An analysis of farmers’ perception about drought management solutions in small-scale farming units: A Case in Isfahan province

The present study aims to analyze farmers' perceptions of drought management solutions in small-scale farming units. The statistical population included all small-scale farmers in Isfahan province (166030 people) who were exposed to drought conditions. Using Morgan table, the sample size was determined by stratified proportionate sampling method of 394 people and the data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. The results showed that the most important solutions used by farmers for drought management are "increasing information about drought and ways to deal with it", "better management of agricultural water", "timely irrigation", "planting windbreaks around" "Farms like poplar" and "seasonal migration to the surrounding areas for income." In order to categorize these solutions, factor analysis was used and a total of 5 factors such as irrigation management and moisture conservation solution; proper management of agricultural operations; household economy optimization solution; communication and information strengthening solution and “Social affairs adjustment solutions” were identified and named. The extracted factors explained 52.852% of the total variance changes, and at the end, based on the research findings, suggestions for increasing the adaptability of by small-scale farmers to climate change and drought were presented.