Evaluation of Operation of Irrigation Systems, Learning Resources and Educational Needs Assessment of Greenhouse Owners with Water Scarcity Adaptation Approach (Case Study: Qazvin Province)

Emphasis on water resources based on adaptation to water scarcity makes production adaptable to climate conditions. In this study, after identifying the educational resources, the educational needs of greenhouse owners were determined prioritized with reference to water scarcity conditions. For the educational needs assessment, three-dimensional model and Delphi method were applied. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation indices and Kolmogorov and Smirnov, one-sample t, one-sample Sign, Kruskal-Wallis, and Yumen-Whitney tests. The findings of this study showed that the operating status of irrigation systems from the three perspectives of "greenhouse owners", "experts" and "trainers" were 4.34±0.95, 2.83±1.04 and 2.86±0.64 (out of 5 points), respectively. The status of exploitation of educational resources from the three points of view were 2.26±1.23, 2.46±0.99 and 2.56±1.10 (out of 5 points), respectively. Moreover, the knowledge and skills of greenhouse owners regarding educational needs from the three perspectives were 3.61±0.9, 2.50±1.09 and 2.48±0.9 (out of 5 points), respectively. Evaluations showed that greenhouse owners are not aware of the principles of proper operation of irrigation systems and do not have sufficient knowledge and skills regarding educational needs. It is necessary to change the content and use of educational resources according to the greenhouse owner's conditions and interests. In addition, the most important educational needs of greenhouses owners based on the three views were "time management of different stages of irrigation", "how to use irrigation systems" and "introduction of different irrigation systems and their disadvantages and benefits".