An Investigation of Sustainable Activities among Corn Producer Farmers in Khuzestan Province

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This paper is aimed at an identification of a farmer's sustainable activities and factors affecting sustainable behavior of farmers. A survey was conducted using a stratified random sampling method to collect data from 370 corn producers in Khuzestan province. Validity and reliability of the questionnaire was tested and data were analyzed using SPSS software. Based upon the results, it was found out that the majority of farmers use rotation as well as microelements to upkeep their farm fertility. The application of green manure, animal manure, legumes in rotation with corn along with integrated methods in pest management were carried out at small scales. The findings revealed that literacy, access to communication channels, contact with extension centers and crop yield had positive and significant correlation with farmer's sustainable behaviors. The variables age, number of children, level of pesticides used and state of ownership presented negative and significant correlation with a farmer's sustainable behavior. The results of multivariate regression showed that the amount of pesticides used, contact with extension centers, applied manure and crop yield explained 28 percent of variation of sustainable behavior. The paper presents recommendations in how to improve sustainable activities among farmers.

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