کیومرث زرافشانی

Land use allocation is the issue of decision allocation of resources that assesses the suitability of each land unit for various land use options. Therefore, it is essential to identify the effective factors in allocating agricultural land. Since Mahidasht Plain is one of the most important agricultural fields in Kermanshah province, this study aims to identify and rank Factors Affecting Agricultural Land Allocation in Mahidasht Plain. This research has used descriptive-analytical methodology, and in terms of goal, it is development-applicative. The general research paradigm is a mixed (qualitative-quantitative) type of sequential-exploratory design. Specimens studied in the present study, Agricultural Jihad Organization staff, Research Center, and farmers, were selected by Purposeful. With over 40 examples of samples, instant saturation was achieved, and the articles were simplified.The identified factors were categorized into 7 categories by MAXQDA software, including economic, human, social, political, natural, physical, and cultural factors. Also, the results of ranking and weighting of indicators using hierarchical analysis and Expert Choice software showed that the most important effective factors in allocating agricultural lands based on their weight are economic dimensions (0.254), political dimensions (0.184), human dimensions (0.156), and natural dimensions (0.142), respectively.The results of this study can support land use planning and policy-making and be provided to land users as a decision support system.

Entrepreneurship plays a vital role in promoting economic development and improving the living standards of people in society. Promoting entrepreneurship among university graduates can be highly effective in creating jobs and reducing the problem of unemployment. One of the factors that is strongly associated with predicting entrepreneurial behavior is entrepreneurial intention. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the role of contextual factors in forming the entrepreneurial intention of agricultural students in the Iranian higher education system based on the theory of planned behavior.To this end, the effect of three important contextual variables, namely perceived university support, perceived government support, and perceived environmental support, on students' entrepreneurial intention in the Iranian agricultural higher education system was investigated.The statistical sample of the research included 455 fourth-year undergraduate students in agricultural fields in the Iranian higher education system, who were selected using a multi-stage sampling method from 9 universities in the country.The results of the study showed that the variables of attitude towards entrepreneurship, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and also perceived university support and perceived environmental support had a positive and significant effect on the entrepreneurial intention of agricultural students in the Iranian higher education system; however, the effect of perceived government support on the entrepreneurial intention of students was not confirmed.The findings of this research have appropriate theoretical and practical implications for helping policymakers, planners, and educators in the Iranian agricultural higher education system to promote entrepreneurship among students.

Climate change is one of the most important challenges of mankind. Farm systems in particular are faced with predictable and unpredictable shocks in that their functionality is affected in terms of both quality and quantity. Farm systems capacity for recovery, reorganization, and evolution following external tensions and shocks are discussed within the context of resiliency framework. However, recommendation and evaluation of policy-making solutions in resiliency literature is limited. In other words, most resiliency critics highlight shortcomings of resiliency in terms of conceptualization. Moreover, with correct conceptualization of resiliency policy making and program planning would be facilitated. Therefore, this study sought to investigate resiliency assessment scale titled SHARP (self-evaluation and holistic assessment of climate resilience of farmers and pastoralists), which is developed by FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), with the goal of social economic systems (SES) in the context of participatory resilient assessment.

This research is conducted in a mixed manner with a relative qualitative-dominant approach. that was previously used in the context of developing countries. The SHARP assessment tool was pilot tested among 20 saffron growers in Kermanshah Province with quantitative-qualitative dominant in mind. The SHARP assessment tool comprised of 52 statements measuring the resiliency of saffron farmers facing climate shocks. Each saffron grower was evaluated on a 30-point scale including 10 points for academic and 10 points importance and 10 points for applying or taking resiliency measures.

The results of this research will be presented in two sections:SHARP scale localization is carried out within a seven-stage procedure, including: adding and removing questions to/from the original version of the SHARP tool, questionnaire translation, grading, implementation within the software environment, early implementation with 5 farmers, analysis and assessments based upon the early implementation, and the SHARP scale pilot implementation. Experimental implementation of the Iranian SHARP with twenty saffron farmers in Kermanshah state: The sample and the goal of the field work were twenty farmers from the saffron farmers of Kermanshah province. The field experiment was carried out in a two-stage process including: scientific evaluation through the farmers’ self-assessment and conducting group discussions about the results of the first stage results with the farmers to analyzing and discuss their feedbacks. In the twenty analyzed farm systems, the most resiliency against the farm system components included meal sessions (25.5), energy resources (19), tensions (18.9), and livelihood (18.8). Furthermore, the least resiliency if the farm systems corresponded with usage of sales channels without intermediaries and direct sale (10.9), group membership (10.5), and the market (12). The accuracy of aforementioned measures was verified via utilizing the four measures suggested by Gabba et al. (1994); 1) Credibility 2) Confirmability 3) Transferability 4) Dependability

Farmers feedbacks and utilization of the SHARP scale, form the discussions’ core. Saffron farmers’ positive feedback with respect to owning a scale that provides quick results is important, since it provides the possibility of their participation in small groups to discuss their results, make comparisons with each other and identify the farm system’s resiliency. Resiliency assessment of farm systems using the SHARP scale is easy and interesting. This is mostly since it does not require official documentation; therefore, farmers can answer it with simple and rudimentary knowledge of the farm’s daily operation. However, in the fields of market, utilization of channels without intermediaries, and group participation are in the lowest levels of scientific resiliency, and this demonstrates that while saffron farmers of Kermanshah state are resilient against the pressure mounting from the climate change, but they may indirectly feel the climate change’s effects with respect to vulnerabilities in the markets and price volatilities, due to lower support. The SHARP scale is the right answer for resiliency evaluation in saffron farm systems, and with respect to the parameters which yield lower resiliency in the system, it shows that centralization in Iran’s farm system is quite clear, and authority delegation and belief in the “groups” existence will play a significant role in creating resiliency as it generates investment improvement through forming of farmers’ networks and moreover, farmers collaboration in the form of building cooperatives with various functionalities. Also, the negotiation and bargaining power increments with regards to the market price will also be affected by forming market-related cooperatives, and furthermore, capitalist support of small businesses will be facilitated in this structure. Since, the market parameter, has reduced the resiliency; for (resiliency’s) betterment, organization and implementation of farming education programs can be pointed to. Farming education programs can be provided to the farmers in the form of marketing management models, so that, it could help them to become more capable in this regard via better decision-making. The other solution of the policymakers is to put sanctions on beneficiaries who utilize false advertisement for fake marketing. This action can create more transparency and accountability for customers’ purchase options.

Property conflicts and legal disputes over land ownership constitute one of the most complex issues in the field of agriculture. Adopting a qualitative approach, the present study reviews the literature and field research findings on property conflicts and legal disputes following the Land Reform of 1962 in Mahidasht over the past 60 years. Document analysis and field research evidence from the documents over the period 1885 to 1962 show that landlord system was transformed into the current peasant system as a result of the agrarian reform in 1962 that served as the first transformation in land ownership structure. This subsequently led to conflicts and disputes over fragmented farmlands, and dispersion of even and uneven agricultural lands of different degrees of , fertility. In the meantime, the peasant system failed to meet the farmer’s household needs. In other words, the social changes due to the land reform led to economic changes and the consequent changes in the cultural life of the farmers. The documents in Mahidasht revealed that most of the property ownership documents had been issued during the years 1966-71 and that many of these were conclusive and official. Interviews with 25 local elder farmers further revealed that property conflicts and disputes had arisen after the land reform of 1962 and the subsequent sharing out of the inherited lands. The most important measure found to reduce property conflicts is to register land rights and to implement the Cadastral system.

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of psychological empowerment dimensions on entrepreneurial behavior among rural women in Marvdasht County. Statistical population consisted of all active women (15 to 65 years) in rural area of Marvdasht County, that using Bartlett et al.’s sampling table, 227 of them were selected as the sample using the multistage cluster sampling method (n=227). The main instrument in this study was standard questionnaire which its validity were confirmed by the panel of experts and its reliability was established by Cronbach's Alpha coefficient. Data were analyzed by SPSSwin26 and SmartPLSwin3 softwares in two parts of descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that the status of entrepreneurial behavior among rural women in Marvdasht County was at the moderate (3) Level. The results of structural equation modeling showed that the sense of competence, Meaning and impact had a positive and significant effect on the entrepreneurial behavior among rural women in Marvdasht County, while the effect of sense of self-determination on entrepreneurial behavior among rural women in Marvdasht County was not confirmed. In addition, the results showed that the psychological empowerment dimensions were able to explain about 46% of the variance changes in entrepreneurial behavior among rural women in Marvdasht County. Finally, the theoretical and practical implications of this study were discussed to help researchers and policy makers.

In recent decades, climate change has led to authorities turn to drought-resistant crops with low water needs, such as saffron. Although the growth of saffron in Kermanshah has a long history and special potential, but its cultivation in Kermanshah has not been developed and its educational needs have not been identified. Therefore, identifying and prioritize the educational needs of saffron farmers in Kermanshah is important. In this research which was conducted using Mix method design (qualitative-quantitative) and descriptive-analytical method, the educational needs of saffron farmers were identified and prioritized, samples selected purposefully. Data collect through Telephone interview (31 people). The results of this evaluation showed that the “planting” and “post-harvest” stage need strengthening; and before planting, holding, and harvesting stages do not require training. The implication of this study can help the authorities of Kermanshah province in identifying the educational needs of saffron growers so that they can develop the area under cultivation of this valuable product.

Concern about climate change and its effects on various aspects of human life in general and agricultural production in particular is growing. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to assess and predict of climate change induced temperature and precipitation of Kermanshah township.

The calibration and validation of the HadCM3 model was performed 1961-2001 of daily temperature and precipitation. The data on temperature and precipitation from 1961 to 1990 were used for calibration whereas data from 1991 to 2001 were used for model validation. SDSM version 4.2 as a downscaling model used to downscale general circulation models to station scales.  

 The least difference between observed data and simulation data during calibration and validation showed that the parameter was precisely modeled for most of the year. This study under A2 scenario, three time periods (2020, 2050, 2080) were simulated.  

According to our simulated model, precipitation showed a decreasing trend whereas temperature showed an increasing trend. The result of this study can also be used as an optimal model for land allocation in agriculture.

Experts believe that a solution to avoid the inefficiency of university graduates, especially graduates in Agriculture, is to revise the practical courses, especially internships, and transform and amend them. Taking this point into account, this study aimed to design a model for the internship course in the Iranian Agriculture Higher Education using the Delphi technique. The mental basis of this study was Akker’s ten-phase model. The panel was composed of the university professors supervising agriculture internship courses (N=34) and the employers to whom the students referred for passing the course (N=63). The results from the perspective of employers and the university professors, after three Delphi rounds, determined items for ten components of internship courses, i.e., logic, objectives and goals, content, learning activities, the role of trainer, materials, and resources, classification, location, time, evaluation and appraisal, which were used as the basis for the development of an internship model.

Ravansar county in Kermanshah province is known for its rain-fed chickpea production. This variety has shown limited yield across Ravansar county. Therefore, agricultural policymakers have focused on winter variety of chickpea as an alternative to spring variety. However, during the past decade, the rate of adoption of winter chickpea has been limited to only 20% of all total rain-fed chickpea production in the region. Therefore, the purpose of this mixed method design was application of Roger’s Theory in adoption of winter chickpea among farmers in Ravansar county. In the quantitative part, 170 farmers were selected using simple random sampling whereas in the qualitative part a case study of 10 target farmers were interviewed using purposeful sampling method. Data was collected through a researcher-made questionnaire based on Roger’s Theory of Innovation Characteristics and in-depth interview. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Results revealed that all five innovation characteristics (observability, trialability, compatibility, relative advantage, and complexity) were effective in winter chickpea adoption. Furthermore, qualitative results showed that observability and trialability were more influential during the early stage of decision-making and compatibility, relative advantage, and complexity were more influential during the sustainable adoption of winter chickpea. Overall, there is evidence to support Roger’s Theory of Innovation Characteristics.

The aquaculture industry as a very important agricultural activity in the current situation is influenced by the concept of sustainability that can be with minimal harm to the environment ensure of food security and health of rural society. This study was carried out with the study the current status of aquaculture to develop strategies to achieve sustainable aquaculture in Guilan province with an emphasis on its environmental dimension.

The general approach of this research is qualitative that was used from qualitative content analysis for the purpose of analyzing data. Sampling was targeted and was confirmed the validity of research findings through triangulation. In the present study various techniques (individual interviews and group discussions) were used. Also data were obtained from various sources such as members and managers of aquaculture cooperative, aquacultures and fishery experts from the directorate general of Guilan province.

The results showed that in the current situation to achieve sustainable aquaculture inputs management, production management, waste management and control and marketing management is needed. Based on research findings suggestions were made that can help to province aquaculture practitioners to achieve sustainable aquaculture.

Kermanshah Province with one million hectares of arable land play an important role in food security and economy of Kermanshah province. For example, Kermanshah province holds third in wheat yield per hectare; second in chickpea production; third in maize production; third in sugar beet yield per hectare; and seventh in tomato production. However, unsustainable behavior of farmers in one hand and overuse of water consumption have depleted water reserves which in turn has developed “prohibited plains” in the region. For example, several regions such as Mahidasht, Islamabad, and Kangavar are consider as forbidden areas and still extending in size. In addition, with the continued overuse of water resources we will soon experience huge sinkholes across the province. Therefore, there is a need to study the content and value of virtual water in order to zone cultivated areas based on virtual water. This could be an effective way to maintain water resources and prevent environmental crises.

This study used quantitative documentary research method. Using secondary data source, we collected data from various sources such as FAO data bank, Agricultural Jihad Organization data source, Meteorological organization, Agricultural Research Center, and Department of Soil and Water Management. This documentary research sought to investigate the content and value of virtual water used in irrigated and rainfed farming across wheat, barley, chickpea, maize, sugar beet, and tomatoes during 2014-2015 using CROPWAT, AGWAT, and EXCEL software. In addition, the share of green and blue virtual water was estimated in the study. Finally, 12 provinces were zoned from classes A to Z based on virtual water content and value of the products.

Results revealed that wheat with 1.96 to 3.68 m3/kg is the most consumable product that about 60 percent of the cultivated areas of wheat are located in areas of the province that are inappropriate in terms of content and value of virtual water. Also, tomato with the value of 0.09 to 0.38 m3/kg had the lowest virtual water content and average value of virtual water. According to the results, the sugar beet product is in desirable condition in terms of virtual water content and had moderate conditions in virtual water value. Finally, about 80% of maize produced in areas that are not in a desirable position in terms of virtual water content and value. Results of green and blue virtual water showed that spring products such as sugar beet, tomatoes and maize received their water requirement from surface and groundwater resources. In addition, the largest blue component of wheat was related to Harsin city and the lowest was related to Javanrod city. For irrigated barley, the smallest and the largest share of blue virtual water were related to cities of Qasr Shirin and Sahne respectively.

Overall, the results of this study revealed that irrigated wheat and barley have a poor condition in terms of the content and the value of virtual water. However, since wheat and barley are considered as a strategic products policymaker should take appropriate measures in order to provide sustainable cultivation of wheat and barley. For example, improved farming, plant breeding, changing the growing season according to climatic conditions, developing cultivation in suitable areas, as well as applying appropriate pricing and support policies, including training of beneficiaries, and improving insurance policies could provide appropriate measures if Iran is to be self-sufficient in wheat and barley production. Results of this study has practical significance for agricultural policymakers in Iran in general and Kermanshah province in particular. For example, zoning of crop cultivation based on the content and value of virtual water provided in this study can be an effective tool in modelling cropping pattern and sound water management policies. In addition, effective cropping pattern as well as sound water management resources would encourage farmers to engage in climate smart agriculture. Moreover, cultivation zoning based on content and value of virtual water is considered as a climate smart agriculture technique. This in turn would create resilient farming system in the study area. Through resilient farming system, farmers better adapt to climatic condition more effectively.

Drought is among disasters that caused a large amount of financial burden to Iranian economy. However, drought management strategies have focused on crisis management instead of risk management. Drought risk management strategies take early warning system as a its focal point in order to disseminate information to drought-affected individuals which in turn reduces drought risk. The purpose of this qualitative study is to analyze mechanisms needed to deploy the production and diffusion of drought early warning system information in Kermanshah Township. Using case study as well as documentary approach, a critical case sample of 26 specialist from Meteorological, Agricultural Organization, Regional Water Company, Agricultural and Natural Resource Engineering System, Agricultural Bank, Regional Sound and Vision Broadcasting and Crisis Department and Municipalities participated in the study. The findings revealed that drought early warning system is not unified in a systematic manner and the stakeholders use their own method of disseminating information independently with limited knowledge of local context and poor knowledge of farmers’ needs and reactions. The findings of this study have implications to design drought early warning system in Kermanshah Province as well as farmers’ empowerment in terms of drought risk reduction.

The main purpose of this study was to identifying determinants of psychological empowerment and provides solutions among women of rural area in Marvdasht Township. Statistical population consisted of all active women (15 to 65 years) in rural area in Marvdasht Township, that using Bartlett et al. (2001)’s sampling table, 227 of them were selected as the sample using the multistage cluster sampling method (n=227). The main instrument in this study was questionnaire which its validity were confirmed by the panel of experts and construct validity and its reliability was established by Cronbach's Alpha coefficient and composite reliability. Data were analyzed by SPSSwin25 and SmartPLS3 softwares in two parts of descriptive and inferential statistics. Based on the results of structural equation modeling the social factors, economic factors and institutional factors had a positive and significant effect on the psychological empowerment among women of rural areas of Marvdasht Township. Finally, several solutions such as "Providing loans and credits to rural women", "Launching funds and institutions aimed at supporting rural women" and "raising the level of knowledge and skills of rural women" to improve the psychological empowerment among women of rural areas of Marvdasht Township was presented.

Increasing rates of unemployment among graduates of Iranian higher education in the field of agriculture due to low rates of job creation results in a strong need to promote entrepreneurship within this group. Entrepreneurship can be promoted by shaping graduates' entrepreneurial attitudes, values, perceptions, and intentions. Creating an entrepreneurial mindset among graduates of agricultural programs has the potential of changing their perspective regarding employment, so that instead of being jobseekers they become job creators. For this purpose, current study was conducted to identify the appropriate approaches for promoting entrepreneurship among students in Iranian higher agricultural education system. The comments of experts in agricultural entrepreneurship teaching and promotion in Iranian higher agricultural education system were studied using the Delphi method. In three rounds, 46 approaches were identified. One of the identified approaches can be cited "the use of active teaching and learning methods such as brain storming, experiential and service learning, teamwork and practical work, critical thinking and problem solving by educators in agricultural education".