نشریه علوم ترویج و آموزش کشاورزی
سال شانزدهم شماره 2 (پیاپی 32، پاییز و زمستان 1399)

In most parts of Iran, agriculture is dependent on groundwater resources. Groundwater resources exploitation rate depends basically on the attitude, knowledge, managerial, and conservation behaviors of farmers. In the present study, farmers' perspectives and behavior towards conservation of groundwater resources have been studied and analyzed in Baladarband village of Kermanshah. The statistical population of this study included irrigated farmers of Baladarband village in the 2018-2019 cropping year (N= 750). The sample size estimated to be 254 using the Cochran's formula. This study has been done by survey method and a researcher-made questionnaire as the research tool. The validity of the questionnaire has been confirmed by relevant a panel of experts and specialists. The validity of the factors was confirmed using Alpha (α<0.7) and composite reliability (CR <0.7) coefficients and average variance explained (AVE> 0.5). SPSS20, AMOS20, and ArcMap software were used to analyze the data. Analysis of direct and indirect effects in the research model revealed that the constructs behavioral control, self-efficacy, knowledge and awareness, behavioral intention, subjective norm, and attitude ranked first to sixth places in terms of predictive power. The findings of this study can enable managers and planners to manage groundwater resources properly in the study area.

The agricultural extension system of Iran has faced various climatic, ecological, economic, and social challenges during the past two decades. In order to manage the chronic problems of agricultural extension in the country and improve its structure and organization, the New Agricultural Extension System (NAES) was designed and implemented. This survey study aimed to investigate the effects of the NAES on knowledge, information, and behavior of farmers in Fars Province. The study area included Jihad Agricultural Centers of Fars Province that were used as the pilots to study the impact of the NAES which included 95 parcels of 14 Jihad Agricultural Centers. The sample size (n=260) was determined based on the table of Krejcie and Morgan. The data was collected through a questionnaire and a multi-stage random sampling method was employed to select the samples. A panel of experts confirmed the face validity of the questionnaire. Also, a pilot study was performed to evaluate the reliability of the instrument. The results revealed that farmers were relatively satisfied with the services provided by the NAES. Also, comparison of farmers' knowledge and information before and after implementation of NAES indicated significant increases in awareness of technical, infrastructural, general, and supportive services. However, the study ascertained that the level of farmers’ usage of the extension services was moderate.

The growing number of areas facing water scarcity necessitates adaptive water management strategies which can be beyond traditional water supply and demand management methods. Present study was aimed at identifying and ranking strategies of water allocation based on SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) technique. The results might help managers and planners by uncovering the challenges. In this descriptive and applied survey, multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) method was used. The study population was comprised of 43 field experts. A researcher-made questionnaire was used for data gathering. Content validity of the questionnaires and the criteria were ensured using feedbacks from the experts and screening process. The factors and dimensions were weighed and ranked using ANP and VIKOR respectively. The results showed that the Stakeholders' participation in the formation of water allocation patterns and inadequacy of compensation mechanisms are the most important strengths and weaknesses, respectively. The awareness of civil activists about water scarcity and illegal extraction have been identified as the most important opportunities and threats for the water allocation in the Hamedan–Bahar Aquifer, respectively. The results revealed that based on DEMATEL, ‘strengths opportunities’ and ‘strengths threats’ were the most affecting and the most affected factors among the group strategies, respectively. In addition, ANP showed that the “fair sharing of economic benefits from water allocation” was the ‘top strength’ sub-factor. Based on VIKOR method, “environmental dimension” was the most significant dimension. The results also indicated that to be successful in the field of water allocation, it is comprehensive policies should be imperatively revised.

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between psychological capital and              self-employment intention of agricultural students at University of Arak. This research was a quantitative and descriptive-correlational study which was conducted using a survey method. The target population of the study contained of all B.Sc. students in agriculture faculty of University of Arak (N= 400), from whom 115 students were selected using SPSS Sample Power software. Simple random sampling was employed in selection of the respondents. Data was collected through a questionnaire that its validity confirmed by a panel of experts. Its reliability was confirmed by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficient which was greater than 0.8 for all parts of the questionnaire. SPSS and AMOS statistical packages were used to analyze the data. The results indicated that the psychological capital and self-employment intention of students in most cases were at high and intermediate levels, respectively. The findings of structural equation modeling revealed that there was a positive significant relationship between psychological capital and students' self-employment intention. Furthermore, the results of correlation analysis showed that there was a positive significant relationship between psychological capital components (self-efficacy, hope, resilience, and optimism) and students' self-employment intention. Stepwise regression also revealed that self-efficacy and hope can significantly predict 31 percent of variation in the students' self-employment intention. The result of this study can be used to promote the self-employment intention of agricultural students in Iran.

The rapid increase in global population and the industrialization of agricultural products have led to the destruction of natural resources and posed great challenges to the ecosystem. The purpose of this descriptive research was to identify the intention of strawberry growers in Marivan and SarvAbad counties to apply Good Agriculture Practices (GAP). The statistical population of the study was strawberry growers in Marivan and SarvAbad county (N=241). The sample size determined via the Krejcie and Morgan table (n=174). The sampling was based on a proportional stratified random sampling approach. The research instrument was a structured questionnaire. Face and content validities of the questionnaire evaluated and verified by a group of experts. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed by calculating the Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability (CR) coefficients. For data analysis, AMOS23 and SPSS23 software were used. Descriptive results showed that the highest and lowest mean for the components of GAP behavior were assigned to the harvesting and packaging (3.60 out of 5) and the field condition and location (2.96 out of 5), respectively. It also should be emphasized that the means calculated for the variables attitude (3.76 out of 5), subjective norms (3.45 out of 5), perceived behavioral control (3.19 out of 5), and intention of applying GAP (3.66 out of 5) were greater than the average score. Research findings showed that attitude and perceived behavioral control had positive and significant effects on farmers' intention toward applying GAP. So that these variables could explain about 25% of variation in strawberry growers’ intention toward applying GAP.

Present causal-correlational research was conducted with the main purpose of analyzing factors affecting reduction of agricultural occupational injuries among gardeners of Ilam province. The statistical population of this study was consisted of all gardeners in Ilam province (N= 6711). The sample size (n= 405) was determined using the Bartlett's sample size table and the samples were selected through and stratified random method with proportional assignment. Data was collected through a researcher-made questionnaire. Running path analysis using AMOS23 statistical package proved that the variable gardeners' participation in occupational safety and health training courses (β= 0.80) had the greatest impact on reducing agricultural occupational injuries among gardeners of Ilam province. It should also be mentioned that variables horticultural education level (β= 0.69), horticultural income (β= 0.68), safety knowledge (β= 0.67), experience of horticultural activity (β= 0.64), Garden's size (β= 0.60), and gardener age (β = 0.59) were the next most powerful predictors of reducing agricultural occupational injuries, respectively.

Labels and pictograms are the first sources of information for the safe use of pesticides. The aim of this study was to investigate intention and behavior of farmers towards pesticides' labels and pictograms in Ardabil county using the Theory of Planned Behavior. The statistical population was including all wheat and potato growers of the county (N= 4964). Using multistage random sampling method a sample of 200 farmers was selected and the necessary data were collected for the cropping year of 2018-2019. An standard questionnaire of theory planned behavior was used as the research instrument. However, some necessary modifications wad carried out in order to contextualize it. Content validity of the instrument was confirmed using faculty members and its reliability was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. According to the results, respondents had a relatively positive attitude and powerful subjective norms and intention toward application of labels and pictograms. However, their actual application (behavior) was relatively poor. Attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control showed positive and significant impacts on the intention to use. Perceived behavioral control had a positive and significant impact on behavior; but the impact of intention on behavior was not statistically significant. Constructs of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control explained 58% of variance in the behavioral intention towards labels and pictograms. Furthermore, perceived behavioral control and intention accounted for 63% of variance of actual behavior.

Proper irrigation management, particularly consumption management, is a key factor to ensure water security and consequently food security. One of the main mechanisms in optimization of water consumption management is the use of related technologies to achieve high productivity. In recent years, low-pressure irrigation system has been considered as one of the new methods to improve efficiency of surface irrigation. Therefore, present study aimed to analyze the factors affecting farmers' behavior in using low-pressure irrigation system in East Azerbaijan province. The statistical sample population consists of 393 farmers, out of 112010 farmers of East Azerbaijan province. This seems to be a sufficient sample of farmers due to the use of Cochran's formula and multi-stage sampling method. The 20th and 21th versions of SPSS and AMOS were used to analyze the data. In order to better understand the main factors influencing the behavior of low-pressure irrigation systems, the research model was based on the Decomposed Theory of Planned Behavior (DTPB). The results of using structural equation modeling showed that DTPB had a suitable effectiveness and efficiency to predict farmers' behavior in using low-pressure irrigation system. In addition, variables including compatibility, advantages, facilitators, self-efficacy, the media, attitudes, subjective norms, and behavioral control were explained 63 percent of the variance changes for the dependent variable.

The increasing use of fertilizers and pesticides motivated international organizations to introduce GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) standards to ensure food safety. This qualitative study sought to investigate the current production behavior among potato growers based on Iran GAP standards in Miandarband region of Kermanshah County. The result of this study will shed light on current state of potato production which in turn aid policy makers to deploy effective policies in the study region. Qualitative data was collected using in-depth and semi structured interviews as well as observation techniques. Results revealed that among 53 agricultural practices, 9 production behavior was in line with GAP standards. For example, potato growers were cautious about preserving soil structure, using improved irrigation methods, calibrating fertilizer and spray equipment, adhering to pre-harvest interval, observing farm-livestock distance, correct timing of harvest, separation of soil and weed from potato harvest, using new bags for packing, and separating immature and green tubers. Overall, results showed that potato growers are engaged in Bad Agricultural Practices (BAP). The result of this study has implications for Agricultural Jihad Organization in that they can identify bad practices in order to launch appropriate interventions in order to engage potato growers in Good Agricultural Practices which in turn insure food safety.

In order to develop rural tourism, the behavior of tourists should be studied. Since understanding tourists' behavior leads to providing scientific foundations for tourism marketing and management and increasing its efficiency. The main purpose present study was to investigate the effect of local food consumption value theory on behavioral intention of tourist through the mediating role of food destination image. The statistical population consisted of tourists (N= 1200) who visited Oramanat rural areas in spring and summer of 2019 and were served local foods. Using Krejcie and Morgan table and convenient and simple random sampling method, 295 tourists were selected as the samples. The data gathering tool was a researcher-made questionnaire which its validity was confirmed by a panel of experts and its reliability was confirmed by Cronbach’s alpha coefficients (0.708 - 0.838). Collected data analyzed by partial least squares method (PLS) of structural equation modeling. Findings showed that based on consumption value theory, tourists’ experience of local food had a positive and significant effect on their attitude towards local food, and all aspects of consumption value theory including health value, taste and quality value, price value, emotional value, social value, and epistemic value had significant positive effects on attitude. These values accounted for 61.7% of the variation in attitude toward local food. In addition, the results indicated that the attitude toward local foods have influenced tourists' behavioral intentions through the mediating role of the food tourism image.

Present study aimed at designing a model for the technical development of greenhouses and analyzing its influencing factors through the survey of 1300 greenhouse owners in Pakdasht county. Based on the Cochran's formula, the sample size was estimated to be 150. To increase the accuracy of access to respondents, stratified random sampling technique with proportional assignment was employed. The face validity of researcher-developed questionnaire was confirmed by a panel of experts. Cronbach's alpha coefficient values for the variables ranged from 0.70 to 0.93, indicating acceptable reliability for the instrument. Partial least squares structural equation modeling using SmartPLS2 was used to validate the designed model. The results showed that the two factors of human capital and access to technical infrastructure were the most effective factors in the technical development process of greenhouses. The three variables market access, investment-credit, and cost-benefit in light of government support have been able to affect the level of technical development of greenhouses by improving the level of access to technical infrastructure. Educational-extensional programs and government support have also led to an increase in the level of human capital and, indirectly resulted in the technical development of greenhouses. Generally, the independent variables could account for 42 percent of the variance of greenhouses' technical development. Finally, it can be concluded that the development of technical infrastructure, human capital, market access, investment, extension programs, and appropriate government policies can lead to the technical development of the greenhouse.

One of the main problems of agricultural cooperatives in Kermanshah province is the weakness in the development of entrepreneurial behaviors. If these entrepreneurial behaviors develop in agricultural cooperatives, it can be expected that their innovative products and services be developed and expanded. These can pave the way to raise of rural agricultural development programs in Kermanshah province. Present study focused on analyzing components of entrepreneurial behavior development in Kermanshah province's agricultural cooperatives using inductive approach of grounded theory. Required information was obtained through semi-structured interviews with a selected sample of entrepreneurship experts in agricultural cooperatives of Kermanshah province (n= 30). The samples were selected using purposive snowball sampling technique. The written texts obtained from the interviews were analyzed using the conventional coding process of grounded theory. Thus, the findings included different open (49 codes), axial, and selective codes. Based on axial classified codes (15 codes), the main axes of entrepreneurial behavior development in agricultural cooperatives of Kermanshah province were divided into two categories of factors promoting and inhibiting the development of entrepreneurial behavior. Promoting factors were including economic benefits, personal incentives, financial and human support, management support, diversified fields of work, development of new markets, and the level of cooperation and involvement of institutions with the cooperative. Inhibiting factors were including cultural factors, internal conflicts, insufficient knowledge, inadequate financial support, administrative bureaucracy, sanctions, market volatility, and climate change. Finally, conceptual axes were identified and merged to develop the entrepreneurial behaviors of agricultural cooperatives in Kermanshah. Through this process, a model was developed for entrepreneurial behavior development in agricultural cooperatives of Kermanshah province. Therefore, based on the findings, it is suggested to increase the awareness of managers and members about promotion of entrepreneurial behavior in agricultural cooperatives through educational and extensional courses.