Prioritize of poplar wood processing industries in the Kurdistan province with the aim of poplar wood value chain upgrading

Wood industries need abundant resources of wooden raw material and these industries could continue to productive activities with poplar consumption attitudes. Given the size and importance of poplar farming and its role in the economy of Kurdistan, study for evaluation of its value chain is essential. Since improving of the poplar value chain is a factor for the development of poplar farming given the current situation in Kurdistan providence value chain, in this research suitable value chains was identified for development. According to the study objectives, the effective criteria to prioritize research alternatives were identified through library studies and with the help of questionnaires were completed and confirmed, according to the experts. The experts were used to identify the interrelations between criteria. After completing the paired comparison questionnaire, weight of each criterion was measured and priorities were found by the ANP. Ultimately, the final results of alternatives ranking showed the most weight is related to the MDF chain with weight of 0.259. The next priorities were paper, straw and cellulose with respectively weights of 0.135, 0.134 and 0.115. The next priorities were furniture, particle board, plywood and matches, pallets, boxes, lumber and boards, with weights of 0.096, 0.077, 0.075, 0.073 and 0.019 respectively. Results of group decision-making using ANP showed that in the current situation with regard to the suitable market for MDF, proper future demand, appropriate market for processed products from MDF, condition of infrastructure in Kordestan province and feasibility of use of poplar wood in production of MDF, this industry is more important to develop in Kordestan province.