تحليل العلاقة المكانية بين النقل والتسويق والانتاج الزراعي في محافظة صلاح الدين

Abstract

This paper focuses on analyzing the spatial relationship between transportation, marketing, and agricultural production in Salah al-Din Governorate, examining how road networks, transport means, and distances affect the efficiency of marketing agricultural products. The study relies on field data collected from (500) farmers across administrative districts, supported by statistical tables and spatial maps. The results reveal that unpaved roads account for (53.2%) of the total network, while ownership of transport means is concentrated in pickup vehicles (47.2%), with truck ownership remaining low at only (15%), limiting bulk transport capacity. The study also shows that farms located far from main roads, particularly those at 1 km (24.8%), face higher transport costs and longer travel times. Road quality was notably poor, with medium-quality roads at (42.8%) and poor roads at (27.8%), compared to only (1.4%) classified as very good. Transport costs also vary significantly, with the high-cost categories (7000–10000 IQD per ton/km) representing (25%) of cases, and Al-Dujail recording an exceptionally high rate of (61%) within the 10000 IQD category. Based on these findings, the study recommends improving road quality, supporting farmers in acquiring transport means, and establishing marketing centers closer to production sites to reduce costs and enhance the competitiveness of agricultural products.