d. hayati

Rangeland is a common-pool resource that has become a context for conflict among different exploiter groups. Hence, the present study aimed to identify and evaluate the causes of the Rangelands Conflict (RC) in Iran. This study used a mixed analysis (first qualitative then quantitative) in terms of purpose in the field of applied research. The research sampling method was snowball sampling method in the qualitative phase and random stratification with proportional assignment method in the quantitative phase. Thematic analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used in the qualitative and quantitative phases, respectively. The result of data analysis in the qualitative phase led to the identification of six causes of conflict based on "Society-Culture", "Economy", "Educational-Extension", "Technique-Specialization", "Structure-Legislation", and "Management". The second-order confirmatory factor analysis technique was used in the quantitative phase. The results revealed that the causes of the conflict and their indicators were identified correctly. According to the results, understanding the context of conflicts helps the convergence of views among different stakeholders in achieving the rangelands co-management.

The sustainability of the energy consumption in agriculture in line with the protection of the whole environment cannot be merely attained with technology; rather it requires a change in the behaviors and enhancement of the farmer’s management style in the area of energy consumption and the factors influencing it. Currently, human environmental behavior is known as one of the most important and influential factors on the environment. Therefore, the strategies of managing and consuming inputs in agricultural production through adoption of decisions to optimal energy consumption is of great importance. Thus, the present study attempted to analyze the behavior of energy consumption in greenhouse production systems based on the components of Value-Belief-Norm Theory. The study was conducted in Kerman Province where is known as the center of greenhouse cucumber production center in Iran. The statistical population were the greenhouse owners growing cucumber. Totally we selected 356 cucumber growers using a two-stage cluster sampling method. Based on the results, components "new ecological paradigm", "awareness of consequences", "ascription of responsibility", "environmental norms", "bio-spheric values", "altruistic values", and "egoistic values" had significant effects on energy consumption behavior. These variables in sum could account for a considerable percentage of the variance in energy consumption behavior. Besides, the analysis of the total effects of the influencing factors on the energy consumption behavior also indicated that egoistic values had the greatest effect on the greenhouse owners’ behavior towards optimal energy consumption. In general, the results of present study contribute to the development of more integrated and comprehensive models in the area of energy consumption behavior in greenhouse cropping systems.

The present study aimed to explore the intention of traditional ranchers to use biogas in rural areas of Iran conducted among the traditional ranchers in the provinces of Fars, Khorasan Razavi, Kermanshah, and Golestan (N= 91,325). The sample, composed of 383 traditional ranchers, was taken by stratified random sampling. The measurement tool was a questionnaire whose face and content validity was confirmed by a panel of experts and its reliability was estimated in a pilot study by calculating Cronbach’s Alpha. The results showed that the indicators used to measure the research variables were consistent enough with the factor structure and theoretical framework of the research. It was found that normative processes had a significant positive impact on the habitual processes and intention of the traditional ranchers. Also, the effect of situational influences was positive and significant on normative processes, habitual processes, and the intention of the traditional ranchers. In addition, habitual processes and attitudes influenced intention to use biogas positively and significantly. It is concluded that the results have significant implications for the use of rigorous theoretical frameworks such as the Comprehensive Action Determination Model (CADM) when attempting to understand the intention to use biogas.

The present study aimed to analyze sugar beet farmers’ intention towards the acceptance of drip irrigation based on an extended version of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The main objectives of this study were introduction of the existing acceptance behavior models, comparison of these theories with a critical point of view, presentation of a theoretical framework based on TAM, and testing the possible relationships among variables. This descriptive-correlational research was conducted through a cross-sectional survey. The statistical population of the study was sugar beet growers of Miandoab District, Iran, of which 346 farmers were selected as the sample of the study using a multi-stage stratified random sampling method (N= 3326). The research instrument was a structured questionnaire, whose face, convergent, and discriminant validity were confirmed. Cronbachchr('39')s alpha and composite reliability coefficients were employed to examine the reliability of research tool (0.74< α< 0.93). The results revealed that the variables of attitude, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness have significant positive effects on behavioral intention towards accepting drip irrigation technology. Innovation features also have an indirect effect on behavioral intention. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that independent variables of extended version of TAM could account for 59.3% of variance of behavioral intention towards drip irrigation acceptance. The significant effect of attitude towards acceptance of drip irrigation in explaining farmerschr('39') intention towards acceptance of drip irrigation technologies implies that reinforcing farmerschr('39') attitudes will increase the likelihood of activating behavioral intention towards these new irrigation methods. In general, the results of this study contribute to the development of more integrated and comprehensive models in the field of farmerschr('39') acceptance behaviors. It also provides practitioners and policy makers of agriculture and water sectors with some useful insights regarding determinants and strategies of behavioral changes.