Impact of information obtain from interpersonal communication channels on using optimum amount of fertilizers by grape farmers in the Khoramdareh township

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 MSc. Student, Agricultural Extension and Education, University of Zanjan, Iran

2 Assistant Professo, Agricultural Extension and Education, University of Zanjan, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Agricultural Extension and Education, University of Zanjan, Iran

Abstract

Farmers' behavior can be affected by different socio-economic factors. The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of interpersonal information sources on grape farmers’ behavior in terms of optimum use of fertilizers in their vineyards. The data for this survey were collected using a questionnaire through structured interviews. A sample of 260 out of 3942 grape farmers of the Khoramdareh township was selected using a stratified sampling technique. The content validity of the questionnaire was obtained through a panel of expert discussion and the questionnaire constructs were validated using the convergence analysis technique. The instrument reliability was also analyzed by a pilot test and measuring the Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient (0.71-0.91). Results showed the highest percentage of optimum use of fertilizers belonged to micro element fertilizers and livestock manures, while the lowest optimum use of fertilizers was related to the Boric Acid, vermi-compost and green fertilizers. Less than half of the farmers used appropriate amount of other fertilizers. Farmers’ behavior regarding the use of optimum amount of fertilizers can be explained by variables such as farmer age, government interventions for improving orchards, and information obtain from the township Jihad-e- Agriculture Directorate specialists, particularly the Horticulture Office, from visiting the vineyards outside their village, from pesticide and input sellers, and from model and experienced farmers. Thus, farmers' behavior can be affected by both formal and informal interpersonal information sources.

Keywords

References

  1. Alfred, S.D.Y. & Fagbenro, O.A. (2006). Perception of Tilapia Farmers on Information Sources in the Coastal Region of Ondo State, Nigeria. In: (Wilfrido, M. et al eds) Tilapia, Sustainable Aquaculture From The New Millennium. Proceeding of 7th International Symposium on Tilapia in Aquaculture (ISTA) Boca del Rio. Veracruz, Mexico.2:274- 279.
  2. Bokusheva, R., Finger, R., Fischler, M., Berlin, R., Marin, Y., Perez, F. and Paiz, F. (2012). Factors determining the adoption and impact of a postharvest storage technology. Food Sec, 4, 279–293.
  3. Estelaji, A. & Khoshmanzar, H. (2011). Capability of Agricultural Development with Emphasis on Production of Grape (Faruj Township Case study). Two monthly Agriculture and sustainable development. (35), 55-48. (In Farsi).
  4. FAO (2012). Grape Production Statistics, FAO Statistics. Rome: FAO.
  5. Hedjazi. Y. & Veisi H. (2007). Contribution of communication channels and information sources to the adoption. Fish Farming Innovation in Iran. Journal of Extension Systems. 23(1), 42-54.
  6. Jihad-e- Agriculture Ministry (2010). Agricultural Statistics. Tehran: Office of Statistics and Information technology. Available at: http.//www.agri-jahad.ir. (In Farsi)
  7. Mousavi, M. & Ajili, A. (2011). The Role of Agricultural Education and Extension reduce the amount of waste agricultural products. First National Conference on Strategies for achieving sustainable agriculture. Payam Noor University On Khuzestan Province. (In Farsi)
  8. Mvsavi, M.. Zratkysh, E. (2010).  Survey factors affecting the desire and demand of farmers to   Agricultural Insurance  at  Kohgiluyeh. Second National Conference on Agriculture and Sustainable development. Opportunities and challenges ahead.  Islamic Azad University of Shiraz. (In Farsi)
  9. Nejatiyan, M..A. (2005).  Collect and evaluation Primary Statistics Primary Qazvin Province. Journal of Seed and Plant Research. (22), 338-319. (In Farsi)
  10. Paudel, P., and Matsuoka, A. (2008). Factors Influencing Adoption of Improved Maize Varieties in Nepal: A Case Study of Chitwan District. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 2(4), 823-834.
  11. PezeshkiRad, Gh. & Karamidehkordi, E. (2012). Social Statistics and Data Analysis for research on Agricultural Extension, Development and Education. Tehran: Tarbiat Modares University Press. (In Farsi)
  12. PezeshkiRad, GH., Mostafavi, S., & KaramiDehkordi, E. (2011). Factors influencing modern irrigation systems adoption among farmers of the Zanjan and Khodabandeh Townships. Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development, 43(4), 595-605 (In Farsi)
  13. Ransom, J. K., Paudyal, K. & Adhikari, K. (2003). Adoption of improved maize varieties in the hills of Nepal. Agricultural Economics, 29(3), 299-305.
  14. Rasouly, A. (2005). Determination of grape farmers’ Technical efficiency and its influencing factors in the Qazvin Province. Journal of Agriculture Modern Knowledge. 12 (6), 30-23. (In Farsi)
  15. Rehman, F., Muhammad, S., Ashraf, I., Mahmood, K., Ruby, T. & Bibi. I. (2013). Effect of Farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics on access to agricultural information: empirical evidence from Pakistan. The Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences, 23(1), 324-329 .
    1. Rezaei., M.( 2009). Current theory about adoption information and communication technologies.  Journal of communication, 16 (4), 93-63.(In Farsi)
    2. Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of Innovation. Fifth ed. Free Press. New York.
    3. Sabryfr, b. & Qaisar, p. (2012). Influencing Factors the acceptance of Extension programs by Hossein Abad district farmers.  Proceedings of the Second National Conference on Deal with Desertification and sustainable development Iranian desert wetlands. (In Farsi)
    4. Tafazoli, E., Bostani, F., Kavoosi, B., Hosseini Farahi, M. & Mosavi, N. (2012). Influence of pruning date and zinc sulfate treatment by pruning wound on yield component and vegetative characteristics of table grape (Vitis venifera L. Cv Askari). Journal of Horticultural Science (Agricultural Sciences and Technology), 26 (1), 54-62. (In Farsi)
    5. Zare, Sh. (2005). Production Economics and Efficiency of grape farmers in the Khorasan Province, a case study in the Kashmar Township. Agricultural Economics and Development (Special Issue on productivity and efficiency), 13 (52), 279-306. (In Farsi)

 

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics