Factors Affecting Using Soil Conservation Practices (SCDs) by Farmers in Ilam Province

This study aimed at explaining factors affecting the application of soil conservation practices (SCPs) among farmers in Ilam province. Statistical population of this study consisted of all farmers in Ilam province (N=58336). Using Cochran''s sampling formula، 137 farmers were selected as a sample، for increasing findings reliability، 250 questionnaires distributed with applying proportionally stratified random sampling method. Ultimately 228 questionnaires completed and analyzed by SPSS software. The instrument of the study was a questionnaire which its validity was confirmed by a panel of experts and its reliability was established by calculating Chronbach''s Alpha Coefficient (α> 0. 7). Data was analyzed by SPSS software. Results showed that majority (67. 1%) of farmers applied the SCPs in moderate and low level. Results of means comparison showed that there is significant difference between application of SCPs by farmers in the terms of variables of membership or non-membership in the rural organizations and receiving or not receiving loans for implementing SCPs. Also، results of correlation analysis showed that application of SCPs by farmers significantly correlated with the amount of farming land، amount of annual income، level of farmers education، the number of participation in extension-education courses، amount of using information and communication channels and resources، and knowledge and attitude toward SCPs (P<0. 01). Finally، results of stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that three variables of attitude toward SCPs، number attending extension- education courses، and amount of farming land account for 56. 2 percent of dependent variable (SCPs) variances among farmers in study area.