University of TehranIranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research2008-483848320170923Investigating Factors Affecting Adoption of Organic Cucumber Cultivation by Farmers in Alborz ProvinceInvestigating Factors Affecting Adoption of Organic Cucumber Cultivation by Farmers in Alborz Province3693786389710.22059/ijaedr.2017.202004.668206FAShaghayeghHaddadiSaeedYazdani0000-0002-9403-9963Journal Article20160313Along with the increasing world population, food supply required is faced with serious limitations. This issue causes that farmers use more pesticide for increase their products and against plant pests. The use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers faced human life with more risk and affect their health. Therefore, this paper attempts to estimate willingness to accept of organic Cucumber cultivation by farmers in Alborz province and to examine factors affecting it. The statistic population consisted of 78 cucumber producers in Alborz province and data were collected through a questionnaire. The results showed that 64 percent of farmers have tendency to give more than 10000 riyals per kilogram for organic cucumber. The results showed that job, cultivation, sale price, yield have positive relationship and income has negative and significant relationship with farmers’ tendency to produce organic cucumbers. Furthermore, results showed that there was lack of farmers’ knowledge about organic's market and regulations. Regarding to results, it is recommended to hold meetings and seminar between farmers in agricultural service centers of the provinces by Agricultural Jihad, to pay credits to organic producers and movement of insurance in order to decrease risk and increase production.Along with the increasing world population, food supply required is faced with serious limitations. This issue causes that farmers use more pesticide for increase their products and against plant pests. The use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers faced human life with more risk and affect their health. Therefore, this paper attempts to estimate willingness to accept of organic Cucumber cultivation by farmers in Alborz province and to examine factors affecting it. The statistic population consisted of 78 cucumber producers in Alborz province and data were collected through a questionnaire. The results showed that 64 percent of farmers have tendency to give more than 10000 riyals per kilogram for organic cucumber. The results showed that job, cultivation, sale price, yield have positive relationship and income has negative and significant relationship with farmers’ tendency to produce organic cucumbers. Furthermore, results showed that there was lack of farmers’ knowledge about organic's market and regulations. Regarding to results, it is recommended to hold meetings and seminar between farmers in agricultural service centers of the provinces by Agricultural Jihad, to pay credits to organic producers and movement of insurance in order to decrease risk and increase production.https://ijaedr.ut.ac.ir/article_63897_db853f10e92cd73c1920285f913c72dd.pdfUniversity of TehranIranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research2008-483848320170923Investigating the Moderating Role of Demographic Variables on the Perceived Risks to Adopt E-Commerce in Iran Agricultural SectorInvestigating the Moderating Role of Demographic Variables on the Perceived Risks to Adopt E-Commerce in Iran Agricultural Sector3793896389810.22059/ijaedr.2017.63898FAMasoumehHosseini AbualiMSc. Student, University of TehranJournal Article20161016Despite the growth of e-commerce processes as well as the undeniable advantages of it, still traditional methods of buying and selling in agriculture would be preferable by the actors in this section. The advantages of e-commerce in agriculture is the awareness of the latest information, including market price, the buyers, major shopping centers and other important information by producers and consumers. However, adoption of e-commerce in this sector is weak and need to change of the attitude of its actors. Among the important factors in this issue is the risks of e-commerce adoption. This study aimed to investigate the moderating role of demographic variables on the impact of perceived risks (financial, security, performance and time) to adopt electronic commerce in the Iran agricultural sector. This study was descriptive-correlation. Research population was agricultural actors that have been buying and selling on the agriculture market. According to study, the relationship between financial risk and security risk were not significant with the age and experience use. The effect of security risks on attitudes toward e-commerce in the agricultural sector was refused too. This study showed that other risks have significant effects on the attitude to adopt electronic commerce in agriculture section which must be paid attention to them in practice.Despite the growth of e-commerce processes as well as the undeniable advantages of it, still traditional methods of buying and selling in agriculture would be preferable by the actors in this section. The advantages of e-commerce in agriculture is the awareness of the latest information, including market price, the buyers, major shopping centers and other important information by producers and consumers. However, adoption of e-commerce in this sector is weak and need to change of the attitude of its actors. Among the important factors in this issue is the risks of e-commerce adoption. This study aimed to investigate the moderating role of demographic variables on the impact of perceived risks (financial, security, performance and time) to adopt electronic commerce in the Iran agricultural sector. This study was descriptive-correlation. Research population was agricultural actors that have been buying and selling on the agriculture market. According to study, the relationship between financial risk and security risk were not significant with the age and experience use. The effect of security risks on attitudes toward e-commerce in the agricultural sector was refused too. This study showed that other risks have significant effects on the attitude to adopt electronic commerce in agriculture section which must be paid attention to them in practice.https://ijaedr.ut.ac.ir/article_63898_6a90bea69ed3a892551aca8e810bc827.pdfUniversity of TehranIranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research2008-483848320170923The Law of One Price in the Farm Products Markets of Iran (Case of Study: Saffron and bean)The Law of One Price in the Farm Products Markets of Iran (Case of Study: Saffron and bean)3913986390810.22059/ijaedr.2017.63908FAEsmaeilAbunooriAssistant Professor, University of SemnanNabiollahEsmaeili AtooeiMSc. Student , University of SemnanSeyed MohammadHosseiniMSc. Student, Agricultural Economics, University of ArdakanJournal Article20170211Agricultural products market is an interval market, where producers and consumers have been distributed at different places. The aim of this study was to analyze the one price law through evaluating the continuity and the type of coherence in the market of 2 depicted agricultural products (saffron and bean) at 12 important provinces of our country (Mazandaran, Gilan, Golestan, Tehran, West Azerbaijan, East Azerbaijan, Semnan, Khorasan Razavi, Isfahan, Fars, Kerman, Khoozestan) which represented the entire of Iran. In this study, the monthly price index logarithm for a 9-year period (1384-92) was used. To estimate the amount of continuity, the Johansson’ co-integration method in vector error correction model (VECM) and Eviews software was applied. The results showed that the complete integration of the markets in the long run was rejected in the market of all 2 agricultural products and the hypothesis of the existence of one rice law among all the markets was not proven. In case of some products, some of the provinces were the governors of the price. According to the results and in order to increase the continuity of the markets, it is suggested to form production and distribution of the products cooperatives and also to develop the facilities and the underlying services.Agricultural products market is an interval market, where producers and consumers have been distributed at different places. The aim of this study was to analyze the one price law through evaluating the continuity and the type of coherence in the market of 2 depicted agricultural products (saffron and bean) at 12 important provinces of our country (Mazandaran, Gilan, Golestan, Tehran, West Azerbaijan, East Azerbaijan, Semnan, Khorasan Razavi, Isfahan, Fars, Kerman, Khoozestan) which represented the entire of Iran. In this study, the monthly price index logarithm for a 9-year period (1384-92) was used. To estimate the amount of continuity, the Johansson’ co-integration method in vector error correction model (VECM) and Eviews software was applied. The results showed that the complete integration of the markets in the long run was rejected in the market of all 2 agricultural products and the hypothesis of the existence of one rice law among all the markets was not proven. In case of some products, some of the provinces were the governors of the price. According to the results and in order to increase the continuity of the markets, it is suggested to form production and distribution of the products cooperatives and also to develop the facilities and the underlying services.https://ijaedr.ut.ac.ir/article_63908_b176df65027b980fbdb2b23255a7d958.pdfUniversity of TehranIranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research2008-483848320170923Role of Lexicographic Properties on Fish Consumers Regarding Development and Commercialization of New Fish ProductsRole of Lexicographic Properties on Fish Consumers Regarding Development and Commercialization of New Fish Products3994146395610.22059/ijaedr.2017.220954.668349FAFereshteAssadollahpoorJournal Article20161121This study investigated the feasibility of new markets such as Surimi, Comobaco, fish Sausage based on lexicographic preferences in the provinces of Mazandaran and Tehran, with use of 600 questionnaire and applying logit model in the year of 2015. The results showed that willingness to pay of deontologist people in Tehran was 193240 Rial and for consequentialist was 178130 Rial while willingness to pay of deontologist people in Mazandran was 186350 Rial and for consequentialist was 151490 Rial. So, deontologists tended to pay more for these products compared with consequentialists. In Tehran province all the products had ability to enter the market. In Mazandran province Surimi product in both groups and Comobaco and fish sausage only in deontologist groups could enter to the market. This study investigated the feasibility of new markets such as Surimi, Comobaco, fish Sausage based on lexicographic preferences in the provinces of Mazandaran and Tehran, with use of 600 questionnaire and applying logit model in the year of 2015. The results showed that willingness to pay of deontologist people in Tehran was 193240 Rial and for consequentialist was 178130 Rial while willingness to pay of deontologist people in Mazandran was 186350 Rial and for consequentialist was 151490 Rial. So, deontologists tended to pay more for these products compared with consequentialists. In Tehran province all the products had ability to enter the market. In Mazandran province Surimi product in both groups and Comobaco and fish sausage only in deontologist groups could enter to the market. https://ijaedr.ut.ac.ir/article_63956_4edd6f23f79b776435ed24c6e9fcc9ee.pdfUniversity of TehranIranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research2008-483848320170923Perception of Educators of Agricultural Engineering and Technical Consultation Services Companies toward Necessary Professional Competencies in Training ProcessPerception of Educators of Agricultural Engineering and Technical Consultation Services Companies toward Necessary Professional Competencies in Training Process4154296396110.22059/ijaedr.2017.63961FAEnayatAbbasi0000-0002-5238-7185Journal Article20140412The purpose of this study was to assess educators’ perceptions of agricultural engineering and technical consultation services companies toward necessary professional competencies in training process. The research method was descriptive- correlation and used survey method. The statistical population of the study consisted of all educators of consultation services companies that had implemented training courses in Ilam and Kermanshah Provinces (N= 1853). Using Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) table and proportional stratified random sampling technique 317 educator selected as research sample, Finaly, 297 questionnaire were analyzed (Return rate, 94 Percent). A questionnaire used to collect the data. Content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed based on opinions of some of agricultural extension and education experts. The data was analyzed using SPSSwin18 software. According to the research results, educators’ perception toward desirable situation (importance) and current situation (having) of professional competencies is at high and moderate level, respectively. Based on the correlation results, there were positive and significant relationships between level of education, years of membership and education experience, with having professional competencies in trainig process. As well as, the results showed that there were significant differences between desirable situation (importance) and current situation (having) of professional competencies required for training process.The purpose of this study was to assess educators’ perceptions of agricultural engineering and technical consultation services companies toward necessary professional competencies in training process. The research method was descriptive- correlation and used survey method. The statistical population of the study consisted of all educators of consultation services companies that had implemented training courses in Ilam and Kermanshah Provinces (N= 1853). Using Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) table and proportional stratified random sampling technique 317 educator selected as research sample, Finaly, 297 questionnaire were analyzed (Return rate, 94 Percent). A questionnaire used to collect the data. Content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed based on opinions of some of agricultural extension and education experts. The data was analyzed using SPSSwin18 software. According to the research results, educators’ perception toward desirable situation (importance) and current situation (having) of professional competencies is at high and moderate level, respectively. Based on the correlation results, there were positive and significant relationships between level of education, years of membership and education experience, with having professional competencies in trainig process. As well as, the results showed that there were significant differences between desirable situation (importance) and current situation (having) of professional competencies required for training process.https://ijaedr.ut.ac.ir/article_63961_076731d3a3a2fbf741ec3842d7f33d2f.pdfUniversity of TehranIranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research2008-483848320170923The Impact of Social Capital on the Quality of Life for Farmers in Divandarreh CountyThe Impact of Social Capital on the Quality of Life for Farmers in Divandarreh County4314416396310.22059/ijaedr.2017.63963FAMohammadrezaShahpasandProfesor Assistant of the Institute of Technical & Vocational Higher Education of Agricultural JihadValiollahSaranizabol university0000-0002-5418-1092MoslemSavaritehran universityJournal Article20140126The main purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of social capital on the quality of life for farmers in Divandarreh city. The statistical population of this study included all the farmers in Divandarreh city (N=7931). Sample number was obtained using Cochran's sampling formula (158 farmers). In order to increase the reliability of the results for this research, 180 questionnaires were distributed among farmers. 174 of the questionnaires were replied to and received. We utilized the stratified random sampling method. The main tool of the study was a questionnaire which was validated by a panel of experts. Also, its reliability was calculated by the use of Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient which was obtained α=0.78andα=0.83 for the social capital and the quality of life measures, respectively. The analysis of data was carried out by SPSS<sub>win18</sub> software. Results showed that the level of social capital and the quality of life among farmers was in a low level. The results of the correlation analysis showed that there was a positive and significant relationship among social capital components (cooperation and voluntary participation, collective identity, mutual cooperation, communications and responsiveness, trust, collective coherence, networks and common norms) and the quality of life. In addition, according to the results of the regression analysis, four variables can be concluded: cooperation and voluntary participation trust, and collective coherence can determine the variance of the dependent variables of the study up to 52.4 percent.The main purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of social capital on the quality of life for farmers in Divandarreh city. The statistical population of this study included all the farmers in Divandarreh city (N=7931). Sample number was obtained using Cochran's sampling formula (158 farmers). In order to increase the reliability of the results for this research, 180 questionnaires were distributed among farmers. 174 of the questionnaires were replied to and received. We utilized the stratified random sampling method. The main tool of the study was a questionnaire which was validated by a panel of experts. Also, its reliability was calculated by the use of Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient which was obtained α=0.78andα=0.83 for the social capital and the quality of life measures, respectively. The analysis of data was carried out by SPSS<sub>win18</sub> software. Results showed that the level of social capital and the quality of life among farmers was in a low level. The results of the correlation analysis showed that there was a positive and significant relationship among social capital components (cooperation and voluntary participation, collective identity, mutual cooperation, communications and responsiveness, trust, collective coherence, networks and common norms) and the quality of life. In addition, according to the results of the regression analysis, four variables can be concluded: cooperation and voluntary participation trust, and collective coherence can determine the variance of the dependent variables of the study up to 52.4 percent.https://ijaedr.ut.ac.ir/article_63963_cca39f16be50a139efdbfcaf121c6faa.pdfUniversity of TehranIranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research2008-483848320170923Identifying and Analyzing the Factors Affecting Vulnerability of Rural Housing (The Case of Hokerd Village, Jiroft County)Identifying and Analyzing the Factors Affecting Vulnerability of Rural Housing (The Case of Hokerd Village, Jiroft County)4434516396410.22059/ijaedr.2017.63964FARohollaRezaei0000-0001-69968771Journal Article20140408Rural housing is an important factor in sustainable development which is always more vulnerable in comparison to human settlements in urban centers. Considering the importance of this issue, the main purpose of this study was to identify and analyze the factors affecting vulnerability of rural housing in Hokerd Village in Jiroft County. The statistical population of the study consisted of all heads of households in the village (N= 420). According to the Bartlett et al. (2001) table, a sample of 180 was selected, using random sampling method. A questionnaire was used to collect the data. The validity of the questionnaire was established by a panel of experts. A pilot study was conducted to establish reliability of the questionnaire. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the main scale of the questionnaire was equal to 0.81. The results of a factor analysis showed that five factors including: technical (with 24.14 % of variance), natural- geographical (with 17.19 % of variance), cognitive- supervisory (with 14.75 % of variance), economic (with 6.67 % of variance) and quality of material (with 6.19 % of variance) explained 68.94 % of total variances of the factors affecting vulnerability of rural housing in the village. Rural housing is an important factor in sustainable development which is always more vulnerable in comparison to human settlements in urban centers. Considering the importance of this issue, the main purpose of this study was to identify and analyze the factors affecting vulnerability of rural housing in Hokerd Village in Jiroft County. The statistical population of the study consisted of all heads of households in the village (N= 420). According to the Bartlett et al. (2001) table, a sample of 180 was selected, using random sampling method. A questionnaire was used to collect the data. The validity of the questionnaire was established by a panel of experts. A pilot study was conducted to establish reliability of the questionnaire. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the main scale of the questionnaire was equal to 0.81. The results of a factor analysis showed that five factors including: technical (with 24.14 % of variance), natural- geographical (with 17.19 % of variance), cognitive- supervisory (with 14.75 % of variance), economic (with 6.67 % of variance) and quality of material (with 6.19 % of variance) explained 68.94 % of total variances of the factors affecting vulnerability of rural housing in the village. https://ijaedr.ut.ac.ir/article_63964_9b9518f1067da03e0761b65a644d79b2.pdfUniversity of TehranIranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research2008-483848320170923Investigating The Reasons for Fish Farming among Fish Farmers in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiyari provinceInvestigating The Reasons for Fish Farming among Fish Farmers in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiyari province4534636396510.22059/ijaedr.2017.63965FAAlirezaAnsariardali1111111111111111111KhalilKalantari0000-0001-6870-0941AliAsadi0000-0001-8461-6352NaderAlizadehGraduate MSc. Student, Rural Management,Journal Article20121219The purpose of this research was to analyze the reasons of fish farmer's tendency to fish farming in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiyari Province. The study was done by using survey method. Statistical population of this study included 263 fish farming units and the number of sample size was estimated 119 units by using Cochran's formula. The sampling has been done in two steps by using proportional random sampling method. First, according to the number of fish farming units in each county, Portion of each county was determined in the sample. Then, among fish farmers of each county the sample was selected randomly. Data gathered by use of questionnaire. The reliability of the scale was estimated by using Cronbach's alpha (= 0.73). Validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by views of some faculty members and experts of fishery organization. The data were analyzed using SPSS/win (version 16). Priority ranking of fish farmers regarding the reasons to fish farming showed that the most important factor was personal interest and training course by extension centers were as the last factor. According to factorial analysis, the reasons of tendency to fish farming were classified in 4 groups and they determined 70.77 percent of total variance. Factors extracted from factor analysis according to importance were: personal- social factor, natural factor, economic factor, and education-extension factor. The purpose of this research was to analyze the reasons of fish farmer's tendency to fish farming in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiyari Province. The study was done by using survey method. Statistical population of this study included 263 fish farming units and the number of sample size was estimated 119 units by using Cochran's formula. The sampling has been done in two steps by using proportional random sampling method. First, according to the number of fish farming units in each county, Portion of each county was determined in the sample. Then, among fish farmers of each county the sample was selected randomly. Data gathered by use of questionnaire. The reliability of the scale was estimated by using Cronbach's alpha (= 0.73). Validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by views of some faculty members and experts of fishery organization. The data were analyzed using SPSS/win (version 16). Priority ranking of fish farmers regarding the reasons to fish farming showed that the most important factor was personal interest and training course by extension centers were as the last factor. According to factorial analysis, the reasons of tendency to fish farming were classified in 4 groups and they determined 70.77 percent of total variance. Factors extracted from factor analysis according to importance were: personal- social factor, natural factor, economic factor, and education-extension factor. https://ijaedr.ut.ac.ir/article_63965_769cb84f416d90ca3893f11889388f61.pdfUniversity of TehranIranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research2008-483848320170923Studying the effect of rural people' knowledge on their behavior about final agricultural waste disposal (Case study: Qazvin Township)Studying the effect of rural people' knowledge on their behavior about final agricultural waste disposal (Case study: Qazvin Township)4654756396610.22059/ijaedr.2017.63966FAAliShamsهیات علمیJournal Article20151104The purpose of this descriptive-survey study was to investigate the agricultural waste disposal behaviors of rural households and the effect of their knowledge on these behaviors in Qazvin Township. The target population consisted all rural households in Qazvin Township (N=31338) which 217 of them as sample were selected based on Cochran sampling formula and multi-stage randomized sampling method. The research tool was a questionnaire developed by investigators. Its content and face validity verified by an expert panel in this field. A pilot test was conducted to determine the reliability of the questionnaire. Chronbach's Alpha was estimated 0.75. The results showed that the majority of rural peoples had an average level of waste management knowledge. There were 15 different final agricultural waste disposal behaviors by rural households, which most of these behaviors were economically and environmentally undesirable. The Kruskal-Wallis analysis revealed that rural peoples' knowledge effect on final agricultural waste disposal behavior was meaningful. Based on the findings, educational and extensional programs regarding effective management of agricultural waste should be designed and extended.The purpose of this descriptive-survey study was to investigate the agricultural waste disposal behaviors of rural households and the effect of their knowledge on these behaviors in Qazvin Township. The target population consisted all rural households in Qazvin Township (N=31338) which 217 of them as sample were selected based on Cochran sampling formula and multi-stage randomized sampling method. The research tool was a questionnaire developed by investigators. Its content and face validity verified by an expert panel in this field. A pilot test was conducted to determine the reliability of the questionnaire. Chronbach's Alpha was estimated 0.75. The results showed that the majority of rural peoples had an average level of waste management knowledge. There were 15 different final agricultural waste disposal behaviors by rural households, which most of these behaviors were economically and environmentally undesirable. The Kruskal-Wallis analysis revealed that rural peoples' knowledge effect on final agricultural waste disposal behavior was meaningful. Based on the findings, educational and extensional programs regarding effective management of agricultural waste should be designed and extended.https://ijaedr.ut.ac.ir/article_63966_ab20de21f71ef532518d635ffb2084e5.pdfUniversity of TehranIranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research2008-483848320170923Network Analysis of Organizational Actors Interactions in Sustainable Innovation System of Iranian Dairy IndustryNetwork Analysis of Organizational Actors Interactions in Sustainable Innovation System of Iranian Dairy Industry4774906396710.22059/ijaedr.2017.63967FAZahraFozuni ArdekaniPhd. Student Tarbiat Modares UniversityHomayounFarhadianFaculty Member Tarbiat Modares UniversityGholamrezaPezeshki RaadFaculty Meber Tarbiat Modares UniversityHabibolahTabatabaeianFaculty Member Shiraz UniversityHabibolahRanaei Kord SholiFaculty Member Shiraz UniversityJournal Article20161122At the moment, using Social Network Analysis (SNA) has applied in Agricultural Innovation Systems and their sustainability studies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to qualitative and exploratory investigate of Iranian dairy industry innovation system network by network analysis of its organizational actors, semi-structured and in-depth interviews of key informants (at macro and meso level analysis (n=26)) and subject matter specialists (at micro level analysis (n=20)). Also, ORA and Atlas. ti softwares used for data analysis. Like the categorization tool of organizational actors in the previous studies, research findings showed that organizational network of dairy innovation system includes: business organizations, government policy institutions, higher education institutions, research and technology organizations, intermediate institutions, venture capital organizations, non-profit organizations, abroad sector, and their interactions. Also, this network follows a different organizational interactions. Based on the results, in order to achieve a higher level of sustainability, this network needs some structural corrections by two goals include: a) improving of the knowledge, information, and ideas flow in the system, and b) decreasing main network centralization and increasing nodes dynamics through creating smaller networks within the main network to expand local flow of information, speed up interactions, and access to all system actors.At the moment, using Social Network Analysis (SNA) has applied in Agricultural Innovation Systems and their sustainability studies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to qualitative and exploratory investigate of Iranian dairy industry innovation system network by network analysis of its organizational actors, semi-structured and in-depth interviews of key informants (at macro and meso level analysis (n=26)) and subject matter specialists (at micro level analysis (n=20)). Also, ORA and Atlas. ti softwares used for data analysis. Like the categorization tool of organizational actors in the previous studies, research findings showed that organizational network of dairy innovation system includes: business organizations, government policy institutions, higher education institutions, research and technology organizations, intermediate institutions, venture capital organizations, non-profit organizations, abroad sector, and their interactions. Also, this network follows a different organizational interactions. Based on the results, in order to achieve a higher level of sustainability, this network needs some structural corrections by two goals include: a) improving of the knowledge, information, and ideas flow in the system, and b) decreasing main network centralization and increasing nodes dynamics through creating smaller networks within the main network to expand local flow of information, speed up interactions, and access to all system actors.https://ijaedr.ut.ac.ir/article_63967_85739682b975c0bd0f60ddf4c0d26bf4.pdfUniversity of TehranIranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research2008-483848320170923Indicators for Evaluating the Private Enterprises Providing Agricultural Extension and Advisory ServicesIndicators for Evaluating the Private Enterprises Providing Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services4915056396810.22059/ijaedr.2017.63968FAErfanAli MirzeiPHD. Student , Agricultural Extension, University of TehranSeyed MahmoodHoseiniProfessor of Agricultural Extension and Education , University of Tehran0009-0002-1667-4782YousefHejaziProfessor, Agricultural Extension and Education , University of Tehran0000-0001-6082-726XSeyyed HamidMovahed MohammadiCollege of agricultural economics and development, Department of agricultural extension and education0000-0003-3101-1848Journal Article20170214Effective evaluation has been always a serious and problematic issue in agricultural extension system. Although there have been some erratic efforts to develop indicators to assessing the public extension services, there is not a contextualized study to identify appropriate indicators to measuring the status of private extension enterprises, if any. In this regard, the main purpose of this study was to develop the relevant and situation-specific indicators which can be used for assessing the status and performance of private enterprises are engaged in agricultural extension and advisory delivery system. A mixed method research design was conducted, and key informant were purposively selected in both phases. Qualitative data were gathered by using semi-structured interviews and analyzed according to the fundamental assumptions of grounded theory. In contrast, quantitative data were collected in a survey using a researcher-made questionnaire and compared by Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). According to the results, 90 indicators were developed and classified into nine distinctive categories. In terms of their importance and priority, acquired indicators’ categories were nominated: services’ profitability, market efficiency, institutional development, accountability, professional expertise, enterprises’ resources, professional interactions, entrepreneurial innovation and coverage level, respectively. These indicators can be used by policy-makers of agricultural services system and private enterprises in extension evaluation and adjustment projects in a contextualized manner. Effective evaluation has been always a serious and problematic issue in agricultural extension system. Although there have been some erratic efforts to develop indicators to assessing the public extension services, there is not a contextualized study to identify appropriate indicators to measuring the status of private extension enterprises, if any. In this regard, the main purpose of this study was to develop the relevant and situation-specific indicators which can be used for assessing the status and performance of private enterprises are engaged in agricultural extension and advisory delivery system. A mixed method research design was conducted, and key informant were purposively selected in both phases. Qualitative data were gathered by using semi-structured interviews and analyzed according to the fundamental assumptions of grounded theory. In contrast, quantitative data were collected in a survey using a researcher-made questionnaire and compared by Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). According to the results, 90 indicators were developed and classified into nine distinctive categories. In terms of their importance and priority, acquired indicators’ categories were nominated: services’ profitability, market efficiency, institutional development, accountability, professional expertise, enterprises’ resources, professional interactions, entrepreneurial innovation and coverage level, respectively. These indicators can be used by policy-makers of agricultural services system and private enterprises in extension evaluation and adjustment projects in a contextualized manner. https://ijaedr.ut.ac.ir/article_63968_e4ceb8844c134f964f559c74428defdb.pdfUniversity of TehranIranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research2008-483848320170923Analysis Factors Affecting Date Production Efficiency in Bam County: With DEA ApproachAnalysis Factors Affecting Date Production Efficiency in Bam County: With DEA Approach5075186396910.22059/ijaedr.2017.63969FAJournal Article20150524Bam region is one of the main regions for Mazafati Date production in Iran. Because of limitation of Date production inputs in Bam region application of optimum production management in input utilization is necessary. The main objective of this study was to estimate the technical, scale, allocative and economic efficiencies. The efficiencies were estimated using data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique. The statistical population of this study consisted 1240 Date producers of Bam county, in which 142 of them were chosen as statistical sample by applying Stratified Random Sampling and Cochran formula. The data were collected by questionnaire that designed with open question. Face and content validity was approved by a panel of experts. Research results revealed that mean technical, scale, allocative and economic efficiency scores of the sample orchards were 61.15, 66.2, 46.14 and 28.22 percent, respectively. Findings revealed that the farmers were inefficient in the use of all the resources; and all producing inputs were used higher than optimum consumed amount and the most discrepancy of consumption respectively were in animal fertilizer, chemical fertilizer, machinery use and water use. An econometric analysis based on Tobit Regression models indicated that age of farm operator, years of schooling, number of contacts with extension agents and orchard capital had significant impact on of technical efficiency.Bam region is one of the main regions for Mazafati Date production in Iran. Because of limitation of Date production inputs in Bam region application of optimum production management in input utilization is necessary. The main objective of this study was to estimate the technical, scale, allocative and economic efficiencies. The efficiencies were estimated using data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique. The statistical population of this study consisted 1240 Date producers of Bam county, in which 142 of them were chosen as statistical sample by applying Stratified Random Sampling and Cochran formula. The data were collected by questionnaire that designed with open question. Face and content validity was approved by a panel of experts. Research results revealed that mean technical, scale, allocative and economic efficiency scores of the sample orchards were 61.15, 66.2, 46.14 and 28.22 percent, respectively. Findings revealed that the farmers were inefficient in the use of all the resources; and all producing inputs were used higher than optimum consumed amount and the most discrepancy of consumption respectively were in animal fertilizer, chemical fertilizer, machinery use and water use. An econometric analysis based on Tobit Regression models indicated that age of farm operator, years of schooling, number of contacts with extension agents and orchard capital had significant impact on of technical efficiency.https://ijaedr.ut.ac.ir/article_63969_856f9c61df1c759265668138f2837b6a.pdfUniversity of TehranIranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research2008-483848320170923Favorable Characteristics of Supporting Organizations from Sustainable Water Resources Management Education in Date Palm Farms, Khouzestan ProvinceFavorable Characteristics of Supporting Organizations from Sustainable Water Resources Management Education in Date Palm Farms, Khouzestan Province5195316397010.22059/ijaedr.2017.63970FAAhmadrezaOmmani0000-0003-1744-6968Journal Article20151202The purpose of this research was to identify favorable characteristics of supporting organizations of water resources management extension system in date palm farms in Khuzestan province of Iran. The statistical population of this study were included all agricultural extension experts (N=150) of Agricultural-Jihad Organization of Khuzestan Province. A survey study was applied as a methodology of research work. Data were collected using a close ended questionnaire. Cronbach's alpha was used to measure reliability of the instrument which was showed the instrument reliability. Based on the results, current characteristics of supporting organizations of extension system regarding all items of water resources management for date palm growers in Khuzestan province is not favorable. Wilcoxon signed ranks were used for analyzing comparative of water resources management, between current and favorable conditions which showed that there were significant differences between current and favorable conditions (P≤0.01). The results of this study indicated favorable characteristics of supporting organizations of water resources management extension system for date palm growers in Khuzestan province included: the presence of popular organizations and agricultural associations, considering the team learning and team work in the organization, attention to the interpersonal skills in the organization and creating a common goal of the organization.The purpose of this research was to identify favorable characteristics of supporting organizations of water resources management extension system in date palm farms in Khuzestan province of Iran. The statistical population of this study were included all agricultural extension experts (N=150) of Agricultural-Jihad Organization of Khuzestan Province. A survey study was applied as a methodology of research work. Data were collected using a close ended questionnaire. Cronbach's alpha was used to measure reliability of the instrument which was showed the instrument reliability. Based on the results, current characteristics of supporting organizations of extension system regarding all items of water resources management for date palm growers in Khuzestan province is not favorable. Wilcoxon signed ranks were used for analyzing comparative of water resources management, between current and favorable conditions which showed that there were significant differences between current and favorable conditions (P≤0.01). The results of this study indicated favorable characteristics of supporting organizations of water resources management extension system for date palm growers in Khuzestan province included: the presence of popular organizations and agricultural associations, considering the team learning and team work in the organization, attention to the interpersonal skills in the organization and creating a common goal of the organization.https://ijaedr.ut.ac.ir/article_63970_1a1bb89ca063b0d8d480fb7198276c81.pdfUniversity of TehranIranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research2008-483848320170923Investigation of Effective factors and barriers on Development of non-agricultural activities with emphasis on home jobs (Case: Ghory Ghale Village)Investigation of Effective factors and barriers on Development of non-agricultural activities with emphasis on home jobs (Case: Ghory Ghale Village)5335456399310.22059/ijaedr.2017.63993FAAliMirakzadeh0000-0001-7523-4838EbrahimKhalediAgricultural extension and education, Agricultural college, Razi University, Kermanshah, IranMosayebGholamiAgricultural extension and education, Agricultural college, Razi University, Kermanshah, IranJournal Article20160420The purpose of this study was to investigate effective factors and barriers on development of non-agricultural activities in Ghory Ghale Village, with emphasis on home jobs. The Statistical population consisted of rural households of Ghory Ghale district (N=624). According to Krejci and Morgan sampling table and by the stratified sampling method, 240 families selected as research sample. Research instrument was a questionnaire that its validity confirmed by content validity method with a panel of experts and its reliability confirmed by use of pilot test and calculation of Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.94). SPSS<sub>19 </sub>and Excel<sub>2010 </sub>software were used for data analysis. Results showed that in all villages, production potentials were more than region’s capacities and human abilities. Also, results showed that the most important factors influencing diversification of productive activities in this district relatively consisted of: economic, educational, managerial, motivational and sociological factors. The main barriers to diversification of non-agricultural activities were: economic, social, educational, structural and managerial that these factors in total have been explained 61.5 % of all barriers.The purpose of this study was to investigate effective factors and barriers on development of non-agricultural activities in Ghory Ghale Village, with emphasis on home jobs. The Statistical population consisted of rural households of Ghory Ghale district (N=624). According to Krejci and Morgan sampling table and by the stratified sampling method, 240 families selected as research sample. Research instrument was a questionnaire that its validity confirmed by content validity method with a panel of experts and its reliability confirmed by use of pilot test and calculation of Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.94). SPSS<sub>19 </sub>and Excel<sub>2010 </sub>software were used for data analysis. Results showed that in all villages, production potentials were more than region’s capacities and human abilities. Also, results showed that the most important factors influencing diversification of productive activities in this district relatively consisted of: economic, educational, managerial, motivational and sociological factors. The main barriers to diversification of non-agricultural activities were: economic, social, educational, structural and managerial that these factors in total have been explained 61.5 % of all barriers.https://ijaedr.ut.ac.ir/article_63993_7a23079c9ae1c15e76c05de58233b96a.pdf