in term of importance and priority were establishment of the National Center for Agricultural Policy, investing in improved irrigation systems such sprinkler and drip irrigation and innovative agricultural technologies to control salinity are urgent