Communication Factors Influencing Attitudes of Farmers toward Application 0f Soil Conservation Practices (A Case Study of Karkheh and Dez Watershed, Khuzestan, Iran)

The purpose of this research was to investigate communication factors influencing attitudes of farmer's application of soil conservation practices in the Karkhe and Dez Wtershed in Khusestan Province of Iran. The study consist of all farmers in Karkheh and Dez watershed in Khuzestan (N=394), of which 82 is selected through proportionate stratified random sampling technique (N=82). The study was a descriptive–co relational, survey research. A questionnaire was designed and employed to gather the required data. A panel of Agricultural Extension and Education experts verified its content validity. The scale of attitude of the questionnaire was proved to be reliable as Cronbach Alpha Coefficients was equal to 0.74. A pilot study was initially conducted to determine the reliability of the questionnaire. Findings in the study indicated that a majority of the farmers have positive attitude toward adoption of soil conservation practices. The results showed there are a significant and positive correlation between farmer's attitudes towards application of soil conservation practices and rate of use Cosmo politeness, organizational and mass resources and channels of communication. The results of factor analysis of communication factors data showed that the most important factor was the Cosmo politeness resources and channels. According to regression analysis level of using Cosmo politeness, organizational and mass resources and channels of communication were found to have contributed to the increase of positive attitudes of farmers toward application of soil conservation practices.