Comparative Assessment of Sustainable Development in Countries with an Emphasis on Sustainable Agriculture: A Case Study of Iran, India, the Netherlands, and Germany

Document Type : Research

Authors

aliakbar taghilu ¹

Rozita MirAhmadi ²

¹ Professor, Department of Geography, Urmia University

² PhD student in spatial planning - Department of Geography - Urmia University - Urmia - Iran

https://doi.org/10.22067/jgrd.2026.99288.1667

Abstract

Sustainability is a multidimensional concept that emphasizes the stability and continuity of benefits over time, requiring dynamic adaptation and a delicate equilibrium among environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a comparative assessment of sustainability indicators across diverse nations. A comparative-analytical research design was employed, utilizing a documentary approach based on secondary data. The data were analyzed using three primary statistical tools: the Normalization Index, the Relative Growth Index (RGI), and the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR). The findings reveal that Iran faces significant challenges characterized by “reverse flows.” Specifically, Iran’s environmental potential within the agricultural renewable energy sector has yet to reach industrial-scale maturity, highlighting an urgent need for supportive policies to facilitate the transition from waste to energy. While the global trend is shifting toward a circular economy, the relative growth of bioenergy in Iran is significantly slower compared to India. Furthermore, regarding the indicator of “female share of total agricultural employment,” the Relative Growth Index (RGI) demonstrates a substantial upward trend in Iran; the country’s relative change compared to the other studied nations is remarkably high, recorded at 34.34%. By analyzing and normalizing data from four countries, Germany, the Netherlands, India, and Iran, over two time periods of 2010 and 2023, this study shows the existence of three distinct patterns in the global agricultural sector: first, a technology-driven and sustainable pattern, such as Germany and the Netherlands. Second, a traditional and labor-dependent pattern, such as India. And third, a pattern in crisis and in need of transformation. In this comparison, Iran shows a pattern that faces structural challenges.

Keywords

Sustainable Agricultural Development

Comparative Analysis

Iran

India

Germany

Subjects

• Planning in urban and rural areas

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