Agriculture development in Ardestan faces many problems due to the lack of water and soil, and shortage of agricultural lands. One of the most important consequences of this is migration from the city. A considerable part of these problems can be solved by developing small industries and workshops and creating job opportunities. From 1375 to 1385, 53 industrial units including carpet, food and inorganic industries have been developed using the inorganic and agricultural potentials found in the rural areas of Ardestan (Garmsir, Rikstan, Barzavand, Kego, Hombrat) and such measures have had an important role in rural employment. The main aim of this research was to analyze the small industries established around Ardestan’s rural regions and to suggest the most appropriate ones regarding their potentials for producing agricultural, non-agricultural products. To this end, the AHP method was used and a questionnaire related to the three groups was developed based in the views expressed by 20 experts in the regional industries. The results show that Kego (Kegomethghal) with the relative weight of 0.24, and Garmsir (Mahabad) are the best locations for developing agricultural and non-agricultural small industries across the region respectively.

Key words: Industry; Workshops; Small industries; Ardestan; Location; AHP Method.