فصلنامه تحقیقات اقتصاد و توسعه کشاورزی ایران
سال چهل و دوم شماره 3 (پاییز 1390)

Government, support policies with regard to egg producers and consumers were investigated for a set of four (1st to 4th) Economic, Social, and Cultural Development plans (1989 - 2008).The supports regarding egg production were estimated through Producers and Consumers Support Estimate indicators (PSE & CSE respectively). The results indicated, that support of producers in the First, Third and Fourth Development Plans were tangible, whereas the were not so for the 2nd development plan. Also, government’s budgetary supports for egg producers decreased from First to Third Development Plan whereas they were on the increase during the Fourth development plan. Among the government’s budgetary supports, the maximum amount (62 percent of total development budget) went to energy subsidies. So, in the course of an implementation of purposivism of subsidies, supports for producers will be significantly reduced, while production costs will increase. It is there fore necessary to adopt appropriate policies to reduce costs. Furthermore, the results revealed, (according to %CSE), support for egg consumers during the whole period had a positive trend, with a maximum support of 79 percent implemented during the second development program.

Looking back into the past shows that Iran has always been faced with water shortages, and this has not been a problem confined to a certain period or generation. Therefore, proper attention to optimal use of water resources and a move towards sustainable use of extant water resources is indispensable. In this study, using multi period mathematical programming model, the effects of the two goals of: water resource sustainability as well as optimization of multi period use on cultivation pattern, for the next five periods for Hamedan- Kabodarahang Plain, have been investigated. Results show that using modern irrigation methods can greatly solve the problems of water resources shortages and provide the water required for cultivation of the irrigated lands in the region. Also results indicate that, That application of modern irrigation methods can increase present value of revenues as well as return to water resources in all the models. In addition, water resources are indicated as the most restrictive production factor in the study region, with the value of this input, in the added-value maximization models, always being estimated as greater than that in the gross income maximization models.

Due to a lack of knowledge of the integration of broiler market in Iran and its important role in supply adjustment, price stability, and adoption of appropriate policies, a scientific study of: spatial market integration, the law of one price as well as seasonality plays an important role in economic researches. In this respect, the spatial market integration and the law of one price for broiler market with regard to the seasonality of price series in five provinces of East Azarbaijan, West Azarbaijan, Ardabil, Zanjan and Tehran were investigated (using wholesale price data) during 1998-2009. Thus, Seasonal Co-integration method was employed with an application of Seasonal Error Correction Model. The results of Seasonal Unit Root Test indicated that broiler price series follow seasonality in all the investigated markets. Seasonal co-integration test indicated that there are two common stochastic trends in these markets through which prices are adjusted. Research findings reveal that the law of one price cannot be confirmed in either of the long-term or biannual frequencies, they are not "fully" integrated, but the markets are "partially" integrated in either one of the mentioned frequencies.

The purpose followed in this study was to identify the restraining factors affecting date grower organizations, development in Khuzestan Province. The statistical population consisted of two independent groups including 584 members of date grower organizations and 30 experts from the related governmental agencies. A sample of 120 farmers from date grower's group was chosen through Stratified Random Sampling. On the other hand, because of being small in number, all the experts were taken into census. Researcher- developed questionnaire the content validity of which was confirmed by three proficient experts and two managers of farmer's organizations was employed to collect data. Cronbach's Alpha coefficient calculated through pre-test, indicated acceptable reliability for different parts of the research instrument. SPSS/WIN software was employed to analyze the data. According to the findings, six cases were identified as the main preventive variables adversely affecting date grower organizations as from the view point of farmers and experts. These induded: financial weakness of members; weakness in infrastructure; low prices of date along with its vacillation in the markets; lack of customer; discrimination on the side of the government or local authorities; and unreal deceptive promises to farmers for organizing themselves into date grower organizations.

The purpose followed in this descriptive-correlational study was to identify factors affecting Saffron farmer's knowledge regarding scientific principles of saffron's cultivation. The research instrument was structural questionnaire with close-ended questions, the validity and reliability of which was confirmed. The target population of the study consisted of all Saffron farmers in Torbat-e-Jam township, Razavi Khorasan province, (N=2253) out of whom and according to Cochran formula, a number of 169 individuals were selected, using statistical sampling in a cluster randomization method. Finally, 152 questionnaires were recollected and analyzed (n=152). Descriptive results of the research indicated that the majority of saffron farmer's knowledge (78 or 51.30%) stood at a "moderate" level. Furthermore, the results indicated that the highest vs. the highest level of knowledge amount of saffron farmers was respectively related to their familiarity with harvest operations vs. choice of and proper varieties. There was a statistically significant observed relationship between "farmers’ personal and economical characteristics", and their "technical knowledge". The results of the Bivariate Regression revealed that 78.5 percent of variability in technical knowledge of Saffron farmers stemmed from their “use of information resources, educational level, access to agricultural inputs and credits, farm size, as well as their maximum annual production”.

The purpose followed in this study was to investigate entrepreneurial characteristics prevailent among the Students of University College of Agriculture, University of Tehran carried out through a descriptive-survey method. The research population consisted of students of the University College of Agriculture, University of Tehran from among whom 123 were selected through Stratified Random Sampling method. The instrument of research was questionnaire the reliability of which was assessed through Cronbach's Alpha coefficient found as equal to 0.80. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by judgement of a panel of faculty members of the University College of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship Faculties of Tehran University. Data analysis was accomplished, using SPSS software. The results revealed that around 70 percent of students benefited from high and moderate levels of Entrepreneurial Spirit. The need for achievement, internal locus of control, risk-taking and creativity among most of the students stood at high level but the levels of ambiguity tolerance was rated as low. There were significant differences observed between male and female students, they differently benefiting from creativity and ambiguity tolerance. Male students possessed a higher level of entrepreneurial spirit females. Also, entrepreneurial spirit in postgraduate students stood at a higher level, in comparison with undergrakuate and graduate students. There was no significant relationship observed between student's age and their entrepreneurial spirit.

The aim followed in the present research is to investigate the factors affecting agricultural land fragmentation, and to rpesent the appropriate ways of approach to reconsolidate the fragmented lands. The study carried out in Shirvan Chardavol county. The study population is comprised of a number of 9250 agricultural land users, resident in Shirvan Cardavol County. The sample size was estimated by use of Cochran Formula from where 130 individuals were chosen through stratified sampling Method. A questionnaire was developed as means of the research. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were verified through pretest and an analysis of the data, with KMO and cronbach's Alpha coefficients calculated as 0.815 and 0.715 respectively. The method of Interval of standard Deviation from the Mean (ISDM) was employed to qualitatively explain the variable "respondent's viewpoint" concerning land consolidation. The studied variables were classified in the factors of economic, socio-cultural and land users'. These factors explain 75.61% of the variance among the determining factors of land fragmentation and distribution in the studied area. Results finally indicate that the physical factor (land area(s), mean size of household land fragment(s), and traditional interfiled roads) constitutes the most important factor of land fragmentation in the studied area.

The main purpose followed in this study was to identify and analyze the mechanisms of nanotechnology development in Iranian agricultural sector. The research method was an Analytical- Explanatory one. The statistical population of the study consisted of researchers of National Agricultural Research Institutions/ Centers (N= 170). According to Morgan& Krejcie table, 120 persons were selected through Simple Random Sampling for doing the study. A questionnaire was made use of to collect data. A panel of experts established the validity of the questionnaire. A pilot study was conducted to establish the reliability of the instrument. Cronbach alpha's coefficient for the main scales of the questionnaire was calculated as more than 0.75, indicating an acceptable reliability of the questionnaire. Factor analysis of mechanisms of nanotechnology development in Iranian agricultural sector indicated the six factors of: Information delivery, Educational and Professional Development, Law making, Policy making and Supportive, Financial, Institutionalizational and Infrastructural explaining 68.6% of total variances of the mechanisms.

This descriptive-correlational research was aimed at investigating the perceptions and expectations of agricultural students towards employment opportunities awaiting different of agricultural disciplines offered in the faculties of agriculture in West Iran. The population for the study was chosen from among the senior agricultural students of public universities (Kordestan, Kermanshah, Ilam, Hamedan and Lorestan) in west of Iran (N=979). Two hundred and seventy four students were selected through Stratified Random Sampling method. Based on the findings, employment expectations of students stood at moderate level. There was a positive and significant relationship observed between "agricultural background, educational expectations, perception toward educational institution, level of required employment skills" and "perceived employment opportunity level, while a negative and significant relationship between "social classes" and perceived employment level. The student's level of competency in employment seeking skills including planning and organization, ability to use internet, general knowledge, computer skills, utilization of instruments of knowledge production and extension, proper understanding of the international issues, entrepreneurship, organizational awareness, proficiency in English language, and career experience were estimated as very low.

One of the more appropriate choices for having a competitive and market oriented agriculture sector as well as being more active in the world market is to develop greenhouse enterprises. Climate diversification, availability of manpower, technical knowledge and cheap energy are some encouraging reasons for development of greenhouses in Iran. The purpose of this research was an analysis of the promoter factors affecting the horticultural greenhouse units, development. A survey method of research was employed, the statistical population being consisted of the greenhouse owners in Varamin. A Snow-ball (n=90) was employed. The instrument of research was a questionnaire, developed as based on the background available on the subject. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was calculated as equal to 0.82 indicating the reliability of the questionnaire. Also, content and face validity of the questionnaire was confirmed as based on experts’ opinions. Analysis of data was done making use of SPSS software. Findings indicated that economy, technique, individuals and vocations, infrastructure, and support of the government are among the determining factors in development of horticulture greenhouse units. These could explain 83.07% of the variation in the development of horticultural greenhouse units.

Processing industries with the aim of and increasing the added value reducing the waste of agricultural products, promotion of productivity, employment, non oil exports, food security as well as sustainable development in agriculture has started to develop in Iran since 1998. The objective of the present study is to examine the main factors affecting physical progress of those processing firms that had been awarded business permits in Zajan province. Required data were collected from a survey of 20 food processing firms in Zanjan province during 1998-2010. A number of related statistical tests were applied to determine the factors affecting performance of the processing firms involved in the study area. The results indicate that such factors as a lack of credit facilities, lack of the needed machinery, shortage of currency, lack of specialized in the field experts, low related knowledge of managers as well as high inflation rates were some of the main factors that have had their significant impact on failure of the processing firms to have their operations begun.

Farmer's attitudes play an important role in their towards sustainable agriculture behavior. Factors affecting men and women cotton producers’ attitude towards sustainable agriculture were investigated in the course of this worke. The research was a survey one using Stratified Random Sampling, conducted in Esfahan Province. The subjects were selected from 179 cotton producing families (357 men and women, 179 and 178 in number respectively). The necessary data for the research was obtained through questionnaire. The findings indicated that access to information related to sustainable agriculture, knowledge of sustainability, moral and social norms for implementing sustainable activities, religious and spiritual values, environmental affects, awareness of environmental consequences and an ascription of behavioral environmental responsibility are positively and significantly correlated with the attitude of sustainability. On the other hand, the number of household members and the years being involved in cotton cultivation arein a significant negative correlation with the attitude of sustainability. The findings also indicated that moral norm for sustainable activity in cotton cultivation as well as land were major determinants of women and men cotton producers’ attitude of sustainability. The variables of: environmental affects, ascription of behavioral environmental responsibility, access to information related to sustainable agriculture, land under cotton cultivation, age and religious as well as spiritual values were some determinants of women cotton producers’ attitude of sustainability. Also, findings indicated that in addition to moral norm for doing sustainable activities in cotton cultivation and land factor, awareness of environmental consequences is also an important determinant of men cotton producers’ attitude of sustainability.

Women's cooperatives provide a social environment where women can work out of their dwelling houses, actively participate in social activities and stand at high levels of decision making in their societies. Cooperatives could empower women in such various aspects as social, economic, cultural and psychological dimensions. To investigate the role of women's cooperatives in empowerment of their members, either one of qualitative and quantitative procedures were employed throughout the study. Questionnaire was utilized to collect data in the quantitative section with its face validity being approved by experts. Cronbach’s alpha for an estimation of the reliability was in the acceptable range of 0.81 to 0.94. Photovoice and interview were employed in the qualitative section. Research population consisted of 400 members of Tafihan Women cooperative in Fars province. Results revealed that the empowerment levels as regards psychological and economic aspects were higher than empowerment levels from other aspects and while socio-cultural and familial dimensions being placed with in the next rank. Since this cooperative is a representative of two villages, the needs of the people from both villages should be taken into consideration. A board of directors composed of the representatives from both villages could be helpful in this regard.

This research has been done with the main goal of assessing job satisfaction among the experts engaged at the Agricultural Engineering and Technical Consulting Services Companies in Kermanshah, applying a descriptive- correlational method. The study population consisted of 388 experts of consulting service companies active in 10 rural districts in the township of Kermanshah from whom 179 were randomly chosen as samples through classification sampling method. Data were collected through a questionnaire. That was based upon, Job Satisfaction Standard Questionnaire of Minnesota University. The reliability of the questionnaire was estimated as 0.9. Gathered data was analyzed through SPSS statistical software. Results indicate a 17.9 percent of experts at satisfied at a high level with their jobs, 30.2 percent satisfied at an acceptable level, 34 percent at a medium level and finally 17.9 percent not satisfied with their jobs. A comparison of means using T-test indicated that, men in comparison with women; professionals working in the irrigated areas as compared with those working in dryland areas, along with two job experts are more satisfied with their jobs. The Spearman Correlation Test revealed a positive relationship between the ages of experts and their job satisfaction.

The objective followed in this descriptive-survey research was to investigate factors influencing farmers’ attitudes toward participation in Water Users’ Associations. The statistical population of the study consisted of 1435 farmers of Markazi District of Zanjan County out of whom 329 were selected as sample using Cochran formula. Random sampling technique was used for the study. A questionnaire was developed to collect the data. The reliability of the main scales of the questionnaire was examined thuough Cronbach alpha Coefficients ranging from 0.87 to 0.91 the validity of the questionnaire was approved by a group of the faculty members of the University of Tehran and as well by a number of experts. The data were analyzed through SPSS software. The findings revealed the existence of positive significant relationships between farmers’ attitudes toward participation in Water Users’ Associations and formal participation, non formal participation, farmers’ willingness to participate in water users’ associations, educational level, irrigated land size as well as period of membership in rural production cooperatives (at one and five percent levels of significance). In addition there were negative significant relationships observed between farmers’ attitudes towards participation in Water Users’ Associations and farmers’ age, job experience as well as annual income at one percent level. Step-wise Regression Analysis indicated the five variables of: non formal participation, farmers’ age, formal participation, job experience and irrigated land size explaining 77.8 percent of variations in the extent of farmers’ attitudes toward participation in water users’ associations.

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the willingness of Clergymen towards their participation in Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension and Education Programs (ANREEP). The population of the study consisted of all the clergymen who dialed ANREEP. Using Coronbach Alpha formula along with Stratified Random Sampling Techniques a number of 260 clergymen were selected. A questionnaire, designed as based on Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) constituted the main tool for data gathering. Structural equation modeling was applied to analyze the data. Results indicated positive and meaningful relationship between attitude, subjective norms plus perceived behavior control, and the willingness for participation in ANREEP. These three variables explained 81.3% of the variable willingness. A modification of the research model led to a positive and meaningful relationship between subjective norms, and perceived behavior control. Based upon the findings and conclusions obtained from this study, specific recommendations were made to promote the willingness of clergymen toward their participation in ANREEP.