Factors Influencing the Adoption of Saffron in Songhor and Sahne Counties in Kermanshah Province

During the past few decades, Iran is experiencing a serious climate change which in turn has caused severe water shortage across the country. This dilemma has encouraged policy makers to look for special crop plants with limited water requirements. Saffron has a long history in Iran. Although this crop has a cultivation potential in Kermanshah province, limited attention has been paid to its diffusion and adoption. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of saffron in Songhor and Sahne counties in Kermanshah Province. Qualitative research paradigm was used in this study. Among qualitative paradigm, grounded theory approach was used to determine the process used by potential three farmers to adopt saffron crop and sampling was non-random. Individual face to face interview and observation was used to collect data. Qualitative data was analyzed using open and axial coding. To process the informations, the content analysis was used and findings validity was confirmed using triangulation process. Results revealed that the following factors influenced farmers adoption of saffron: being a pioneer, economic incentives of saffron crop, accessing to inputs, accessing to information sources, feasibility and marketing. So, training of potential adopters ,investing on saffron processing and packaging, and further advancements of knowledge and skills are recommended.