University of Tehran Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research 2008-4838 2-41 3 2010 11 22 Economic Behavior of Wheat Farmers to Reduce Externalities (Side Effects) of Herbicides on Environment in Khorasan Razavi Province: Application of Contingent Valuation Economic Behavior of Wheat Farmers to Reduce Externalities (Side Effects) of Herbicides on Environment in Khorasan Razavi Province: Application of Contingent Valuation 257 266 22297 FA Mohammad Ghorbani 0000-0002-3683-8273 Amin Nemati Reza Ghorbani Houman Liaghati Journal Article Although there is a tendency worldwide towards alternative methods in effectively managing weeds, use of herbicides to control weeds in conventional agriculture is still inevitable. With regard to externalities (through unsystematic use of herbicides) imposed upon environment, in the present paper it has been tried to study the willingness to pay of wheat farmers to plan for reducing the side effects of herbicides (in the form of different measures) and by use of a cross sectional data set related to wheat farmers in 2008 in Khorasan Razavi Province. A contingent valuation method was employed in the course of implementation of the study. To achieve the purpose, 180 farmers from different cities of the province were selected through random sampling method. Data were collected through questionnaire. Results showed that average willingness to pay of farmers to reduce externalities of herbicides is about 238733.3 Rials ha-1 which is higher than the cost of herbicides (150833.3 Rials ha-1). Also, by change in the choices of reducing externalities of herbicides on different environmental components, the level of willingness to pay of farmers increased. In addition, age, knowledge of farmer and ownership exert positive effects on willingness of farmers to pay to reduce the externalities of herbicides. Also, there is a significant positive correlation between education level along with type of ownership and average willingness to pay to reduce the environmental externalities of herbicides. Results indicate that the efforts of experts to produce herbicides with minimum negative side effects, taking into consideration the rate of willingness to pay in the system of pricing and in herbicide provision effective mechanisms for informing farmers are in the meantime strongly recommended. Although there is a tendency worldwide towards alternative methods in effectively managing weeds, use of herbicides to control weeds in conventional agriculture is still inevitable. With regard to externalities (through unsystematic use of herbicides) imposed upon environment, in the present paper it has been tried to study the willingness to pay of wheat farmers to plan for reducing the side effects of herbicides (in the form of different measures) and by use of a cross sectional data set related to wheat farmers in 2008 in Khorasan Razavi Province. A contingent valuation method was employed in the course of implementation of the study. To achieve the purpose, 180 farmers from different cities of the province were selected through random sampling method. Data were collected through questionnaire. Results showed that average willingness to pay of farmers to reduce externalities of herbicides is about 238733.3 Rials ha-1 which is higher than the cost of herbicides (150833.3 Rials ha-1). Also, by change in the choices of reducing externalities of herbicides on different environmental components, the level of willingness to pay of farmers increased. In addition, age, knowledge of farmer and ownership exert positive effects on willingness of farmers to pay to reduce the externalities of herbicides. Also, there is a significant positive correlation between education level along with type of ownership and average willingness to pay to reduce the environmental externalities of herbicides. Results indicate that the efforts of experts to produce herbicides with minimum negative side effects, taking into consideration the rate of willingness to pay in the system of pricing and in herbicide provision effective mechanisms for informing farmers are in the meantime strongly recommended. https://ijaedr.ut.ac.ir/article_22297_2c97bbe65e7d5958a5d4960d35b14895.pdf

University of Tehran Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research 2008-4838 2-41 3 2010 11 22 Economic Analysis of Environemental Benefits of Integrated Pest Management (Case Study, Khuzestan Province Farms) Economic Analysis of Environemental Benefits of Integrated Pest Management (Case Study, Khuzestan Province Farms) 267 274 22298 FA Javad Hossein Zad Somayeh Shorafa Ghader Dashti Journal Article Environmental effects associated with pesticide application have motivated the development of integrated pest management programs throughout the world. Advantages of the implementation of such a program like food security, biodiversity, consumer and producer security can be stated as economic value. Estimating the economic value of such programs can be helpful in identifying the benefits as well as their extensive applications. This study employs contingent Valuation survey to estimate farmers’ willingness to reduce three risk levels (high, moderate, low) in five environmental categories (human health, birds, aquatic species, beneficial insects and livestock). Using the environmental/risk criteria, pesticide active ingredients are divided by the environmental classes in conditions of application and non-application of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). To estimate the economic benefits, the physical risk assessment approach was combined with the contingent valuation survey results. Data were collected from 180 Farmers in Khuzestan province in 2009 using two step Random Sampling Method. IPM practices reduced the Agrochemicals’ hazards in all the environmental classes. The values of change in the environmental risks varied from 5 percent (human/low) to 57 percent (livestock/high). The economical benefits for 15 environmental classes varied from 315364 Rials (human/high) to 9596 Rials (human/low) per capita in a cropping season. The aggregate value of environmental benefits of IPM in Khuzestan within 2009 is estimated as 1140740 Rials per household. Relevant education in the context of awareness of farmers as well as adoption of standards along with relevant regulations for a limitation of toxic substances’ usage are recommended. Environmental effects associated with pesticide application have motivated the development of integrated pest management programs throughout the world. Advantages of the implementation of such a program like food security, biodiversity, consumer and producer security can be stated as economic value. Estimating the economic value of such programs can be helpful in identifying the benefits as well as their extensive applications. This study employs contingent Valuation survey to estimate farmers’ willingness to reduce three risk levels (high, moderate, low) in five environmental categories (human health, birds, aquatic species, beneficial insects and livestock). Using the environmental/risk criteria, pesticide active ingredients are divided by the environmental classes in conditions of application and non-application of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). To estimate the economic benefits, the physical risk assessment approach was combined with the contingent valuation survey results. Data were collected from 180 Farmers in Khuzestan province in 2009 using two step Random Sampling Method. IPM practices reduced the Agrochemicals’ hazards in all the environmental classes. The values of change in the environmental risks varied from 5 percent (human/low) to 57 percent (livestock/high). The economical benefits for 15 environmental classes varied from 315364 Rials (human/high) to 9596 Rials (human/low) per capita in a cropping season. The aggregate value of environmental benefits of IPM in Khuzestan within 2009 is estimated as 1140740 Rials per household. Relevant education in the context of awareness of farmers as well as adoption of standards along with relevant regulations for a limitation of toxic substances’ usage are recommended. https://ijaedr.ut.ac.ir/article_22298_8b6093b183c7d539ff2417f9ca13de54.pdf

University of Tehran Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research 2008-4838 2-41 3 2010 11 22 An Analysis of Price Transmission in Chicken Meat Market, Fars Province An Analysis of Price Transmission in Chicken Meat Market, Fars Province 275 286 22299 FA Roham Rahmani Abd-ol-karim Esmaeili Journal Article Producers and consumers’ price behavior were analyzed in chicken meat market in Fars Province. Monthly average producers and consumers prices from June 1997 to July 2008 were taken into account. Changes in the producer and consumer prices indicated that the prices follow an increasing trend with much fluctuations. Marketing margin has an increasing trend of violent fluctuations. The result of Granger causality test is indicative of bilateral relationship between producer and consumer prices. Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Hetroscedasticity (GARCH) was selected and estimated for an investigation of producer and consumer price behaviors. The results indicate a bilateral transition relationship between producer and consumer prices. Marketing margin isn't constant and market structure is uncompetitive, thus retailers as well as slaughterhouses asked additional profit in addition to the constant margin. This profit, is related to market power and incidental shocks, and is varied. During the study period, an asymmetric price transmission was confirmed on both the long and short runs. Producers and consumers’ price behavior were analyzed in chicken meat market in Fars Province. Monthly average producers and consumers prices from June 1997 to July 2008 were taken into account. Changes in the producer and consumer prices indicated that the prices follow an increasing trend with much fluctuations. Marketing margin has an increasing trend of violent fluctuations. The result of Granger causality test is indicative of bilateral relationship between producer and consumer prices. Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Hetroscedasticity (GARCH) was selected and estimated for an investigation of producer and consumer price behaviors. The results indicate a bilateral transition relationship between producer and consumer prices. Marketing margin isn't constant and market structure is uncompetitive, thus retailers as well as slaughterhouses asked additional profit in addition to the constant margin. This profit, is related to market power and incidental shocks, and is varied. During the study period, an asymmetric price transmission was confirmed on both the long and short runs. https://ijaedr.ut.ac.ir/article_22299_b4bda2c707d13ad47e729d18de35951f.pdf

University of Tehran Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research 2008-4838 2-41 3 2010 11 22 Assessing Farmers’ Attitude toward Cultivation and Development of Rice Production (A Case Study in Shirvan & Chardavol, Ilam, Iran) Assessing Farmers’ Attitude toward Cultivation and Development of Rice Production (A Case Study in Shirvan & Chardavol, Ilam, Iran) 287 297 22300 FA Alireza Jamshidi Mostafa Teymouri Masoumeh Jamshidi Soudabeh Sarabi Journal Article The objective followed in this research was to investigate the farmers’ attitude toward rice cultivation and development in Ilam province. The study consisted of all the farmers who cultivated rice in the region of Shirvan & Chardavol (N=2550), of whom 119 were selected through multi-staged random sampling in the growing season of the years 1386-87 and over two main rice farming areas in the province (Shirvan and Chardavol). Cronbach’s Alpha was employed to evaluate the validity of the of instruments used to gather the needed research information, the obtained coefficient for which was calculated as 0.96. To testify the validity of the variables under study in the questionnaire, factorial analysis was employed for which “KMO” coefficient was estimated about 0.729. In total the obtained coefficients confirmed a high reliance and confidence concerning the questionnaire. The results also indicate that there is a significant relationship between the yardsticks of available water and one’s subsidiary job (with respective correlation coefficients of 0.355 and -0.255) on the one hand, and rice cultivation and development (in the area) on the other. The objective followed in this research was to investigate the farmers’ attitude toward rice cultivation and development in Ilam province. The study consisted of all the farmers who cultivated rice in the region of Shirvan & Chardavol (N=2550), of whom 119 were selected through multi-staged random sampling in the growing season of the years 1386-87 and over two main rice farming areas in the province (Shirvan and Chardavol). Cronbach’s Alpha was employed to evaluate the validity of the of instruments used to gather the needed research information, the obtained coefficient for which was calculated as 0.96. To testify the validity of the variables under study in the questionnaire, factorial analysis was employed for which “KMO” coefficient was estimated about 0.729. In total the obtained coefficients confirmed a high reliance and confidence concerning the questionnaire. The results also indicate that there is a significant relationship between the yardsticks of available water and one’s subsidiary job (with respective correlation coefficients of 0.355 and -0.255) on the one hand, and rice cultivation and development (in the area) on the other. https://ijaedr.ut.ac.ir/article_22300_6bb604663d5d74f1431ff8a4995f9fd7.pdf

University of Tehran Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research 2008-4838 2-41 3 2010 11 22 An Analysis of On Farm Development Program in Rice Fields An Analysis of On Farm Development Program in Rice Fields 299 312 22301 FA Mohammad Sadegh Ebrahimi Khalil Kalantari 0000-0001-6870-0941 Ali Asadi 0000-0002-2558-3690 Hamid Movahed Mohammadi Iraj Saleh 0000-0002-1949-5950 Journal Article On Farm Development Program is a strategy adopted for the development of Iran rice growing fields in the agricultural sector. SWOT method was employed for studying opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses of On Farm Development Program. Necessary data for the research was collected, through two sets of questionnaires, from 34 experts of On Farm Development Program in Guilan Province. Results indicated that opportunity for using suitable machines in carrying out agricultural activities (economical dimensions) is a most important factor. On the other hand the most important created threat is a redivision of farmland and creation of excessive boundaries in between (social dimensions). According to the experts, strength point of the plan is the most economical and environmental, its weakness points and the most environmental and institutional, and created opportunities are in economical and environmental dimensions, while created threats are in social and environmental dimensions. According to experts, views, the strengest point of this plan is the creation of independent pieces of other pieces for use of drainage canals and accessible roads (social dimensions) while the most important weakness point of the plan is a lack of instruction and advancement protection for informing agriculturalists (social dimensions). The most settlement situation of On Farm Development Strategy in Gilan province is in WT district namely in withdrawal or decrease strategy. In other words, activity levels in rice fields for On Farm Development Program must be a decrease, if not defeat of revenue methods that will happen in the future and then in the second stage, its settlement is WO district meaning that it is in change direction strategy showing that according to presented weak revenue and exciting opportunities, activity direction must be changed. The result of this research showed that according to experts’ views, in assessment of inner and outer agents of SWOT matrix, On Farm Development Program of rice fields have strong inner points and outer created opportunities. The results of this research indicated that a deletion of impermanent agents brings more sustainability than a creation of permanent agents and as a whole, one can coclude that, the project is comparatively sustainable. On Farm Development Program is a strategy adopted for the development of Iran rice growing fields in the agricultural sector. SWOT method was employed for studying opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses of On Farm Development Program. Necessary data for the research was collected, through two sets of questionnaires, from 34 experts of On Farm Development Program in Guilan Province. Results indicated that opportunity for using suitable machines in carrying out agricultural activities (economical dimensions) is a most important factor. On the other hand the most important created threat is a redivision of farmland and creation of excessive boundaries in between (social dimensions). According to the experts, strength point of the plan is the most economical and environmental, its weakness points and the most environmental and institutional, and created opportunities are in economical and environmental dimensions, while created threats are in social and environmental dimensions. According to experts, views, the strengest point of this plan is the creation of independent pieces of other pieces for use of drainage canals and accessible roads (social dimensions) while the most important weakness point of the plan is a lack of instruction and advancement protection for informing agriculturalists (social dimensions). The most settlement situation of On Farm Development Strategy in Gilan province is in WT district namely in withdrawal or decrease strategy. In other words, activity levels in rice fields for On Farm Development Program must be a decrease, if not defeat of revenue methods that will happen in the future and then in the second stage, its settlement is WO district meaning that it is in change direction strategy showing that according to presented weak revenue and exciting opportunities, activity direction must be changed. The result of this research showed that according to experts’ views, in assessment of inner and outer agents of SWOT matrix, On Farm Development Program of rice fields have strong inner points and outer created opportunities. The results of this research indicated that a deletion of impermanent agents brings more sustainability than a creation of permanent agents and as a whole, one can coclude that, the project is comparatively sustainable. https://ijaedr.ut.ac.ir/article_22301_62baf7629ffcc5b9f5a2aaa74da584e4.pdf

University of Tehran Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research 2008-4838 2-41 3 2010 11 22 An Investigation of the Research-Oriented Professional Competencies Needed by Evaluators in the Ministry of Jihad-e Agriculture, Iran An Investigation of the Research-Oriented Professional Competencies Needed by Evaluators in the Ministry of Jihad-e Agriculture, Iran 313 321 22302 FA Razieh Namdar Gholamreza Pezeshki Rad Mohammad Chizari 0000-0001-5879-3865 Naser Zamani Miandashti Journal Article The main purpose of this survey was to assess research-oriented competencies (systematic inquiry and situational analysis competencies) needed by experts and evaluators in the ministry of Jihad-e Agriculture. A survey method was employed and data collected through questionnaire the reliability of which was approved through a pilot test with Cronbach's Coefficient Alpha=0.97. Validity of the research instruments was achieved through consultation with Tarbiat Modares, Tehran and Shiraz universities’ experts. Statistical population for the study consisted of evaluation specialists and the agricultural personnel involved in program evaluation in the Ministry of Jihad-e Agriculture, Iran (N=140). A stratified random sampling technique, and Morgan's table were utilized to select sample (n=107). The data was analyzed through SPSS-Win software and application of such appropriate statistical methods as correlation, t test as well as regression. “Being up-to date in evaluation knowledge” and “analyses data” were the two first priorities of experts in delivered competencies. According to the obtained results there were significant differences between males and females in the needed competencies. The findings revealed that there were positive significant correlations between work experiences plus educational background of experts, and their needed professional competencies. Also findings showed that there were significant differences between gender along with educational levels of experts, and their research oriented competencies. The results of multiple regression indicated that the most important variables, describing 24 percent of variations in the needed professional competencies were work experience and educational background. The main purpose of this survey was to assess research-oriented competencies (systematic inquiry and situational analysis competencies) needed by experts and evaluators in the ministry of Jihad-e Agriculture. A survey method was employed and data collected through questionnaire the reliability of which was approved through a pilot test with Cronbach's Coefficient Alpha=0.97. Validity of the research instruments was achieved through consultation with Tarbiat Modares, Tehran and Shiraz universities’ experts. Statistical population for the study consisted of evaluation specialists and the agricultural personnel involved in program evaluation in the Ministry of Jihad-e Agriculture, Iran (N=140). A stratified random sampling technique, and Morgan's table were utilized to select sample (n=107). The data was analyzed through SPSS-Win software and application of such appropriate statistical methods as correlation, t test as well as regression. “Being up-to date in evaluation knowledge” and “analyses data” were the two first priorities of experts in delivered competencies. According to the obtained results there were significant differences between males and females in the needed competencies. The findings revealed that there were positive significant correlations between work experiences plus educational background of experts, and their needed professional competencies. Also findings showed that there were significant differences between gender along with educational levels of experts, and their research oriented competencies. The results of multiple regression indicated that the most important variables, describing 24 percent of variations in the needed professional competencies were work experience and educational background. https://ijaedr.ut.ac.ir/article_22302_5a6ce3e53bbfb06dd5822fe254494010.pdf

University of Tehran Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research 2008-4838 2-41 3 2010 11 22 Analysis of Sustainability of Family and Rural Production Cooperative Farming Systems (Case Study: Agh-Ghala Township: Golestan Province) Analysis of Sustainability of Family and Rural Production Cooperative Farming Systems (Case Study: Agh-Ghala Township: Golestan Province) 323 333 22303 FA Seyed Hassan Motiei Langroudi Mohammadreza Rezvani Hassan Ali Faraji Sabokbar Alireza Khajeh Shahkouhi Journal Article The overuse of agricultural production inputs during recent decades with the aim of increasing crop yield the consequent deterioration of the environment are serious concerns that redouble the importance of more careful attention to the sustainability of farming systems and continuous production, accompanied by the conservation of natural resources. In this regard, family and rural production cooperative farming systems are considered as the most important and extensive agricultural farming systems. An identification of the type of more sustainable farming systems as well as factors affecting the sustainability of the system is a key to achieve rural sustainable development. This research was therefore conducted with the aim of examining and analyzing the sustainability of family and rural production cooperative farming systems in Agh-Ghala city. The research methodology employed in the study was a survey method and the required data collected and analyzed using questionnaire and cross-sectional/multi-stage stratified sampling during the 2008-2009 growing seasons from 190 farmers in the family group and from 150 farmers from the cooperative group in Agh-Ghala city. The research results revealed that 14.7 % of the farmers in the farming systems under study (whether family or cooperative group) were in a highly unsustainable state, 42.1% in unsustainable state, 22.1% in a partly sustainable state, 20.3% in a sustainable state and finally only 9% in a highly sustainable state. In addition, a comparison of the average sustainability of these two farming systems indicated that the sustainability level of the cooperative farming system in terms of different ecological, economic, and environmental dimensions is in a more appropriate standing than the family farming system. Also, the results of Path Analysis for causal explanation of factors affecting the farming system sustainability showed that the six variables "investment" "age of farmer" "level of participation" "size of farmland" "access to inputs" and "access to farm machinery" exert direct effects while the variables "access to agricultural information resources" and " farmers'' literacy level " indirect effects on sustainability. The overuse of agricultural production inputs during recent decades with the aim of increasing crop yield the consequent deterioration of the environment are serious concerns that redouble the importance of more careful attention to the sustainability of farming systems and continuous production, accompanied by the conservation of natural resources. In this regard, family and rural production cooperative farming systems are considered as the most important and extensive agricultural farming systems. An identification of the type of more sustainable farming systems as well as factors affecting the sustainability of the system is a key to achieve rural sustainable development. This research was therefore conducted with the aim of examining and analyzing the sustainability of family and rural production cooperative farming systems in Agh-Ghala city. The research methodology employed in the study was a survey method and the required data collected and analyzed using questionnaire and cross-sectional/multi-stage stratified sampling during the 2008-2009 growing seasons from 190 farmers in the family group and from 150 farmers from the cooperative group in Agh-Ghala city. The research results revealed that 14.7 % of the farmers in the farming systems under study (whether family or cooperative group) were in a highly unsustainable state, 42.1% in unsustainable state, 22.1% in a partly sustainable state, 20.3% in a sustainable state and finally only 9% in a highly sustainable state. In addition, a comparison of the average sustainability of these two farming systems indicated that the sustainability level of the cooperative farming system in terms of different ecological, economic, and environmental dimensions is in a more appropriate standing than the family farming system. Also, the results of Path Analysis for causal explanation of factors affecting the farming system sustainability showed that the six variables "investment" "age of farmer" "level of participation" "size of farmland" "access to inputs" and "access to farm machinery" exert direct effects while the variables "access to agricultural information resources" and " farmers'' literacy level " indirect effects on sustainability. https://ijaedr.ut.ac.ir/article_22303_2bc33f317d4f25b10e2a2a55392b11cb.pdf

University of Tehran Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research 2008-4838 2-41 3 2010 11 22 An Analysis of the Factors Discriminating "Successful" and "Less Competent" Holstein Dairy Farms in Shahriar County An Analysis of the Factors Discriminating "Successful" and "Less Competent" Holstein Dairy Farms in Shahriar County 335 345 22304 FA Mohammadreza Nazari Majid Koupahi Reza Shams-o-din Vandi Journal Article Factors differentiating the successful and less competent dairy farms were identified, using data from 56 Shahriar dairy farms. Then, were determined the role and share of different factors, including management, efficiency and scale in the discrimination trend. In order to have the dairy farms classified into "successful" and "less competent" ones cluster analysis as based on different profitability indices was employed. Following a consistency test of the results of the indices, two logit models were estimated. The results indicated that production scale (herd size) is an important factor influencing the discrimination betweenthe two categories and shows a nonlinear relation with probability in success. Among the efficiency factors, feed efficiency and cow productivity are in positive and significant relation with profitability. Manager experience, education related to animal science, use of modern technologies and bank loan were among the most important managerial discriminating factors. Also, such variables as stability of herd combination, reproduction management and production diversification index are factors influencing dairy farm profitability. Factors differentiating the successful and less competent dairy farms were identified, using data from 56 Shahriar dairy farms. Then, were determined the role and share of different factors, including management, efficiency and scale in the discrimination trend. In order to have the dairy farms classified into "successful" and "less competent" ones cluster analysis as based on different profitability indices was employed. Following a consistency test of the results of the indices, two logit models were estimated. The results indicated that production scale (herd size) is an important factor influencing the discrimination betweenthe two categories and shows a nonlinear relation with probability in success. Among the efficiency factors, feed efficiency and cow productivity are in positive and significant relation with profitability. Manager experience, education related to animal science, use of modern technologies and bank loan were among the most important managerial discriminating factors. Also, such variables as stability of herd combination, reproduction management and production diversification index are factors influencing dairy farm profitability. https://ijaedr.ut.ac.ir/article_22304_c92e246cb8b8116a8760a8515cf1c493.pdf

University of Tehran Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research 2008-4838 2-41 3 2010 11 22 A Study of the Factors Affecting the University of Tehran Agricultural Colleges’ Faculty Members’ Professional Development A Study of the Factors Affecting the University of Tehran Agricultural Colleges’ Faculty Members’ Professional Development 347 358 22305 FA Yousef Hejazi 0000-0001-6082-726X Farahnaz Rostami 0000-0002-2636-0894 Journal Article This explanatory research was done with the aim of studying the factors affecting the University of Tehran Agricultural Colleges’ faculty members’ professional development as based on a survey research. The population of the research consisted of agricultural faculty members engaged at Tehran University (n=103), using random samplings methods. A questionnaire was developed by researchers as the tool for gathering data. Calculated coefficient of Cronbach’s Alpha (0.83) was considered as indicating the reliability of the questionnaire. Using SPSS/Win analysis, factor analysis, factor-score analysis as well as correlation methods, four principal components were extracted. In total, the extracted factors explained 55.64 percent of variance, including: 1- Institutional factor (17.57%), 2- Management factor (14.69%), 3- Individual factor (12.46%), and 4- Social factor (10.91%). Also the results of factor- score analysis, indicated the correlation and interaction influence among of those factors. This explanatory research was done with the aim of studying the factors affecting the University of Tehran Agricultural Colleges’ faculty members’ professional development as based on a survey research. The population of the research consisted of agricultural faculty members engaged at Tehran University (n=103), using random samplings methods. A questionnaire was developed by researchers as the tool for gathering data. Calculated coefficient of Cronbach’s Alpha (0.83) was considered as indicating the reliability of the questionnaire. Using SPSS/Win analysis, factor analysis, factor-score analysis as well as correlation methods, four principal components were extracted. In total, the extracted factors explained 55.64 percent of variance, including: 1- Institutional factor (17.57%), 2- Management factor (14.69%), 3- Individual factor (12.46%), and 4- Social factor (10.91%). Also the results of factor- score analysis, indicated the correlation and interaction influence among of those factors. https://ijaedr.ut.ac.ir/article_22305_d023e85d1a1d023c26cf4f3ac281651f.pdf

University of Tehran Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research 2008-4838 2-41 3 2010 11 22 An Identification and Analysis of Hindering Barriers of Entrepreneurship in Higher Agricultural Education as Perceived by Graduate Students An Identification and Analysis of Hindering Barriers of Entrepreneurship in Higher Agricultural Education as Perceived by Graduate Students 359 368 22306 FA Seyed Mahmoud Hosseini 0000-0003-2070-4817 Seyed Jamal Farajolah Hosseini Mohammad Reza Soleimanpour Journal Article The main objective followed in this study was to identify and analyze the barriers hindering entrepreneurship in the course of pursuing higher agricultural education. The type of the research was a survey one with the statistical population of the study being consisted of graduate students in agricultural colleges of Tehran. The statistical sample comprised of 250 students was selected through stratified sampling. Questionnaire was used for data collection and the collected data analyzed through SPSS software. The findings of the study indicated that a lack of public support for agriculture is the most important barrier for graduates' employment in the agriculture sector. The results of Factor Analysis showed that the entrepreneurship obstacles in higher agricultural education were categorized into five factors which in total explained 61.6% of the whole variance. The most important factor was the supportive factor, with 17.8% explanation of total variance. Educational, Planning, Policy making and Human factors cames as the next factors. The findings of the research are expected contribute to improvement of entrepreneurship programs in agricultural colleges. The main objective followed in this study was to identify and analyze the barriers hindering entrepreneurship in the course of pursuing higher agricultural education. The type of the research was a survey one with the statistical population of the study being consisted of graduate students in agricultural colleges of Tehran. The statistical sample comprised of 250 students was selected through stratified sampling. Questionnaire was used for data collection and the collected data analyzed through SPSS software. The findings of the study indicated that a lack of public support for agriculture is the most important barrier for graduates' employment in the agriculture sector. The results of Factor Analysis showed that the entrepreneurship obstacles in higher agricultural education were categorized into five factors which in total explained 61.6% of the whole variance. The most important factor was the supportive factor, with 17.8% explanation of total variance. Educational, Planning, Policy making and Human factors cames as the next factors. The findings of the research are expected contribute to improvement of entrepreneurship programs in agricultural colleges. https://ijaedr.ut.ac.ir/article_22306_9ebfbcf53147cac9a71dcad2b6e7a58d.pdf

University of Tehran Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research 2008-4838 2-41 3 2010 11 22 A Study of the Factors Influencing Job Motivation of Local Extension Workers (LEW), Markazi Province A Study of the Factors Influencing Job Motivation of Local Extension Workers (LEW), Markazi Province 369 378 22307 FA Masoud Rezaei 0000-0001-6694-343X Hossein Shabanali Fami 0000-0002-4885-0317 Ahmad Rezvanfar 0000-0001-8320-791X Journal Article The present study was conducted in Markazi province of Iran to investigate the major factors affecting job motivation of Local Extension Workers (LEW). A total number of 161 LEW were selected, applying proportional strtified sampling technique in this type of survey research. A questionnaire was developed to interview the subjects of the study. Then, the data were analyzed using SPSS/WIN software. The results of the research indicated that there was a positive significant relationship between job motivation of LEW and their age, farming experience, their experience in animal husbandry, extension work experience, I rural area settlement period, income, family landholding, social participation and interest in farming as well as in animal husbandry activities. The "t" and "f" tests revealed that the LEW with different levels of job motivation were significantly different in the case of such variables as sex, marital status, main job as well as career type. Stepwise regression analysis indicated that 63% of variation in the job motivation of LEW is explained by 3 variables of: age, participation in extension activities, interest in farming, and animal husbandry backgrounds. The present study was conducted in Markazi province of Iran to investigate the major factors affecting job motivation of Local Extension Workers (LEW). A total number of 161 LEW were selected, applying proportional strtified sampling technique in this type of survey research. A questionnaire was developed to interview the subjects of the study. Then, the data were analyzed using SPSS/WIN software. The results of the research indicated that there was a positive significant relationship between job motivation of LEW and their age, farming experience, their experience in animal husbandry, extension work experience, I rural area settlement period, income, family landholding, social participation and interest in farming as well as in animal husbandry activities. The "t" and "f" tests revealed that the LEW with different levels of job motivation were significantly different in the case of such variables as sex, marital status, main job as well as career type. Stepwise regression analysis indicated that 63% of variation in the job motivation of LEW is explained by 3 variables of: age, participation in extension activities, interest in farming, and animal husbandry backgrounds. https://ijaedr.ut.ac.ir/article_22307_63cd917a58c3fa3c2aef0de3480f9b5f.pdf

University of Tehran Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research 2008-4838 2-41 3 2010 11 22 Factors Affecting Adoption of Apple Crop Insurance among Apple Growers in Semirom City: Multiplicity Model Factors Affecting Adoption of Apple Crop Insurance among Apple Growers in Semirom City: Multiplicity Model 379 391 22308 FA Nayer-o-sadat Tabaian Abd-ol-azim Ajili Korosh Rezaei Moghaddam Journal Article Utilization of effective instruments in support of and to provide economic safety for active population in the agricultural sector and towards an increase in production is an indispensable necessity. Agricultural crop insurance is one of these instruments. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors affecting an adoption of agricultural crops’ insurance among apple growers in Semirom city and determine the most appropriate model. A survey was conducted using stratified random sampling. The mass of the sample was comprised of 205 apple growers. Data were collected through questionnaire from 166 adopters vs. 39 non – adopters. The results indicated that adopters of insurance in Semirom are of a more risk taking nature and have a better understanding and awareness of the advantages of insurance. Also the adopters have a more favorable worldview towards insurer’s apparent esteem. They are also in the possession of larger apple orchards. Multiplicity model was found as the best to make a distinction between adopters and non adopters of apple crop insurance. This model would be a better predictor of adopters vs. non–adopters. Utilization of effective instruments in support of and to provide economic safety for active population in the agricultural sector and towards an increase in production is an indispensable necessity. Agricultural crop insurance is one of these instruments. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors affecting an adoption of agricultural crops’ insurance among apple growers in Semirom city and determine the most appropriate model. A survey was conducted using stratified random sampling. The mass of the sample was comprised of 205 apple growers. Data were collected through questionnaire from 166 adopters vs. 39 non – adopters. The results indicated that adopters of insurance in Semirom are of a more risk taking nature and have a better understanding and awareness of the advantages of insurance. Also the adopters have a more favorable worldview towards insurer’s apparent esteem. They are also in the possession of larger apple orchards. Multiplicity model was found as the best to make a distinction between adopters and non adopters of apple crop insurance. This model would be a better predictor of adopters vs. non–adopters. https://ijaedr.ut.ac.ir/article_22308_4b6e16d36f691eec61154d01871cec76.pdf

University of Tehran Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research 2008-4838 2-41 3 2010 11 22 Analysis of Impacts of on government’s constructional budget on Development of Agronomy Subsector in Zanjan Province Analysis of Impacts of on government’s constructional budget on Development of Agronomy Subsector in Zanjan Province 393 403 22309 FA Naser Motiei 0009-0007-2081-3251 Houshang Iravani Sadegh Bakhtiari Journal Article The standing and importance of the subsector agronomy in regional economics as well as in strengthening of the social- economic processes in Zanjan province call for the means enabling one to make maximum use of the valuable capacities and potentials available in the above- mentioned subsector to enhance its development. One of those means to be strongly stressed upon is proper planning. Proper planning itself requires on identification and determination of the effective coefficients affecting the level of development in the subsector. Realizing the importance of the role of physical and developmental infrastructures in the development of the subsector agronomy, in the present study it is tried to make an evaluation of the effective factors as regards the credits allocated to water harness and transfer in the provinces,s rural areas. Other important affecting factors have also been taken into consideration and a final analysis of the obtained results made. Time series data released by Statistical Center of Iran Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Bank, Central Bank, Department of Energy, Meteorological Organization, as well as Budget and Planning Organization have been made use of in the ongoing research work. A combination of the methods of "Principal component Analysis" and "Numerical Taxonomy" was employed to find out the developmental level for any of the years within the time period of 1989-2008. The resulting figures as the dependent variable us. Factors effective in agricultural development as the independent variables were inserted in a regression model. This model came out to be indicative of the fact that the allocation of governments Developmental credits to "Water harness and transfer" in the rural areas of Zanjan Province has (with an exception of two time periods) positively and significantly affected the farming level of development. The result indicate that the combinatorial index of farming development has improved by 0.000717 units per 1000 billion Rials of increase in constructional credit investment in the field of "water harness and transfer". The closer the combinatorial index of farming development to Zero figure, the more developed the area is assumed to be. The standing and importance of the subsector agronomy in regional economics as well as in strengthening of the social- economic processes in Zanjan province call for the means enabling one to make maximum use of the valuable capacities and potentials available in the above- mentioned subsector to enhance its development. One of those means to be strongly stressed upon is proper planning. Proper planning itself requires on identification and determination of the effective coefficients affecting the level of development in the subsector. Realizing the importance of the role of physical and developmental infrastructures in the development of the subsector agronomy, in the present study it is tried to make an evaluation of the effective factors as regards the credits allocated to water harness and transfer in the provinces,s rural areas. Other important affecting factors have also been taken into consideration and a final analysis of the obtained results made. Time series data released by Statistical Center of Iran Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Bank, Central Bank, Department of Energy, Meteorological Organization, as well as Budget and Planning Organization have been made use of in the ongoing research work. A combination of the methods of "Principal component Analysis" and "Numerical Taxonomy" was employed to find out the developmental level for any of the years within the time period of 1989-2008. The resulting figures as the dependent variable us. Factors effective in agricultural development as the independent variables were inserted in a regression model. This model came out to be indicative of the fact that the allocation of governments Developmental credits to "Water harness and transfer" in the rural areas of Zanjan Province has (with an exception of two time periods) positively and significantly affected the farming level of development. The result indicate that the combinatorial index of farming development has improved by 0.000717 units per 1000 billion Rials of increase in constructional credit investment in the field of "water harness and transfer". The closer the combinatorial index of farming development to Zero figure, the more developed the area is assumed to be. https://ijaedr.ut.ac.ir/article_22309_9978f8c43c1e939caf27c50179266b55.pdf

University of Tehran Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research 2008-4838 2-41 3 2010 11 22 A Study of the Behavior of Ghazvin Province’s Extension Workers towards Adoption of Sustainable Agricultural Practices A Study of the Behavior of Ghazvin Province’s Extension Workers towards Adoption of Sustainable Agricultural Practices 405 412 22310 FA Aboulfazl Bigdeli Hassan Sedighi 0000-0003-1563-0438 Journal Article The main objective followed in this study was to assess the rate of adoption of sustainable agricultural practices among extension volunteers in Qazvin Province. The study was a descriptive – correlational survey one. The population of the study was comprised of wheat farmers in province of Qazvin who acted as agricultural extension volunteers (N=365). From among these members, 185 were selected as sample of the study. Simple random sampling technique was employed to do the sampling. A questionnaire was designed for gathering the needed data. Content validity of the questionnaire was verified by a panel of experts in the fields of sustainable agriculture and agricultural extension affairs. A Cronbach’s Alfa reliability coefficient of 0.78 was obtained for the dependent variable of the study. A pilot test was conducted on a similar population from a different province to gather data for verification of the questionnaire reliability. Adoption behavior of the respondents was designated as the dependent variable of the study. The results indicated that a majority of the respondents were of either ''favorable'' or ''excellent'' adoption behavior. Muti-variant regression analysis indicated that about 68% of variability in the dependent variable could be explained by respondents’ education level, and as well, by the extent of their irrigated wheat farming land. The main objective followed in this study was to assess the rate of adoption of sustainable agricultural practices among extension volunteers in Qazvin Province. The study was a descriptive – correlational survey one. The population of the study was comprised of wheat farmers in province of Qazvin who acted as agricultural extension volunteers (N=365). From among these members, 185 were selected as sample of the study. Simple random sampling technique was employed to do the sampling. A questionnaire was designed for gathering the needed data. Content validity of the questionnaire was verified by a panel of experts in the fields of sustainable agriculture and agricultural extension affairs. A Cronbach’s Alfa reliability coefficient of 0.78 was obtained for the dependent variable of the study. A pilot test was conducted on a similar population from a different province to gather data for verification of the questionnaire reliability. Adoption behavior of the respondents was designated as the dependent variable of the study. The results indicated that a majority of the respondents were of either ''favorable'' or ''excellent'' adoption behavior. Muti-variant regression analysis indicated that about 68% of variability in the dependent variable could be explained by respondents’ education level, and as well, by the extent of their irrigated wheat farming land. https://ijaedr.ut.ac.ir/article_22310_102e333dd822c1d9e0592ecf075e4bf4.pdf