Farmers and Agricultural Water Distribution Styles: A Case Study of Doroodzan Dam Irrigation Network, Fars Province

Sharif Zadeh, Maryam; Kamkar Haghighi, Ali Akbar; Ahmandvand, Mostafa; Roudari, Artemis; Amiri, Zeynab

Farmers and Agricultural Water Distribution Styles: A Case Study of Doroodzan Dam Irrigation Network, Fars Province

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Abstract

This research, applied as a survey approach aimed at investigating farmers’ tendency and attitudes toward agricultural water management styles (WMSs). Therefore, using Cochran’s formula and simple random sampling, 244 farmers were selected in Doroudzan region, Iran. The data were acquired by face-to-face structural interviews and as well through a questionnaire that consisted of closed and open ended questions. A panel of experts confirmed the face validity of the questionnaire while the reliability being tested in a pilot study based on Coronbach’s Alpha coefficient (0.53 to 0.74). The questionnaire was further improved based on the pilot study results. Results indicated that farmers had high utilitarian beliefs regarding agricultural water resources. Also, the majority of farmers had positive attitude and perception towards participatory water management. Cluster analysis was employed to better understand farmers’ characteristics. Cluster profiles in terms of age, education, family size, utilitarian beliefs, and water distribution styles revealed three clusters of risk prone, traditional, and moderate farmer groups.

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