Opportunities and Challenges in Agricultural Product Marketing: A Sociological Analysis of Bamyan Province, Afghanistan

Abstract

This research aims to sociologically examine the opportunities and challenges of marketing agri-cultural products in Bamyan Province, Afghanistan, and proposes solutions to enhance local, na-tional, and international marketing systems. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, inte-grating both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to provide a comprehensive analysis. The target population includes farmers from eight districts of Bamyan, as well as educated individuals, experts, and employees from government and non-governmental organizations. Data was collected through interviews, focus group discussions, and structured questionnaires. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, while qualitative data were processed through MAXQDA, following a mixed-method analytical framework. The findings reveal that agriculture serves as the primary source of income for households in Bamyan, playing a pivotal role in sustaining livelihoods. Key crops include potatoes, wheat, and beans, with apricots being particularly significant in districts such as Kahmard. However, most farmers lack formal marketing training and rely on traditional methods and local intermediaries. This, combined with inadequate infrastructure and limited access to na-tional and international markets, significantly reduces profitability and negatively impacts living standards. Additionally, the lack of coordination among farmers underscores weaknesses in forming effective agricultural cooperatives. Social institutions and marketing support committees, particularly in the post-Republic era, have shown limited activity. Women’s participation in agri-cultural production and marketing is further constrained by social norms and a lack of training, limiting their economic contributions. Based on these findings, the study recommends several measures to address these challenges. These include developing adequate infrastructure, enhancing marketing training programs, and formulating supportive policies to improve marketing systems and increase farmers’ income. Strengthening agricultural cooperatives, promoting gender-inclusive training, and fostering better coordination among stakeholders are also critical to ensuring sus-tainable agricultural development in Bamyan Province.