A Study of Factors Influencing Sustainability of Greenhouse Cultivation System in Jiroft and Kohnuj Region

The main objective of this research was to study the factors affecting the sustainability level of greenhouse cultivation system in Jiroft and Kohnuj Region The research method of the study was a Descriptive-Correlational one. The statistical population of the study consisted of all the greenhouse owners in Jiroft and Kohnuj region in six rural districts (N=1862). According to the Cochran's Formula, sample size was obtained as 154 which was increased to 180 persons to further improve the accuracy. Stratified Random sampling method was employed to get access to samples and to have the questionnaires filled up. Data were collected through a questionnaire which was developed as based upon literature review and research objectives. The validity of the questionnaire was established by a panel of participants, all experts in the research area. A pilot study (including 30 individuals, out of the main sample) was conducted to establish the reliability of the instrument. Cronbach's Alpha's coefficient for the main scales of the questionnaire was estimated as more than 0.75, indicating the adequate reliability of the questionnaire. The descriptive results revealed that about 11.31, 49.56 and 39.13% of the greenhouse cultivations were sustainable, relatively sustainable vs. unsustainable, respectively. The results of regression analysis indicated that 53.9% of the variances of the dependent variable (sustainability level of greenhouse cultivation) was explained by the five variables of: sustainable agricultural knowledge, level of education, attitudes towards sustainable agriculture, attendance of courses in education and extension as well as greenhouse cultivation.