Factors Affecting the Satisfaction of Kermanshah Farmers with the Use of Mobile Phones in Agricultural Extension Activities

The main goal of present study was to investigate the level of satisfaction of farmers with the use of mobile phones in agricultural extension activities in the villages of Kermanshah. The methodology employed in this research was descriptive-correlational. The statistical population of the study was 32278 farmers who owned mobile phones and covered by media education services of 10 agricultural service centers in Kermanshah. The sample size was estimated by using Krejcie-Morgan table (n=380). Samples were selected using proportional stepwise sampling method. The research tool was a questionnaire consisted of three parts with 39 open-ended and close-ended questions. The validity of the questions was confirmed by a research committee and group of experts. In addition, the reliability of the construct satisfaction questions was confirmed by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficients (0.87). Data analysis showed that farmers' satisfaction with mean rank of 3.6 was greater than the average. Variables including age, gender, education, income, internet usage, e-mail usage, social media usage, mobile usage for agricultural activities, and cost of mobile usage had significant correlations with the farmers' satisfaction. Stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that four variables, including level of internet and social networks’ use, periodic cost of mobile phones, and level of familiarity with various mobile phone communication facilities had significant effects on farmers' satisfaction. These variables could account for 86% of variance changes in farmers' satisfaction level.