Factors Affecting the Agricultural Sustainability of Wheat Farms in Kermanshah County

Inappropriate use of pesticides and fertilizers in Iran has led to severe damages on soil and water resources; reduce the fertility and performance of the lands, environmental contamination, and damage to the ecological cycle of nature and health problems for humans, animals and the environment. Despite some planning and measures taken in this regard, monitoring and evaluation of agricultural sustainability and selection of the most suitable ways to move from the current status to the desirable situation remains essential. The main purpose of this study is to review the factors affecting agricultural sustainability on wheat farms in Kermanshah County. Based on a surveying method, the research statistical population consist of irrigated wheat farmers who were working agriculture in Kermanshah County. 300 farmers were selected based on Kerjcie and Morgan table. Questionnaire was the main tool for data gathering. In addition to the questionnaire, interview technique also has been used. The validity of indices and questions in the questionnaire was verified by a group of experts. To determine the reliability of the questionnaire a Chronbach alpha test was used and the calculated amount (0.82) showed an acceptable reliability of the questionnaire. To analyze data, a number of different tests in particular multiple regression were used through SPSS software. The results showed that the majority of farmer's farms (74.6%) were in the unsustainable situation. The results showed no significant relationship between age and education level with the sustainability of farms, but there was a significant relationship between performance and land ownership variables with the sustainability of agricultural farms. The results also showed that the improvement situation of sustainability, for Kermanshah farmers are under effect of variables like agri-technical, social and economic, and extension education respectively more than other factors.