Exploring Internal Factors Influencing the Development of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CSA): A Case of Greenhouses in Tehran and Alborz Provinces

Extended Abstract
Introduction: Currently, CSA is viewed as a sophisticated and dependable approach for advancing agriculture, particularly in regions with limited water resources. This method has experienced a growing adoption and plays a vital role in securing food supplies, boosting employment opportunities, and integrating new technologies into the agricultural domain. Given the expanding utilization of this cultivation method and the necessity for targeted research and hands-on training to facilitate its progress, this study was conducted to explore the internal environmental factors influencing the advancement of this system.

Materials and methods: This study utilized a quantitative, field-based approach and conducted interviews through a questionnaire tool. The statistical population consisted of vegetable and summer crop growers of greenhouses in Tehran and Alborz provinces, totaling 2060 greenhouse units. Sampling was carried out in two stages, with a sample size of 310 units calculated using Daniel’s formula and a five percent error margin. Subsequently, 270 questionnaires were filled out in Tehran province and 50 in Alborz province. Following data collection, processing and analysis were performed using SPSS25 and SmartPLS3 software.

Results and discussion: The research findings from the inferential analysis indicated that in terms of the human capital, essential human requirements for progressing the CSA system are significant. These include factors such as knowledge, skills, positive attitudes, access to financial and technical resources, market knowledge, and strong motivations. Implementing new management techniques, engaging scientific consultants, and exchanging knowledge with international experts were highlighted as crucial factors. The study revealed that technical capital is the second most influential element in greenhouse development. Access to modern financial software systems and smart management technologies is crucial for these units, and training on advanced technologies is essential to enhance productivity and management. Financial capital emerged as the third influential component, with financial challenges and capital requirements for CSA being greater than traditional farming methods, particularly for small-scale farmers. Access to bank credit, affordable inputs, insurance assistance, and financial resources are essential for development and ongoing operational costs. advices include increasing producers' understanding of agricultural economics and markets, and facilitating access to appropriate technologies to enhance economic and environmental sustainability. The study also emphasized the importance of productive social capital, highlighting the significance of communication with technical supervisors and agricultural consultants. While support from established farmers to newcomers in the sector was deemed less crucial, the development of social capital was emphasized as vital for the long-term sustainability of this innovative farming approach, as the key connections within this system are still in the process of being established.


Conclusion: Given the novelty of the CSA system, there are specific attributes that producers and users need to adhere to for the effective development and dissemination of this cultivation technique. Enhancing managerial expertise, technical proficiency, and specialized knowledge, as well as increasing producers' awareness and understanding of the local, national, and international market dimensions and characteristics of this system, are essential steps. Additionally, fostering and enhancing intra-group relationships among producers and establishing trade unions for these producers to cultivate social capital are crucial for the advancement and dissemination of this innovative agricultural approach. A set of fundamental prerequisites for its development is recommended as the focus of attention.