A Comprehensive Literature Review and Conceptual Framework for Developing Conservation Agriculture in Arid Regions: Analyzing the Interaction of Institutional, Environmental, and Technical Factors
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Conservation agriculture is a promising approach to the sustainability of agricultural production systems, especially in arid and semi-arid countries and has gained growing attention. But the process of developing and establishing this system in nations like Iraq has several problems, the most important of which is the one-dimensional perspective of the elements affecting it. The objective of this study is to offer a complete literature review and to build a conceptual framework for a systematic analysis of the evolution of conservation agriculture, concentrating on the interplay of institutional, environmental and technological elements in dry areas. This is a complete narrative evaluation that uses qualitative content analysis approach by in-depth examination of reputable local and foreign sources from 2005 to 2025. During the assessment, three major subsystems were identified (institutional-political, environmental-ecological and technical-mechanical) as the core elements of the development of conservation agriculture. Each subsystem, either alone or in interrelationships and feedback loops, affects the success or failure of this system. The main challenges noted include poor institutional coordination, inadequate supporting policies, lack of suitable equipment and technology, lack of enough training and competent extension services, and environmental constraints due to water shortages and soil erosion.The analysis of interrelationships and feedback processes performed in the proposed conceptual framework indicates that for the successful development of mechanised conservation agriculture in arid regions, an integrated and systematic approach is needed that considers all influencing factors simultaneously and in their interaction. This framework may provide a foundation for policy formation, planning and evaluation of programs for the development of conservation agriculture in dry locations especially in Al-Qadisiyah Governorate in Iraq.
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