Investigating the Socio-Economic Integration Capacities and bottlenecks of the villages around Lake Urmia with emphasis on alternative livelihoods

In this study, in order to investigate the capacities and bottlenecks of the villages around Lake Urmia, SWOT and QSPM models were used and 40 internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) and 30 external factors (opportunities and threats) were studied. The results showed that certified seedlings, the new system of extension, empowerment of women and conversion industries were the top four strengths that under implementation in the villages around Lake Urmia and among the products introduced as alternative crops, saffron and medicinal plants had superior position. According to the research findings, the traditional production process, waste of water resources, water extraction from aquifers and the existence of second and third degree gardens were the most important weaknesses. The ranking of opportunities indicated that the demand for agricultural products, the diversity of horticultural products, agricultural graduates and good lands were the best opportunities available in the villages around Lake Urmia. According to the findings of the study, factors such as soil erosion, water scarcity, reduced soil fertility and declining groundwater levels were among the factors that had seriously threatened livelihoods in the villages around Lake Urmia. According to the research findings and the superiority of internal factors compared to external factors as well as the superiority of strengths to weaknesses and opportunities compared to threats, the general strategy of the agricultural sector in the villages around Lake Urmia to improve livelihood was an aggressive approach.