A Comparative Study of Factors Affecting Agricultural Water Productivity among Innovative and Non-innovative Farmers in Qazvin province

One of the most important ways to deal with the water shortage crisis is to increase water productivity in the agricultural sector. In this regard, identifying the factors affecting water productivity is of great importance in adapting to this issue. Therefore, the present study was planned and conducted to investigate the factors affecting water productivity in innovative farmers compared to non-innovative. The research is applied in terms of purpose, how to collect descriptive-correlational information and the amount and degree of control over variables. In this study, a total of 317 questionnaires were completed and collected. Farmers are divided into two groups based on relative productivity: innovative farmers (77 (24.4%)) and non-innovative (238 (75.6%)). The mean total score of factors affecting water productivity in non-innovative was 2.83±1.23 (the total score was 5), while this score was 3.42±1.36 (the total score was 5) in innovative farmers. The highest difference in scores (positive) in the factors affecting water productivity among innovative and non-innovative farmers are related to the items "comprehensive view and attitude to all factors in the production chain", "use of proper planter" and " implementation of irrigation systems by experienced experts". For better performance of farmers, especially in their weaknesses, technical and infrastructural measures as well as improving their knowledge are needed. It is suggested that training classes be held for this purpose and that the knowledge of innovative farmers be used in these classes.