1- PhD Student Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Shoushtar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shoushtar, Iran
2- Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Shoushtar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shoushtar, Iran. , ommani75451@yahoo.com
3- Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Shoushtar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shoushtar, Iran
4- Professor, Department of Agronomy, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
Abstract: (283 Views)
One of the most important environmental hazards that has created many challenges in recent years is the development of inorganic farming and the excessive use of chemical inputs in the agricultural sector. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the role of extension and educational programs on the development of organic farming in vegetable and summer cultivation in Lorestan Province, Iran. This research is quantitative in nature and applied research in terms of purpose. The population consisted of vegetable and summer crop farmers in Lorestan (N= 3500). The sample size was determined based on Morgan table (n= 384). In order to determine the validity and reliability of the questionnaire, a panel of experts and Ө= 0.85 were used. According to the results, the dimensions of organic farming were not optimal. From the ecological, health, fairness, care, social-cultural and production-economic aspects, there was a significant difference between the current and desired conditions at the level of 1%. Farmers who participated in programs of extension and educational class, field day, extension exhibitions, farmer field school, scientific seminars and demonstration farms had a significant difference at the 1% level in terms of all aspects of organic farming with those who did not participate. By factor analysis, the most important factors affecting the development of organic farming dimensions include: (1) Development of technical knowledge and empowerment of farmers in the field of organic farming, (2) Government support for the use of organic farming methods and development of its dimensions, (3) Application of legal instruments for the development of organic farming and (4) Changing consumers' views towards the use of organic foods.
Article Type:
Original Research |
Subject:
Agricultural Extension and Education Received: 2023/12/1 | Accepted: 2024/01/1