Agricultural Economics

Agricultural Economics

Comprehensive Analysis of the Sustainability of the Walnut Supply Chain: Combined Thematic Analysis and Fuzzy DEMATEL Approach

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
mahsa pishdar 1
soraya birami 2
Alireza Payvar 2
SeyedAli Doorafshan 3
1 Tehran University - Farabi College
2 Ph.D Candidate, Industrial Management, College of Farabi, University of Tehran, Qom, Iran.
3 Ph.D Candidate, Industrial Management, College of Farabi, University of Tehran, Qom, Iran
10.22034/iaes.2025.2047632.2099
Abstract
The sustainable walnut supply chain, as a fundamental pillar in environmental protection and improving farmers' livelihoods, requires special attention to economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to identify key criteria for enhancing the performance of the walnut supply chain and achieving sustainable development in this area. Initially, information was gathered through library studies, and sustainability-related criteria were identified. Subsequently, using thematic analysis, the opinions of 15 agricultural experts were examined through semi-structured interviews, resulting in the selection of 12 main criteria. Thus, the model for the sustainable walnut supply chain was developed through interviews with experts and open coding using MAXQDA 2022 software. Finally, after the sustainability factors were validated using the fuzzy Delphi method in three rounds of feedback, the causal relationships among the criteria were assessed using the fuzzy DEMATEL method.
The study is done during summer and fall of 2023 and findings indicate that factors such as economic return, product quality, marketing costs, and social impacts on local communities act as key elements in improving supply chain performance. Optimizing these factors can lead to increased efficiency, enhanced export potential, and the realization of sustainable development. Additionally, to ensure the validity and reliability of the model, the fuzzy Delphi method was employed, allowing for a precise evaluation of expert opinions. This research ultimately provides a comprehensive model for evaluating the performance of the sustainable supply chain in the walnut industry, emphasizing the importance of addressing economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
Keywords
Sustainable Supply Chain
Thematic Analysis
Fuzzy DEMATEL
Walnut Product
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Agricultural Economics
Volume 19, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
Summer 2025
Pages 159-186