فصلنامه تحقیقات اقتصاد و توسعه کشاورزی ایران
سال سی و نهم شماره 1 (بهار 1387)

This research was conducted based on survey strategy with purpose of investigating the information seeking behavior patterns of Tomato growers in Badouleh District. Validity of questionnaire as data gathering instrument, confirmed by selected experts and Coronbach Alpha coefficient (equal to 0.68 – 0.75 range for deferent parts of questionnaire) used to confirm its reliability. The population of this research included all tomato growers (N=780) in Badouleh District (Dashty County, Bousher Proviance) and an appropriate sample selected (n=95) by Cochran formula. Data analysis accomplished by using SPSS/WIN software based on appropriate statistics. In descriptive findings, information seeking items in several categories, information sources, information sources and information appropriateness indicators of tomato growers, prioritized based on mean and coefficient of variation. In addition, information satisfaction, information accessibility, information appropriateness and information seeking developed as combined information index (CII). In analytical findings, calculated Pearson coefficients of correlation, indicated that there is a significant relationship between age, experiences, getting loans, membership of local institutions, participation in extension courses, information satisfaction, information accessibility, information appropriateness and information seeking (CII). Using stepwise regression led to a linear equation including experiences, getting loans, membership of local institutions, information satisfaction, information accessibility and information appropriateness as independence variables and R2Ad coefficient indicated that this linear equation explained about 72% variance of information seeking(CII) as dependence variable.

The purpose of this descriptive-survey research was to assess the attitude of the farmers, bakers and consumers toward cultural and social factors influencing wheat, flour, and bread losses. The population of the study was constituted of all the farmers, bakers and bread consumers in Tehran, Khuzestan, Golestan and Kermanshah provinces. A sample of 1500 farmers, 600 bakers, and 6000 consumers was selected using multi-stage stratified random sampling method. An instrument (questionnaire) was developed by the researcher to gather the required data. This instrument constituted of three sections as according to the purpose and objectives of the study. Based on the results, there was a positive attitude among farmers indicating that social and cultural factors do influence wheat losses. There were no relationship observed between age, educational level, and experience of farmers, and losses of wheat. In general, local leaders incurred less wheat losses than the other producers. The Results revealed that proficiency, positive attitude on bread, positively influence the prevention of flour and bread losses. Also, the perception of bakery workers toward bread as a holly gift does reduce losses. Consumers had correct understanding of bread value and the factors influencing its losses. Nevertheless, there was a positive relationship observed to be existing between educational level of households and their bread losses.

The purpose of this study was to investigate and analyze factors influencing farmers’ participation in irrigation networks management, with an approach to compare two groups of farmers (one in irrigation networks with WUA (Water User's Association), and the other in networks lacking WUA). The methodological approach was a descriptive-correlational and causal-comparative study of the survey type. The target population in the study consisted of 2551 farmers involved in the irrigation networks in Khorasan-e-Razavi Province, Iran. Using stratified random sampling technique, 335 participants were chosen. Data were collected through a questionnaire and were analyzed using SPSS, V.13 software. Content and face validity of the instrument were assessed and confirmed by the faculty members of Agricultural Extension and Education, Agronomy and Irrigation Departments at Tarbiat Modarres University, and also by the Specialists Board of Agricultural Jihad Organization and Regional Water Joint-stock Company in Khorasan-e-Razavi Province. The reliability analysis was conducted and cronbach’es alpha values for the various sections of the instrument were estimated to be between 0.73 and 0.86. The descriptive findings of our study indicated that the majority of farmers’ participation in irrigation network management was approximately at an average level. The results obtained from Pearson Correlation Analysis indicated that there were significant and positive relationships between variables, namely farmers’ behavior regarding the best farm water management practices, extension contacts, communication channels, social capital components and farmers’ attitudes regarding WUA with farmers’ participation status in irrigation network management. T-test with independent samples revealed that there was a significant difference between the mean of two groups of respondents in irrigation networks with, and without WUAs in their participation in irrigation network management. Also, the classification result from forward stepwise logistic regression model analysis indicated that the most important discriminating factors of two groups of farmers who participate in WUA and Non-WUA include farmer’s age, annual income, social solidarity and the status of farmers’ participation in irrigation network management. Generally, these variables could correctly classify some 75.8% of all the subjects.

Computer and Internet in educational and research dimensions can increase the level of students’ knowledge and ability. The purpose of this research was to study and make an analysis of the factors influencing the use of computer and Internet in educational-research activities of students. Survey method was used to gather data. The statistical population of the study included graduate students of the University College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Tehran (N=709) from which a sample of 91 members was randomly selected. Reliability and validity of the instrument were verified through obtaining the opinions of faculty members and through an application of Cronbach’s Alpha (0.89). The findings revealed that the most important variables influencing the use of computer and Internet from a student’s viewpoint were increasing the number of computer sets in the department, carrying out regular computer educational terms, as well as carrying out regular related English courses in the Educational Department. Factor analysis indicated that five most highly ranked factors influencing the use of computer and Internet were: attitude, educational, technical, environmental, as well as economical ones which respectively covered 18.33, 16.78, 13.65, 11.92, and 10.08 percent of total variance (70.76%).

Comparative advantage of corn in comparison with other competing crops was investigated applying Linear Programming, to 2004-2005 data related to classic index (DRC) in Khuzestan. Results showed that corn benefits from a comparative advantage in all cities of Khuzestan province with acreage having been increased in the cultivation pattern of 37.5 % of the cities. In addition, comparing optimal cultivation pattern as resulted from linear programming models with crop ratings, based on comparative advantage indices indicated that restrictions, availability of resources, variable cost of tradable and non-tradable inputs as well as yield will lead to comparative advantage in production shift from one crop to another. Such factors such as supporting policies, rotation, resource constraint and exchange rate might also have their own effects on comparative advantage combination and on optimum cultivating quantity.

There are many determining factors such as changes in Information Technology, increasing number of students enrolling in pursue of education, and need to just in time education that attract attentions to E-learning. In this direction, there are more attentions required to be paid to Applied-Science Education because of its nature. Instructors as the basic cornerstone of every education system are main determiners in the use of E-learning, therefore their attitudes are very important to be sought in this respect. The main propose of this research is to analyze the Instructor's Attitudes toward e-learning in Agricultural Applied-Science Education. The statistical population was the Instructors in Jahade-Keshvarzi Agricultural Education Centers (N=603). A sample was selected by using Stratified Random Sampling Method (n=175). Research instrument was questionnaire, developed by researchers to gather the required data. Validity of the questionnaire was tested through Coronbach Alpha which was about 0.77-0.89 for different sections of the questionnaire. Data analysis was done through SPSS Software, using descriptive statistics, T & F tests as well as Regression. The variables of: age, use of computer, use of internet, research competency in internet, electronic communication competency, explained 40.5 percent of the whole variations in the overall attitudes toward e-learning.

Local planning is a basic principle as well as a major part of comprehensive rural development in which main emphasis is placed on local initiatives to make human interactions more active and dynamic. In local planning, all parties including local people, governmental bodies and NGOs interact to fulfill the basic goals of community development. One may find good examples of local planning experience in different parts of the world, particularly in ancient Iran, Egypt and Greek although over involvement of governmental bodies has caused many problems in the way of enhancing local people capacities. It is nowadays recognized that sustainable rural and agricultural development will not be achieved unless the capacities and competencies of local people are recognized, built, developed and utilized. Accordingly, this study was conducted to design a model for local extension planning, as extension is a basic institution to empower local people. The study was an applied research one conducted through a quantitative paradigm. The statistical population of the study consisted of all the state and local actors of extension system in Mazandaran province of Iran, Babol county and Lalehabad District. Out of this population, 581 people were selected as sample interviewed through questionnaire. The findings revealed that different actors had significant different opinions about the consequences of the extension program, role of actors and the necessities of setting up a local planning committee. This is while they are in agreement with respect to the necessities of linkages among the actors.

This research was done with the aim of investigating attitudes of agricultural students toward outcomes of internship (training) courses. Methodologically, the research was carried out through a survey method. The population of the study consisted of all agricultural students of the Agricultural and Natural Resources Collages, University of Tehran who took their training (internship) course during 2004-2005 academic year (N=150). Census method was employed to collect data through a researcher-developed questionnaire. Content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by agricultural extension and education faculty members of the University of Tehran. Calculated Coronbach Alpha coefficient as an indication of questionnaire’s reliability was found equal to 0.82. Using SPSS software, gathered data was analyzed. Findings of the research indicated significant differences among students with regard to their attitudes toward outcomes of internship (training) courses as by groping of variables, including gender of students, relationship between students and in charge educator during the internship (training) course, attendance in pre-course orientation session, selection of internship’s location, as well as student’s major. Also, research findings, showed a significant correlation among attitudes of agricultural students toward outcomes of internship courses as well as some independent variables, such as importance given to internship course by personnel in charge, application of ideas and lessons learned by students during the internship course, engagement of students in practical and professional affairs during the course, relationship between training practices and university lessons taken by students, student’s satisfaction as related to the internship (training) course, regular attendance of students in the course, fitness of internship course with student’s major, possibility of voluntary selection of training options by students, possibility of using related prevailing tools and equipments by students during the internship (training) course.

Overuse of chemical inputs and inappropriate use of water resources have caused unsustainability in most agricultural regions of Marvdasht County in Fars province. For an attainment of sustainable production of wheat, it is necessary to design appropriate communicational models for agricultural inputs and for water optimum usage, however, reviewing agricultural development literature revealed that most of extension efforts focus their attention on information delivery and on hard system technical aspects rather than fitting communicational relations of rich contents, suitable for stakeholders. This is while sustainable production of wheat necessarily requires using appropriate simultaneous information- communicational needs of stakeholders. This study attempts to measure chemical input and water usage in agricultural regions of three villages in Marvdasht, namely: Kheirabad, Ezabad, and Tajabad, by mean of a survey approach. Cochran's formula was employed to choose the study sample of 90 wheat growers. Data was gathered through observation, in-depth interviewing and through open and close ended questionnaire. A panel of experts verified face validity and a pilot study used to assess the reliability of the measuring instrument. Kruskal Wallis test, cluster analysis and correlational analysis were employed for data analysis. Findings revealed that, clear differences of three groups of farmers resulted in different information- communicational models of optimum chemical inputs and of water usage. This article presents these three models to sustainable production of wheat among the three groups of farmers.