Analyzing the challenges of the grape value chain: A case study in the West Azarbaijan province

Capacity development of agricultural products value chain can increase agricultural productivity and incomes. This requires updated knowledge and innovations. Farmers in developing countries face various challenges in the process of pre, during, and post-production of agricultural products. This study examined the challenges of the grape production value chain in the West Azerbaijan Province. This study used a qualitative approach through the grounded theory methodology. Data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews with the Agricultural Jihad Organization speceilaists; agricultural extension agents; researchers from the provincial Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center; and grape producers in the West Azerbaijan Province, who were selected through the purposeful sampling technique. The qualitative data analysis was conducted using MAXQDA software version 12. The main challenges in the pre, during and post-production phases were related to institutional, social, human and financial issues, natural crises, lack of knowledge, farming systems challenges, and physical, technological and infrastructural obstacles.