Some Determining Factors of Weather Information Use in Farmer's Decision Making

This research used a survey method to investigate wheat growers’ beliefs and perceptions regarding the use of weather information in farming decisions in Fars province. A multi-stratified random sample with six strata was used to collect data. The sample consisted of 314 wheat growers divided into six strata based on their climatic zones. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire the validity of which was confirmed by a panel of experts. The reliability of different scales used in the study was assessed through Cronbach’s Alpha which ranged from 0.64 to 0.82. Findings revealed that, farmers’ use of weather information in farm management was low, especially the use of long-term forecasts. Although farmers perceived the application of weather information to be easy, they believed weather information ws not of any practical use. Also, results showed that lack of appropriate agricultural equipment, a lack of understanding of weather information, and inapplicability of weather information for their geographical regions were perceived to be the major obstacles to weather information use. Based on the findings, recommendations were offered to increase farmer's knowledge as well as motivation and leading to a promotion of agricultural weather information use among wheat growers in Fars province.