List of articles (by subject) Environmental policy and management
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Open Access Article
1 - Barley Productivity Decomposition in Iran: Comparison of TT, GI, MGI, and GTTI Approaches
حبیب شهبازیIn this paper, the authors present new indices for estimating technical change, return to scale, and TFP growth, as well as its decomposition. These indices, Modified General Index (MGI), Generalized Modified General Index (GMGI), and General Time Trend index (GTTI), ar MoreIn this paper, the authors present new indices for estimating technical change, return to scale, and TFP growth, as well as its decomposition. These indices, Modified General Index (MGI), Generalized Modified General Index (GMGI), and General Time Trend index (GTTI), are generalization of General Index approaches. These approaches were used for productivity decomposition of Iran's barely production across the period 2000-2012 in 20 provinces. To select the best approaches, estimated TFP growth of TT, GI, MGI and GTTI are compared with Divisia Index. Results show that differences between Barley TFP growth of TT, GI, MGI, and GTTI approaches with Divisia Index are 39.12, 17.94, 9.71, and 1.61 percent, respectively. The findings revealed that MGI method is appropriate when time series data or panel data with limited cross-section data are used. In addition, when only need to compare periods of time that are not regular (for evaluation plan or policies), it is suggested GMGI method. When time series data or panel data with limited cross section data are used, and there is a trend in every period, the GTTI method is recommended for estimating technical change, return to scale, and TFP growth. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
2 - Why Do They Want to Migrate from Rural Areas? A Psychological Perspective from Iran
مسعود یزدان پناه طاهره زبیدیWhile migration is a basic element of population dynamics in most societies, in Iran, rural-urban migration is a particular concern of both social scientists and policy makers. Rural-urban migration accounts for over half of the growth of most Iranian cities. On the oth MoreWhile migration is a basic element of population dynamics in most societies, in Iran, rural-urban migration is a particular concern of both social scientists and policy makers. Rural-urban migration accounts for over half of the growth of most Iranian cities. On the other hand, this movement is often cited as having negative effects on rural area, including a shortage of supply of agricultural labor. It is becoming common to blame rural-urban migration among young people on factors such as education and employment opportunities. This research examines the psychological factors influencing the intentions and decisions of rural young people aiming to migrate to Khuzestan Province. This study used the extend theory of planned behaviour. A questionnaire was developed using the latent variables of attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, behavioural intention, community satisfaction, and youth personal characteristics. The face and content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by a panel of experts. The questionnaire’s internal reliability was investigated using the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. All scales indicated a good-to-excellent reliability index (0.75–0.85). Samples of young people were identified through a multi-stage, stratified random sampling strategy from two groups (young people who are ‘well educated’ and those who were not). A total of 163 valid questionnaires were analyzed. Our results showed that adding community satisfaction as additional construct to the original Theory of Planned Behavior could significantly increase the explanatory power of the basic model. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that attitude, perceived behaviour control, as well as community satisfaction can predict 51.3% of variances in migration intentions. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
3 - An Investigation into Income Distribution in Zanjan Province: A Case Study of Rural Households in Abhar County
Mostafa Teimoori Nina Rajaee Mohammad hadi HajianThe present study aims to investigate income distribution in Zanjan Province, for which the statistics of cost-income of the households in rural areas of Abhar County were used. They were available in the Statistical Center of Iran. In order to measure income distributi MoreThe present study aims to investigate income distribution in Zanjan Province, for which the statistics of cost-income of the households in rural areas of Abhar County were used. They were available in the Statistical Center of Iran. In order to measure income distribution, the indicators of Lorenz curve, the Gini coefficient, the proportion of high-income groups to low-income groups, as well as the comparison of decades and quintiles are described below. The results indicated that 20% of the richest households in the rural community of Abhar County had more than half of the revenue, and four poor decades had less than 10% of revenue. The richest farmer docile had an income about 28 times as high as the poorest decade, and the richest non-farmer docile had an income about 74 times as high as the poorest non-farmer docile. The results of the Gini coefficient of the two occupational groups suggested that the Gini coefficient of people working in the agricultural sector was equal to 0.55, and that it was 0.56 for non-agricultural workers by comparison. The results of correlation analysis indicated a negative relationship between the age of household’s head and their annual income. Moreover education level of household’s head had a positive relationship with their annual income. In addition, there was no significant difference among annual incomes of households heads with different occupational groups. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
4 - Transmission of International Prices of Corn to Iranian Domestic Markets
یعقوب زراعت کیش هانیه متقاعدMarket volatility remains one of the most important research fields in agricultural economics.Interestingly, price transmission mechanism seems to be symmetric in sectors that are likely to be of high political power.This paper analyzes the price transmission effects fr MoreMarket volatility remains one of the most important research fields in agricultural economics.Interestingly, price transmission mechanism seems to be symmetric in sectors that are likely to be of high political power.This paper analyzes the price transmission effects from international markets to domestic markets for corn in Iran. For this purpose, we estimate the elasticity of substitution between imported and domestically produced goods. Annual data (1996-2012) are analyzed with an econometric framework based on the Maximum Entropy. The result shows that there is a substitution relationship between imported and domestic corn and in the end; domestic prices areaffected from world price more than the short run. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
5 - Assessment Improving and Organizing Mechanism of Water Users Cooperatives Using AHP Method in Esfarayen County, Iran
زهرا حسین پور محمدحسین منهاج محمد کاوسی کلاشمیInstitutionalization of Water Users’ Cooperatives (WUAS) is one of the strategies for cooperative irrigation management, which lays the foundation for the participation of farmers in tackling water shortage challenge to reach the objectives of sustainable manageme MoreInstitutionalization of Water Users’ Cooperatives (WUAS) is one of the strategies for cooperative irrigation management, which lays the foundation for the participation of farmers in tackling water shortage challenge to reach the objectives of sustainable management of agricultural water in an efficient manner. The main purpose of the present study was to identify the grounds for improving WUAs and prioritizing the effective factors for developing and strengthening these cooperatives. The statistical population was comprised of experts and members of the board of directors as well as elite farmers who were WUAs members in 2015 (n=40). The interviewees were selected through consensus sampling. The analytic hierarchy process was used to prioritize the mechanism of improvement and development of WUAs. Based on the final weights of the criteria, the mechanisms received the following scores: supportive mechanism (0.266), agricultural irrigation management (0.261), economic mechanism (0.183), education and extension (0.123), and legal mechanism (0.090) and WUA’s members’ attitude (0.076). Accordingly, the supportive, agricultural irrigation management and economic mechanisms were the most important mechanisms to improve WUAs. Hence, it is recommended that low-interest financing should be provided by the Agriculture Jihad Organization in collaboration with the Agricultural Bank for transforming from traditional irrigation to localized irrigation. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
6 - Modelling of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Wheat Production in Irrigated and Rain-Fed Systems in Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran
سید مسعود معتمد الشریعتی حسن صدرنیا محمد حسین آق خانی مهدی خجستهپورAgriculture has a key role in greenhouse gas emissions. As such, the present study aimed to evaluate the greenhouse gas emissions from wheat production in irrigated and rain-fed systems. The primary data were collected from 116 wheat farmers. The results showed that the MoreAgriculture has a key role in greenhouse gas emissions. As such, the present study aimed to evaluate the greenhouse gas emissions from wheat production in irrigated and rain-fed systems. The primary data were collected from 116 wheat farmers. The results showed that the total greenhouse gas emissions from wheat production in irrigated and rain-fed systems were 637.8 and 65.12 kgCO2eq, respectively. The diesel fuel was the largest contributor to the total greenhouse gas emissions in irrigated systems with the share of 33%. Moreover, these inputs accounted for the highest share of greenhouse gas emissions in rain-fed system. The results of Cobb-Douglas model highlighted that the effects of inputs, including machinery, diesel fuel, electricity, and farmyard manure were positive on the yield in irrigated systems. However, the effect of chemical fertilizer and biocide inputs was negative on wheat yield. On the other hand, the effects of all inputs were positive on wheat yield in rain-fed system. The results of the sensitivity analysis showed that one kg increase in greenhouse gas emissions from chemical fertilizer and biocide would result in 0.28 and 0.15 kg loss of yield, respectively. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
7 - Ex-ante Impact Study on the Integrated Natural Resources Management in the Middle East and North Africa Region Rangelands Rehabilitation Project in Iran
حبیب شهبازی حمیدرضا علیپور اکرم عباسی فرThe purpose of the Integrated Natural Resources Management program in the Middle East and North Africa Region (MENARID) is to bring national investment projects in the field of Integrated Natural Resource Management (INRM). The impact evaluation study tests whether the MoreThe purpose of the Integrated Natural Resources Management program in the Middle East and North Africa Region (MENARID) is to bring national investment projects in the field of Integrated Natural Resource Management (INRM). The impact evaluation study tests whether the selected technology has significantly contributed to restore and maintain of the ecosystem functions and productivity, and whether has improved the economic and social well-being of the targeted communities. We chose Kamkooyeh Village in the Behabad County where a "Village Development Group" (VDG) has been established by following participatory and capacity building approaches such as social mobilization and micro credit mechanism. A set of complementary activities and interventions were recommended and implemented in the site by consultation and active participation of the local communities and beneficiaries. One of the proposed interventions is rangelands rehabilitation project (RRP). The expected benefits and costs of the RRP were predicted through financial valuation and an ex-ante evaluation of socioeconomic impacts. The financial and social benefit-cost ratio of RRP was estimated to be about 0.97 and 2.15, respectively. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
8 - Valuing Recreational Benefits in an Aquatic Ecosystem Area with Contingent Valuation Method: Case of ShirinSou Wetland, Iran
حبیب شهبازی احمد سام دلیریIn this study, the recreational value of ShirinSou Wetland of the Kabodarahang County in Hamadan Province, Iran was estimated and the visitors' willingness to Pay (WTP) was measured by using Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) and One and One Half Bound model (OOHB) dicho MoreIn this study, the recreational value of ShirinSou Wetland of the Kabodarahang County in Hamadan Province, Iran was estimated and the visitors' willingness to Pay (WTP) was measured by using Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) and One and One Half Bound model (OOHB) dichotomous choice (DC) questionnaire. The results show that 81 percent of investigating individuals will pay for recreational usage of the studied wetland. Estimated WTP is 44671 IRR (US$ 1.68) for each visitor. The total annual recreational value of this wetland is estimated at about 809 (million IRR) (or US$ 30348). Furthermore, the variables of proposed bids and visitors' monthly income are statistically significant at 1%; so, these two variables are considered as the most important factors affecting visitors' WTP. Also, these tow variables have negative and positive effect on WTP, respectively. Age and level of education were the next effective factors with significant impact at the 10% level. Policy makers can take these values into consideration in the decision-making process of the development of the wetlands. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
9 - Analysis of Effective Solutions in the Field of Waste Management in Municipalities
امیر نوری سلیمان رسولی آذر لورنس انویه تکیهThe main purpose of this study was to analyze the effective solutions in the field of waste management in municipalities. The statistical population in this survey –based study consisted of the citizens that lived in Orumiyeh city in West Azerbaijan Province. By u MoreThe main purpose of this study was to analyze the effective solutions in the field of waste management in municipalities. The statistical population in this survey –based study consisted of the citizens that lived in Orumiyeh city in West Azerbaijan Province. By using Cochran formula, sample size was estimated to include 180 people. The data collection tool was a questionnaire. The reliability coefficient of the questionnaire was obtained by a Cronbach's alpha that turned out to be 0.87.Results showed that a positive and significance relationship exists between the transport collection and landfill management solution, expense management solution, executive management solution, the strategy management system, as well as the importance of waste management. Also in addition, multi regression results shows that about 55.9 percent of the solid waste management system is determined by variables such as collection and transportation of waste and landfill, executive management, costs management, and improvement of the management system of the organization. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
10 - External Financing Method: Financing through Debt and Stock Issuance
رضا آقاجان نشتایی ابراهیم چیرانی مهرداد گودرزوند چگینیCountries need short, medium, and long-term investment plans for production growth and development. Different sources for these investments can be supplied through retained profit, stock issuance, and bank loans, or a combination them. Institutions and firms need huge a MoreCountries need short, medium, and long-term investment plans for production growth and development. Different sources for these investments can be supplied through retained profit, stock issuance, and bank loans, or a combination them. Institutions and firms need huge amount of capitals for their survival, production, and also development of activities. In addition, these institutions and firms rely heavily on financial markets for self-financing. The role of financial markets is to provide the required capitals for institutions and firms. Financing strategy is considered as one of the main areas of financial management decisions in companies seeking to increase shareholders’ wealth. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to discuss conventional methods of external financing through debt and stock issuance and explain their associated advantages and disadvantages. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
11 - Organic Agriculture: Food for Future Green Consumers in Iran
یلدا رحمتی غفرانی محمد طالقانی ابراهیم چیرانیThe aim of this paper was investigating the effects of organicknowledge, perceived consequences, subjective norms,price, and green trust, perceived consumer effectiveness, availability,relative advantage, and organic purchase intention onorganic purchase behavior among MoreThe aim of this paper was investigating the effects of organicknowledge, perceived consequences, subjective norms,price, and green trust, perceived consumer effectiveness, availability,relative advantage, and organic purchase intention onorganic purchase behavior among Iranian consumers as theconsumers in a developing country.The survey questionnairewas administered to the customers of large chain stores andorganic food stores in five provinces of Iran that had branchesfor producing and selling organic food products. Given thevery few number of organic food consumers in Iran, only 192out of 240 questionnaires were filled and then used as samplesof study. In order to analysis the data and test the hypotheses,multiple regression analysis method was used using by SPSSsoftware. Results showed strong support (R2=0.51) for theimpact of price, consumer effectiveness, and perceived consequenceson intention to purchase organic food products. Organicknowledge, green trust, price, consumer effectiveness, andintention were found to have influenced purchase behavior.This paper will discuss the implications of these results foragricultural practitioners and marketers. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
12 - Role of External Factors on Application of Strategic Management in Agricultural Knowledge and Information System in Iran
حسنا میلادی ایرج ملک محمدی محمد چیذری سید محمود حسینیThe purpose of this study was to identify external factors affecting strategic management in agricultural knowledge and information system and to examine their relative importance from experts’ point of view. Five factors were identified based on the interviews, e MoreThe purpose of this study was to identify external factors affecting strategic management in agricultural knowledge and information system and to examine their relative importance from experts’ point of view. Five factors were identified based on the interviews, examination of relevant literature and previous researches; In line with that, a questionnaire was developed to suit this purpose. Face and content validity of the research instrument verified by the research committee. To determine the reliability of the instrument, a pilot study was conducted with 30 Agriculture - Jihad Organization personnel from Qazvin Province. The reliability coefficient (Cronbach’s Alpha) was computed 0.95, which indicated that the questionnaire had a high reliability index. External factors consisted of sociocultural, policy, economic, technological, and ecological factors. The statistical population was consisted of line and staff experts of Agriculture Organizations of Alborz and Tehran Provinces (N=161). Data was analyzed by SPSSwin20 software. The results showed that sociocultural, economic, ecological, policy and technological factors were the most important external factors affecting strategic management in agricultural knowledge and information respectively. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
13 - Using DEA Models to Measure Energy Efficiency of Grape Production
Majid Namdari Hassan Ghasemi Mobtaker Mousa RasouliEnergy ratio and technical efficiency are the ways to explain the efficiency of farmers in crops production. The objective of this study was the application of non-parametric method of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to analyze the efficiency of orchards, discriminate e MoreEnergy ratio and technical efficiency are the ways to explain the efficiency of farmers in crops production. The objective of this study was the application of non-parametric method of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to analyze the efficiency of orchards, discriminate efficient farmers from inefficient ones and to identify wasteful uses of energy for grape production in Hamadan province, Iran. For this purpose, data were collected from 48 farmers by using a face to face questionnaire. The results revealed that the average value of technical, pure technical and scale efficiency scores of orchards were about 0.74, 0.86 and 0.84, respectively. The contribution of saving energy for chemical fertilizers was the highest and followed by diesel fuel & electricity with shares of 61.7 and 28.7 percent, respectively. The total energy savings calculated to be 14.3 percent of total input energy. Optimization of energy use improved the energy use efficiency, energy productivity and net energy by 16.8, 13.3 and 19.6 percent, respectively. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
14 - Explaining Sustainable Development Strategies for Agricultural Entrepreneurship Activities in Kermanshah Province, Iran
فرشته فرجی فرحناز رستمی نادر نادری شهاب خوش خویThe high capacity of the agricultural sector in Kermanshah Province needs more attention for some reasons including weather and climate conditions, access to fertile lands, and ready-made labor force. The current research seeks to achieve a major strategy for the develo MoreThe high capacity of the agricultural sector in Kermanshah Province needs more attention for some reasons including weather and climate conditions, access to fertile lands, and ready-made labor force. The current research seeks to achieve a major strategy for the development of entrepreneurship activities in the agricultural sector of Kermanshah Province. To reach end a mixed research method was used in which the content analysis and survey methods were used in the qualitative and quantitative phases, respectively. The content analysis and “Analysis of Hierarchy Process (AHP) were applied by using Expert Choice software for data analysis. In the quantitative part, the study population was comprised of agricultural entrepreneurs in Kermanshah Province, of which 27 participated in semi-structured interviews. In the quantitative part, a pairwise comparison questionnaire was administered to 10 entrepreneurs who were entrepreneurship experts. Based on the results obtained from the current research, the development strategy, namely “regional market development, paving the way for the development of entrepreneurial companies, and presentation of products fabricated by agricultural entrepreneurs in Kermanshah Province in regional, national, and international exhibitions”, was chosen as the best conservative strategy with the final priority of 0.347. In addition, another strategy, i.e. “the formulation of policies and establishment of appropriate support platforms for agricultural entrepreneurs by the state and organizations, such as subsidizing producers and providing facilities to entrepreneurs to facilitate access to suitable land for their activities”, with the final priority of 0.270% was chosen as the alternative strategy for the development of entrepreneurial activities in Kermanshah province. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
15 - Development and Validation of Sustainable Aquaculture Indicators: Case of Alborz Dam Basin, Mazandaran, Iran
احسان قلی فر عنایت عباسی غلامرضا پزشکی راد حسن صالحی عبدالمطلب رضاییThe present study was conducted to examine the development and validation of sustainable indicators related to aquaculture as a social-ecological system. By reviewing the literature, it was found about 148 indicators related to sustainable aquaculture in economic (marke MoreThe present study was conducted to examine the development and validation of sustainable indicators related to aquaculture as a social-ecological system. By reviewing the literature, it was found about 148 indicators related to sustainable aquaculture in economic (market-oriented and responsive aquaculture, capability of risk assessment and crisis management, and financial management in aquaculture), social (participation in food security and healthy food, the role of producer and non-governmental organizations, improving the image of aquaculture, and social responsibility), environment (minimizing the impacts of aquaculture at the national level, minimizing the impacts on the environmental conditions, and biodiversity), and institutional (local development and participation in decision-making) components. The extracted components were used in the form of a questionnaire with a five-point Likert type scale according to six criteria. Questionnaires were distributed among aquaculture experts in Alborz Dam Basin in Mazandaran Province, where 32 questionnaires were returned. Research results include ranking indicators based on a total of six criteria mentioned in methodology, and ranking components, as well as their associated indicators related to sustainable aquaculture using AHP. The findings further suggested that economic and environmental aspects also were placed as the first and second ranks among 10 sustainable aquaculture indicators. Accordingly, it is highly recommended that the agencies related to the country's aquaculture development paid attention to these identified dimensions and used them in their planning. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
16 - The Effect of Raising Electricity Price on Welfare of the Household Sector in Rural Areas of Guilan Province, Iran
حسین صالحی Esfandiar Doshman Ziari Mohammad Sadegh ZiaeiPresent study investigates the effect of soaring residential electricity price on the welfare of rural individuals in Guilan Province by Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) in which the elasticity’s and welfare variations were calculated by Compensation Variations ( MorePresent study investigates the effect of soaring residential electricity price on the welfare of rural individuals in Guilan Province by Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) in which the elasticity’s and welfare variations were calculated by Compensation Variations (CV) and Equivalent Variations (EV) for the time period of 1991-2012. It was shown that the absolute value of income and price elasticity of electricity was less than one unit. Low price elasticity of the demand shows the slight impact of price variations on the demand for electricity in the studied period, on the one hand, and the lack of an appropriate substitute for electricity in residential sector, on the other hand. The calculation of welfare variations and its comparison with the share of electricity in the paid subsidy shows that with 50% and 100% increase in residential electricity price, the cash paid to the households is less that the amount acquired. Accordingly, it can be argued that the direct effect of residential electricity price modification (increase) has not been compensated. In fact, the welfare loss of the households, due to more expensive electricity, is more than the acquired welfare. Yet, in a gradual increase scenario, the calculated CV is less than the payments to the families, and hence it is the only price policy that does not impose a loss on families and improves their welfare. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
17 - The Slow Food Model: A Road for Small-Scale Productions in a Globalised Market
میکله فونته فرانچسکوThe paper presents the articulated strategy of valorization, implemented by the international movement called Slow Food in Italy and abroad in order to reconsider the concept of agricultural profitability. In particular, the paper suggests profitability lays on the valu MoreThe paper presents the articulated strategy of valorization, implemented by the international movement called Slow Food in Italy and abroad in order to reconsider the concept of agricultural profitability. In particular, the paper suggests profitability lays on the value markets recognize to agricultural production. In this perspective, the Slow Food strategy represents a good practice to be emulated because it strengthens the producers’ confidence, improves product culture among producers and consumers, and re-embeds local agricultural products into the hotbed of practices of society while mass consumption drives it to abandonment. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
18 - Factors Affecting the Efficiency of Human Resources in Guilan's Rice Processing Industry
مهرداد گودرزوند ثمین یوسفی احمد قنبریان بروجنیBy moving societies toward globalization and the expansion of competition in the industrial product market, human resource efficiency more than ever has become the determining factor in the competitiveness of industrial products in domestic and foreign markets and thus MoreBy moving societies toward globalization and the expansion of competition in the industrial product market, human resource efficiency more than ever has become the determining factor in the competitiveness of industrial products in domestic and foreign markets and thus the profitability of the industry. The main objective of this study is to identify and explain the factors affecting the efficiency of human resources in the processing industry (rice) in Guilan Province. The research method is descriptive and analytical. The study sample consisted of officials and personnel working in rice mills that have at least a high school diploma and experts on rice processing industry in Agriculture Organization that, according to the relevant authorities, 3750 people in rice workshops and 130 people are working in the Agricultural Jihad Organization in Guilan Province. Out of these, a sample of 350 participants were selected by stratified and cluster sampling. To collect data, labor productivity questionnaire and ACHIEVE model containing 24 items were used. The validity of this study was estimated by a Cronbach's alpha, which was equal to 0.90 and was indicative of high validity of the questionnaire. To analyze the data, one sample t-test was employed using SPSS software. The results of the study revealed that employees had the required ability, understanding, organizational support, motivation, feedback, reliability, and compatibility. The results also suggested that there was not statistically significant difference between men and women in terms of the productivity of human resources. Human resources productivity was different between different age groups. According to the average productivity of human resources in different age categories, the average productivity of human resources among people ranging in age from 20-30 years was more likely than others. Variance analysis comparing the average of the four groups (diploma, associate degree, undergraduate, and graduate) with a significant level up to 0.05 showed that there was no statistically significant difference between people with different educational levels with the efficiency of human resources. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
19 - Comparison of Different Irrigation Methods Based On the Parametric Evaluation Approach in Chikan and Mourzian Subbasin, Iran
Masoud Masoudi Abdollah Ebrahimi Parviz JokarIncreasing world population has led to product more foods andcrops, while agricultural lands have been decreased. Then, itis necessary to use the maximum potential of these lands whichproduct maximum yield without any damage. To reach this objective,land suitability eva MoreIncreasing world population has led to product more foods andcrops, while agricultural lands have been decreased. Then, itis necessary to use the maximum potential of these lands whichproduct maximum yield without any damage. To reach this objective,land suitability evaluation is the most important waythat can reach-this objective. The main objective of this researchwas to compare different irrigation methods based on a parametricevaluation system in an area of 100 ha in the Chikan andMourzian Subbasin of the Fars province, in the south of Iran.After preparing land unit map, 10 points were selected forsampling. Soil properties were evaluated and analyzed. Suitabilitymaps for drop and gravity irrigation were generated using GIStechnique. The result revealed land suitability of 71.9 ha (71.9%)of the case study was classified as permanently not suitable(N2) and 28.1 ha (28.1%) currently not suitable (N1) for gravityirrigation. On the other hand, land suitability of 47.3 ha (47.3%)of the case study was classified as permanently not suitability(N2), 28.5 ha (28.5%) currently not suitable (N1) and 24.3 ha(24.3%) marginally suitable (S3) for drop irrigation. The limitingfactor for drop irrigation was slope and for gravity irrigationwere slope and drainage. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
20 - Ranking Rural Livelihood Capitals in the Central District of Dena county: the Application of Analytic Network Process (ANP)
زینب شریفی مهدی نوری پورSustainable Livelihoods Approach emerged in the 1980s as anew analytical approach in the field of rural development inwhich the rural livelihood capitals form the basis of the villagers'empowerment and their ability to get involved in their own individualand social dest MoreSustainable Livelihoods Approach emerged in the 1980s as anew analytical approach in the field of rural development inwhich the rural livelihood capitals form the basis of the villagers'empowerment and their ability to get involved in their own individualand social destiny. This study aimed to answer thequestion that how much the importance of each type of livelihoodcapitals is in the Central District of Dena County in an attemptto improve rural development interventions. The statistical populationof the study consisted of local experts of Central Districtof Dena County that involved village managers and villagecouncil members out of which 15 individuals were purposefullyselected based on their accessibility. Data were collected througha questionnaire which was developed to conduct pairwise comparisonsof livelihood capitals according to the ANP method.Super Decisions software was used in order to rank livelihoodcapitals and their sub-indexes. The results showed that fromamong the five types of capital, physical capital was at the firstpriority. In addition, human, natural and social capitals were atthe second, third and fourth priorities, respectively. Finally,financial capital was in the last priority. Therefore, in planningand investing to achieve sustainable livelihood in rural areas,physical and human capital should be taken into considerationmore than any other capitals. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
21 - Modeling the Impact of Climate Change on Peanut Production on the Basis of Increasing 2oC Temperature in Future Environmental Conditions of Guilan Province, Iran
Seyyed Ali Noorhosseini Afshin Soltani Hossein AjamnorooziTo evaluate the effect of climate change on peanut production in Northern Iran on the basis of 2oC rise in temperature, a study was conducted using the SSM-Peanut. The simulation was done based on the long-term data obtained from synoptic stations in Guilan including An MoreTo evaluate the effect of climate change on peanut production in Northern Iran on the basis of 2oC rise in temperature, a study was conducted using the SSM-Peanut. The simulation was done based on the long-term data obtained from synoptic stations in Guilan including Anzali, Astara, Kiashahr (Astaneh Ashrafieh), Lahijan, Rasht (Agriculture station), Rasht (Airport station), Roudsar and Talesh. When model was run for each year and each scenario, the following parameters were recorded in the outputs: days to beginning bloom, days to beginning pod, days to beginning seed, days to harvest maturity, maximum leaf area index, accumulated crop dry matter, seed yield, and pod yield. Data analysis: data analysis was done using SPSS 18. Furthermore, from ArcGIS was used for zoning of Guilan in terms of peanut production in the current condition and after the climate change. To compare the difference between peanut growth and yield in the current condition and when the climate change happens, t-test and discriminant analysis were used. The results showed that there is a statistically significant difference in terms of all parameters between the current condition and after climate change 2oC rise in temperature) in Guilan Province. With the rise temperature, average peanut growth period in Guilan decreased from 142 days to 123 days. Generally, the average peanut yield changes in Guilan with 2-degree rise in temperature is 8.73 percent more than that in the current condition. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
22 - A Comparative Analysis of Behavioral Theories towards Farmers’ Water Conservation
ناصر ولیزاده مسعود بیژنی داریوش حیاتیAccording to experts, the inefficient agricultural sector has a dominant role in degrading water resources all over the world. Farmers’ conservational behavior is an important aspect of new integrated water management studies. Relevantly, various behavioral theori MoreAccording to experts, the inefficient agricultural sector has a dominant role in degrading water resources all over the world. Farmers’ conservational behavior is an important aspect of new integrated water management studies. Relevantly, various behavioral theories have been proposed in the field of environmental psychology. The main objective of the present comparative analysis and review study was to explain foundations of the most remarkable water conservation behavioral theories, classify them, and finally, present a critical discussion on the better application of each theory to explain the farmers' Water Conservation Behaviors (WCBs). This study is based on the documentary research method which was accomplished using a systematic literature review. The comparison analysis of existing theories indicates that the “theory selection” should be consistent with the “type of behavior under study”. Consequently, it is recommended to adopt the theories like Planned Behavior Theory and Reasoned Action Theory to illustrate the private-sphere WCBs such as farmers’ willingness to pay for water conservation because these behaviors are directly associated with the farmers’ personal interests. With respect to those conservational behaviors with participatory and collective nature, an individual may ignore his/her short-sighted and immediate benefits to achieve collective and long-term interests. In such a case, the use of moral approach and its relevant theories, including the Value-Belief-Norms Theory and the Norm Activation Theory, seems to be more appropriate. Consequently, agricultural practitioners and researchers are recommended to use rational approach theories to analyze the WCBs of farmers. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
23 - Influencing Factors on Adoption of Organic Farming from the Perspective of Horticulturists in Sari County, Iran
رضا دینپناهThe aim of this study was to determine influencing factors on adoption of organic farming in Sari County, Iran. The methodological approach of this study was descriptive-correlation. The research population consisted of 18830 horticulturists in Sari County, which was se MoreThe aim of this study was to determine influencing factors on adoption of organic farming in Sari County, Iran. The methodological approach of this study was descriptive-correlation. The research population consisted of 18830 horticulturists in Sari County, which was selected using stratified randomizing sampling method and Cochran formula. Validity of the instrument was established by a panel of experts consisting of senior faculty members in agricultural extension and education department. Reliability analysis was conducted by using and Cronbach alpha formula and result was 0.89. The results showed that 54.6 percent of horticulturists expressed situation of adoption of organic farming were low. Variable of experience with adoption of organic farming had been relationship of negative and significant. Also, variables of yield, cost-benefit, drip irrigation acreage, connect to experts, social status, social participation, effect of extension-education activities, use of information resources, compatibility of organic farming innovations and testability of organic farming innovations with adoption of organic farming had been relationship of positive and significant. The results of the multiple regression analysis (stepwise method) revealed that the variables of social participation, effect of extension-education activities and drip irrigation acreage in three steps explained variation of 24% of adoption of organic farming. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
24 - Farm Food Safety Practices in the North of Iran
احمد عابدی سروستانی آمنه آورندFood safety begins on the farms and farmers play a crucial role in producing healthy food. Several factors were investigated here including water quality, labor health, health facilities, packaging and storage, transportation, fertilizers and solid organic materials, an MoreFood safety begins on the farms and farmers play a crucial role in producing healthy food. Several factors were investigated here including water quality, labor health, health facilities, packaging and storage, transportation, fertilizers and solid organic materials, and field sanitation to reach more comprehensive results. So, 380 farmers were selected from 77 villages of rural areas of Gonbad-e Kavus County, north of Iran, using multistage random sampling. Data were collected by a questionnaire and analyzed with the SPSS18 software. Results showed that the score of the food safety practice index was above average and could be evaluated at a good level. Farmers had the best practice in “field sanitation” and the worst practice in “labor health”. Literate farmers had better food safety practices than illiterate farmers. The food safety practice index showed positive correlations with educational level and farmer income from other jobs. However, negative correlations were observed regarding farmer age, job experience and income from husbandry. It is suggested that educational programs and essential facilities are needed to enable farmers to adhere to farm food safety practices. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
25 - Rainfall Variability, Foreign Aid and Economic Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa
Toyin Ajibade Jubril AnimashaunIn this study, we address a broad question that relates foreign development aid to economic growth in 41 Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries employing panel data spanning a twenty-five-year period. The panel data was analysed using fixed effect Ordinary Least Square mod MoreIn this study, we address a broad question that relates foreign development aid to economic growth in 41 Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries employing panel data spanning a twenty-five-year period. The panel data was analysed using fixed effect Ordinary Least Square model. We explored the within-country rainfall distribution to identify the impact of foreign development aid per capita (Value of Official Development Assistance)on GDP per capita. Identifying aid with exogenous rainfall shocks will plausibly address the endogeneity bias identified in previous studies. In the first stage, we find that rainfall shocks negatively correlate with amount of aid per capita received suggesting that countries with negative economic shock receive more foreign assistance than countries without. However,in stage two, we find that aid per capita has a statistically weak and negative impact on income per capita in the region.We can identify several practical reasons why aid may fail to translate to growth in this region. For one, because aid is a form of unearned rents, aid meant for public consumption could be privately appropriated by political elites, distort capital accumulation, and could undermine the broader economic development when there is an income shock. While SSA countries receiving aid may not grow faster than countries without, aid might still play an economically useful role at the micro-level. Specifically,aid could be beneficial if local inputs at the micro-level are actively involved in allocation of resources and deployed for the identification of developmental needs.Aid could also be useful at suppressing civil conflict associated with climate vagaries. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
26 - Factors Affecting Students’ Value Co-creation to Institutionalize Sustainability in Academic Structure: The Case of Iranian Agricultural and Natural Resources’ Universities
فیض اله منوری فرد مسعود برادران بهمن خسروی پورValue co-creation process as a mutual interaction between individuals is a key issue across the management network. Recently, studies have placed a special emphasis on people’s interaction in order to accomplish value co-creation. Given that the process of experie MoreValue co-creation process as a mutual interaction between individuals is a key issue across the management network. Recently, studies have placed a special emphasis on people’s interaction in order to accomplish value co-creation. Given that the process of experience exchange enables us to identify our resources in transactional processes and make collaboration to achieve common values, the purpose of this study was to identify factors affecting student value co-creation to institutionalize sustainability in agricultural and natural recourses universities. Statistical population of the research consisted of 2248students of which 204 students were selected using stratified random sampling. The main research tool was a researcher-made questionnaire whose face and content validity was confirmed by a panel of experts and whose construct validity was confirmed by using explanatory factor analysis (KMO = 0.752; P= 0.01).The reliability was checked by calculating ordinal theta ( 0.89). Data was analyzed by SPSS20.Descriptive findings showed that student value co-creation level was moderate (43.060 percent). The findings of exploratory factor analysis revealed that seven factors including teaching quality, support from top management, students’ social capital, confidence to faculty member, self-efficacy, pro-environmental values, and infrastructures of information and communication technology (ICT) captured 77.74 percent of student value co-creation variance. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
27 - Factors Affecting Energy Consumption in the Agricultural Sector of Iran: The Application of ARDL-FUZZY
مریم ضیاء آبادی محمدرضا زارع مهرجردیGiven the unlimited needs of mankind and the limited resources available, human beings have always been thinking about how to use the available resources and facilities optimally. Energy plays an important role in economic activities and it is of great importance in agr MoreGiven the unlimited needs of mankind and the limited resources available, human beings have always been thinking about how to use the available resources and facilities optimally. Energy plays an important role in economic activities and it is of great importance in agriculture. Over the past four decades, energy consumption in the agricultural sector has increased tremendously. In Iran, energy used to be provided with subsidies to various economic sectors like agriculture in order to support the production. In this study, the ARDL- FUZZY method is used to study the effect of various factors on energy consumption in Iran's agricultural sector. The data on energy consumption by the agricultural sector, the share of the agricultural sector in the economy, the ratio of capital to labor, energy intensity, and energy prices were collected for the period 1974-2015. The results indicate that the share of the agricultural sector has a positive and significant effect on energy consumption over the studied period. The capital/labor ratio has a positive effect on energy consumption. Energy intensity in the studied period eventually has an irregular trend and has a positive effect on energy consumption in this sector. Energy prices (fossil fuels and electricity) have a negative effect (a low level of significance) on energy consumption. Therefore, it is suggested to give more consideration to energy consumption and its underlying factors in policymaking due to the importance of energy and the problem of pollution. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
28 - Investigating the Effect of Economic and Non-economic Factors on Energy Demand in Iran's Agricultural Sector
مریم ضیاآبادی محمدرضا زارع مهرجردیEnergy demand and the factors affecting it have been growing in importance due to population growth, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and limited energy resources. In this regard, the agricultural sector of Iran shows an increase in the consumption of various energy MoreEnergy demand and the factors affecting it have been growing in importance due to population growth, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and limited energy resources. In this regard, the agricultural sector of Iran shows an increase in the consumption of various energy carriers in this sector in recent years to increase production, employment, and food security. Given the significance of energy resources and environmental protection, the present study aims to investigate the impact of economic and non-economic factors on energy demand in Iran's agricultural sector over the period 1970-2017 using Markov switching-error correction model. The results indicate that the variable of agricultural production in both Markov regimes has a positive and significant effect on energy demand in this sector. The variable of the diversity of agricultural activities affects energy consumption in the agricultural sector positively. In addition, the impacts of human capital and trade liberalization in the agricultural sector on energy consumption in this sector are positive and significant. It is therefore suggested that to manage and optimize energy consumption, appropriate policies should be implemented in this sector to mitigate the environmental pollution and prevent the reduction of agricultural production. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
29 - Investigating Asymmetry of Prices and Productivity of Energy Carriers in Iran’s Agricultural Sector
محمدرضا ساسولی عبدالرشید جم نیاEnergy carriers are one of the most important inputs in the agricultural sector. These inputs have been the foundation of the development and transition of the agricultural sector from the traditional stage to the industrial stage. The energy per capita marginal consump MoreEnergy carriers are one of the most important inputs in the agricultural sector. These inputs have been the foundation of the development and transition of the agricultural sector from the traditional stage to the industrial stage. The energy per capita marginal consumption in Iran’s agricultural sector is 3.2 times greater than its global average. Therefore, it is essential to save and optimally use energy carriers in this sector. Price liberalization is known as the most important pricing tool. The present study analyzes the effect of the prices of energy carriers on the productivity of their consumption in the agricultural sector by using the hidden cointegration method. The results show that the productivity of electricity and oil products display an asymmetric behavior in response to energy price variations so that electricity productivity decreases by 1145.04 units as the prices of electricity carriers rise and increases by 1254.32 units when the prices of electricity decrease. Also, when the price of oil products increases, productivity shows an increase of 22.18 units. In addition, the productivity of oil product carriers is improved by increasing their prices. Therefore, price correction is inevitable in the energy carrier sector. Given the asymmetric effect of the price of electricity on its productivity, the type of electricity price correction process should be considered along with non-price policies. The pricing tool only provides an incentive for productivity growth through the substitution of production factors. Given these conditions, if there is no economic structure and facilities to improve productivity, it cannot be expected that the pattern of energy consumption is corrected. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
30 - Presenting a Framework for Assessing Agricultural Enterprises' Sustainability in Rural Areas (Case Study: Kurdistan Province, Iran)
سنور احمدی حسین کوهستانی Hossein Yadavar حسین شعبانعلی فمی آزاد احمدیNowadays, the concept of sustainability assessment in agricultural entrepreneurship is one of the most prominent research subjects among researchers and policymakers. Although there are numerous sustainability assessment frameworks for agricultural enterprises, the sele MoreNowadays, the concept of sustainability assessment in agricultural entrepreneurship is one of the most prominent research subjects among researchers and policymakers. Although there are numerous sustainability assessment frameworks for agricultural enterprises, the selection of sufficient indicators is still a matter of debate. This study aimed to fill this gap with an emphasis on applicability by adopting a descriptive-analytical survey using the Delphi method. To this end, a conceptual framework for the identification of components, criteria, and indicators of sustainable agricultural entrepreneurship was first developed. Then, a set of indices capable of signifying the status of sustainability in agricultural entrepreneurship activities in rural areas of the Kurdistan Province, Iran, were extracted using the opinions of a panel of experts, consisting of 30 local entrepreneurs, university instructors, and experts on agriculture. Data collected from the panel was analyzed by fuzzy TOPSIS, as a multi-criteria decision-making method. The results revealed the indicators of the sustainability assessment framework for agricultural enterprises in the study area. The ultimate objective of this study was to discuss and test the proposed framework to broaden its applicability to similar regions. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
31 - A Talent Management Model for Active Knowledge-Based Companies in the Agricultural Sector of Guilan Province (Case of Rasht City)
سعید صحت محمدتقی تقوی فرد رضا سلامی مجتبی افشاریانThe present study aims at providing a model for talent management in active knowledge-based companies in the agricultural domain of Guilan Province. The study was an applied and descriptive studywith a mixed research method. An in-depth semi-structured interview with 30 MoreThe present study aims at providing a model for talent management in active knowledge-based companies in the agricultural domain of Guilan Province. The study was an applied and descriptive studywith a mixed research method. An in-depth semi-structured interview with 30 experts was used in the qualitative part, and theoretical foundations and a research background study were applied for the qualitative data collection. To collect data in the quantitative part, asurvey was used in which data were collected with a researcher-made questionnaire. The target population consisted of 150 intermediate managers, supervisors, and deputies of knowledge-based organizations in Rasht, of which 108 participants were selected via purposeful sampling method. The sample size was determined via the table of Krejcie and Morgan. SPSS19 software and Smart PLS3 software were employed to analyze the data. The results show that the dimensions identified in the field of talent management in the knowledge-based companies include internal talent identification, external talent identification, socialization (making socialized), development, and talent retention. Two components identified for internal talent identification include identification and selection of talented employees. Three factors of transformational leadership, organizational culture, and employer brand are identified as the underlying and effective factors of talent management in knowledge-based agricultural companies in Rasht city. The transformational leadership style has the greatest impact on talent management, and the employer brand is in the next rank of effectiveness on talent management. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
32 - A Study on Energy Efficiency and Economic Productivity of New Zealand’s Agricultural Sector
مجتبی عباسیان سینا احمدزاده ماشینچی باسیل شارپThe realization of sustainable development depends on the efficient use of energy resources. Energy consumption productivity and efficiency are among important indices that play a critical role in explaining the behavior of energy consumption structure of different econ MoreThe realization of sustainable development depends on the efficient use of energy resources. Energy consumption productivity and efficiency are among important indices that play a critical role in explaining the behavior of energy consumption structure of different economic sectors, which in turn, plays a key role in policy making. From among economic sectors, the agriculture sector, as an important sector, depends on the consumption of energy as a factor underpinning agricultural production to a great extent. Thus, the present study tries to firstly calculate energy efficiency and productivity of agricultural sector, and then, investigate the relationship between production and energy consumption of New Zealand’s agricultural sector using simultaneous equations system and two-stage least squares method. The annual data of New Zealand agricultural economics are used for the period of 1990-2017. The results showed that agricultural sector’s energy consumption efficiency in New Zealand was mostly optimum according to energy efficiency index. In addition, estimation of energy equation revealed that the added value of agricultural sector had a positive influence on energy consumption growth. Among the other positively affecting variables, agricultural sector’s labour and energy consumption in the prior period could be mentioned. The negative sign of capital stock in the equation reflects the fact that the higher the investment in agricultural sector, the lower the energy consumption. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
33 - Environmental Life Cycle Assessment of Olive Fruit Production under Different Orchard Size and Upon Organic and Conventional Agro-Systems
سعید فیروزی امیرحسین بازیارThe aim of this study was to investigate the environmental impacts of olive fruit production under different orchard size and upon organic and common agro-systems through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology in northern Iran. The data were collected using a self-made MoreThe aim of this study was to investigate the environmental impacts of olive fruit production under different orchard size and upon organic and common agro-systems through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology in northern Iran. The data were collected using a self-made questionnaire and face-to-face interview with 305 olive growers in the study region. Six environmental impact categories (IC) including depletion of fossil fuels, global warming, acidification, terrestrial eutrophication, depletion of phosphate and potash resources have been investigated. One tone of olive fruit was set as the functional unit (FU). Results showed that the large olive orchards (≥5ha) had the highest negative environmental impacts in all studied IC. Overall, acidification, terrestrial eutrophication, and depletion of phosphate resources have been identified as the most important environmental challenges of olive fruit production with final indices of 1.58, 2.68, and 3.12, respectively. The results also revealed that the organic olive orchards are more environmental efficient than those of conventional orchards. Substituting a certain portion of chemical fertilizers used in the large olive orchards with the biological alternatives such as farmyard manure has been suggested to provide the nutritional requirements of olive trees. A regional strategy should be also planned to move to an appropriate integrated farming system to cut down the environmental hazards of olive fruit production in large orchards in the studied region. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
34 - Socio-economic Impacts of Investment Development Policy on the Agricultural Sector
پرنیان زند حمیدرضا میرزایی خلیل آبادی حسین مهرابی بشرآبادی صدیقه نبی ییانInvestment in the agricultural sector is important because this sector greatly affects the realms of providing food independence and security, employment, sustainable development, and environmental preservation. So, this study investigated the socio-economic impacts (di MoreInvestment in the agricultural sector is important because this sector greatly affects the realms of providing food independence and security, employment, sustainable development, and environmental preservation. So, this study investigated the socio-economic impacts (direct and indirect effects) of the investment development policy on the agricultural sector and its sub-sectors in Iran in 2011 using a social accounting matrix (SAM). The results included three scenarios including a 15% increase in investment in the agricultural sector, a 10% increase in the investment in the farming and gardening sub-sector, a 15% increase in the investment in the farming and gardening sub-sector, and a 10% increase in the investment in the other sub-sectors. They indicated that the total income of the economy was increased when these scenarios were implemented; however, the first scenario had a greater impact on the total income of the economy (13.12%) compared to the other scenarios. Furthermore, it can be said that the sectors of agriculture (2.98%) and industry (0.36%) were most influenced by the first scenario and the sub-sector of farming and gardening and the industrial sector were most influenced by the second and third scenarios. According to the results of this study, it is suggested to take some actions to develop crop insurance and secure investment against potential losses by the available risks in the agricultural sector. Moreover, the government can play an influential role in controlling inflation and preventing price fluctuations so as to assure and motivate investors to increase investment in the agricultural sector. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
35 - An Imperialist Competitive Algorithm (ICA)-Based Approach to Optimize the Reservoir Storage of the Kahir Dam
علی سردار شهرکی سمیه امایWater scarcity, especially in Iran and during the recent droughts, emphasizes the importance of achieving an optimal operation policy for large dam reservoirs. In the last two decades, the annual optimization of dam reservoirs under controlled conditions, as well as cli MoreWater scarcity, especially in Iran and during the recent droughts, emphasizes the importance of achieving an optimal operation policy for large dam reservoirs. In the last two decades, the annual optimization of dam reservoirs under controlled conditions, as well as climatic and real conditions, has attracted many researchers and experts. This study proposes a new approach to predict reservoir dam storage. The imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA) is a new approach in the field of evolutionary computation that calculates an optimal solution for different optimization problems. Using mathematical modeling of the social-psychological evolution process, ICA provides a new approach to solve mathematical optimization problems, and compared to other algorithms, it has appropriate speed and high convergence rate in finding an optimal answer. This research used the ICA for the annual optimization of the Kahir reservoir to derive optimal policies. Objective function downstream water issue needs to establish relationships based on continuity were selected. Comparison of ICA model in population 100 showed that the ICA algorithm with average best objective function value of 125, 114.6, and 85.60 with a number of further evaluations of the objective function to achieve higher capacity is the optimum answer. The results showed a 6.1 percent error in the implementation of the ICA algorithm between the observed and predicted storages. The results of applying the ICA to the annual optimization problem demonstrate the capability of the proposed method. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
36 - Optimal Cropping Pattern in Afghanistan Considering Environmental Sustainability
حسین علی سلطانی الهام خواجه پورEnvironmental sustainability is one of the most important considerations in planning and managing agriculture in any country nowadays. Agriculture plays an important role in Afghanistan's economy and employment. Herat province is rich in agricultural production in Afgha MoreEnvironmental sustainability is one of the most important considerations in planning and managing agriculture in any country nowadays. Agriculture plays an important role in Afghanistan's economy and employment. Herat province is rich in agricultural production in Afghanistan. To achieve environmental sustainability along with profitability, the present research aimed to develop an optimal cropping pattern for Afghanistan with environmental considerations. The crops studied include wheat, barley, sesame, cumin, and saffron, which accounted for more than 70 percent of the cropping area in Herat province. The goal and linear programming model were used to determine the optimal cropping pattern. The goals of reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides along with maximizing gross margins were used in the goal model with the aim of achieving environmental sustainability. The results of the linear model, aimed at maximizing gross margins, showed that in the optimal pattern of the region, the cultivated area of sesame, barley, and saffron should be increased and the cultivated area of wheat and cumin should be decreased versus the status quo. In addition, the results of goal models in different scenarios showed significant changes in comparison to the current cropping pattern. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
37 - Role of Conservative Agriculture in the Sustainability of Soil Structure in Achieving Sustainable Management
سحر دعایی ابراهیم پذیرا شهلا محمودی علی محمدی ترکاشوندConservative agriculture is considered an alternative to tackle the need for increased agricultural production based on sustainable agriculture activities with the aim of increasing production and product stability along with preserving the environment. Tillage is one o MoreConservative agriculture is considered an alternative to tackle the need for increased agricultural production based on sustainable agriculture activities with the aim of increasing production and product stability along with preserving the environment. Tillage is one of the most important factors affecting soil structure. Appropriate tillage systems vary with local conditions, such as climate, soil type, type of plant residues, tensile strength, and so on. Understanding the components of the aggregate sustainability controller is very important for maintaining soil structure. This review paper discusses the role of tillage in aggregate stability and soil structure to reach conservative agriculture development. Considering the advantages of conservation tillage, it is better to use this kind of tillage for sustainable agriculture development. Based on the analysis of the available literature, it can be concluded that the conservation tillage also enhances soil structural stability through its positive effects on soil moisture and organic matter. Less soil disturbance, which is the characteristic of conservation tillage, has positive effects on soil properties and soil processes, which interact in a complex way, and they all together contribute to enhancing soil quality. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
38 - Prioritizing the Determinants of Sour Lemon Marketing System Improvement Using Analytic Network Process (Case Study: Larestan County)
علی علمی حمیدرضا میرزائی خلیل آبادی الهام خواجه پور محمدرضا زارع مهرجردیCrop marketing has an important role in accomplishing goals such as agricultural development, production increase, and enhancement of farmers’ income in developing countries. Citrus production, especially sour lemon, is one of the most important productions in Lar MoreCrop marketing has an important role in accomplishing goals such as agricultural development, production increase, and enhancement of farmers’ income in developing countries. Citrus production, especially sour lemon, is one of the most important productions in Larestan County, Fars province in Iran. So, the determinants of the sour lemon marketing system improvement were prioritized in Larestan in this study using Analytic Network Process (ANP) in which data were collected through a questionnaire filled by experts in the region. Criteria were the 4Ps (Product, Place, Promotion, and Price) in the marketing mix and here were also some sub-criteria for each of the criteria. The criteria and sub-criteria were chosen based on other studies and also experts’ views in the region. Results showed that product and promotion criteria had the first and last priorities in improving the sour lemon marketing system in Larestan County, respectively. In addition, proper packaging and designing to create a competitive advantage was the most important sub-criterion for improving the sour lemon marketing system in the region. Also, the creation of processing industries and using marketing cooperatives were the next most important sub-criteria, respectively. According to the results, it is suggested to develop proper packaging, processing industries, and marketing cooperatives in the region. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
39 - Application of the Grounded Theory Method to identify the factors affecting marketing success for Organic Iranian Agricultural Products
بهمن قاسمی مهرداد گودرزوند چگینی ابراهیم چیرانیThe main purpose of this study is to provide a model of the factors affecting the success of marketing organic Iranian agricultural products. This research has been done by qualitative approach using the grounded theory method. Data collection tools were semi-structured MoreThe main purpose of this study is to provide a model of the factors affecting the success of marketing organic Iranian agricultural products. This research has been done by qualitative approach using the grounded theory method. Data collection tools were semi-structured interviews. In order to collect information, by using the targeted sampling method, 12 marketing managers of companies producing organic agricultural products were interviewed. Data analysis was performed in three stages of open, central and selective coding, in which 343 key concepts and 111 codes and 32 sub-categories were identified and classified into 5 main categories including "Product-related factors", "Price-related factors", "promotion-related factors", "Consumer-related factors" and "Production-related factors". Finally, a comprehensive model of the factors influencing the marketing success of organic agricultural products is presented. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
40 - Assessment of the Sustainable Rural Livelihoods Assets in Langroud County
حبیب الله رضادوست علیرضا ااستعلاجی مجید ولی شریعت پناهیThe present descriptive survey aims to analyze sustainable rural livelihood in Langarud County of Guilan province, Iran. The statistical population was composed of all rural people in this county (N=37904). Convenience sampling used to determine sample size (n=180). The MoreThe present descriptive survey aims to analyze sustainable rural livelihood in Langarud County of Guilan province, Iran. The statistical population was composed of all rural people in this county (N=37904). Convenience sampling used to determine sample size (n=180). They were selected by proportionally allocated random sampling method. The research instrument was a self-designed questionnaire whose face and content validity was confirmed by a panel of experts. The reliability of the questionnaire was estimated by Cronbach’s alpha to be 0.76, implying its reliability. Results showed that among five capitals of sustainable livelihood, social, human, physical, natural and financial capitals were ranked from the first to fifth, respectively. Accordingly, rural people were in the best condition in terms of social capital compared to other capitals. Concerning the level of sustainable livelihood capitals, it is recommended that rural development policies should spur livelihood diversification as a core strategy. In addition, attempts should be made to enhance rural people’s awareness of what they have and to change their attitude towards what they feel in their life and/or they see in nature. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
41 - A Critical Review of Sustainable Pro-Environmental Behavior Theories
امیرحسین پیرمرادی فرحناز رستمی عبدالحمید پاپ زنAgricultural production decision-making is becoming more complicated due to the inherent complexity of the interaction between natural and human processes as the heart of agricultural systems. Predicting the behavior of agricultural systems is critically important for s MoreAgricultural production decision-making is becoming more complicated due to the inherent complexity of the interaction between natural and human processes as the heart of agricultural systems. Predicting the behavior of agricultural systems is critically important for sustainability issues. Since agriculture is a human activity that is dependent on its main actors, farmers’ behavior needs to be investigated in terms of the extent to which their activities are consistent with sustainable agriculture initiatives. This study is based on the documentary research method conducted by a systematic literature review. The main goal was to review and analyze pro-environmental behavior theories in terms of their strengths and weaknesses during the time period of 1975-2016. The strengths and weaknesses of each theory were described after the introduction of each theory. On the other hand, a comparison of the theories based on seven indicators is presented too. About 14 theories were reviewed to reach agent-based theories of decision-making, in which feedback is provided on the system. Based on the results, the agent-based integrated theories are diagnosed to be the most suitable and comprehensive for the study and prediction of farmers’ behaviors among the studied theories. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
42 - Estimating the Economic Value of Organic Rice
یدالله بستان احمد فتاحی اردکانی محمدرضا تابشThe demand for organic products has increased in the past decade due to concerns about the environmental and health issues of food products. This study provides marketing data on consumer preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for organic rice in Babol County, Norther MoreThe demand for organic products has increased in the past decade due to concerns about the environmental and health issues of food products. This study provides marketing data on consumer preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for organic rice in Babol County, Northern Iran. The main objective of this study was to estimate urban consumers' WTP for organic rice and to determine the main factors that consumers look for when purchasing rice. The contingent valuation method (CVM) and double bounded dichotomous (DBD) questionnaire were used to achieve the study goals. The results of the logit model showed that level of education, cancer history, and insurance history had statistically significant effects on WTP. The expected WTP for 1 kg of organic rice was 152467.33 IRR. Based on the average exchange rate of six months of 2018 (33500 IRR) per family in the study tends to the monthly equivalent of US$ 4.55 of their income to buy organic rice allocated. As a result, the total economic value of organic rice was US$ 2254893.072. These results provide important information about market opportunities and policy implementation regarding the production of organic crops. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
43 - Toward Environmentally Sustainable Wheat Harvesting Operation in Rainfed and Irrigated Systems
شمساله عبداله پور ارمغان کوثری مقدم محمد بنایانThis study aimed to assess the environmental sustainability of wheat harvesting operation in rainfed and irrigated farming systems in three different locations in Iran, including Sari, Mashhad and Parsabad Moghan counties. Four sustainability indices of energy, emergy, MoreThis study aimed to assess the environmental sustainability of wheat harvesting operation in rainfed and irrigated farming systems in three different locations in Iran, including Sari, Mashhad and Parsabad Moghan counties. Four sustainability indices of energy, emergy, exergy, and greenhouse gas emissions were investigated in this research. Results revealed that the energy efficiency of harvesting operation in irrigated systems was higher than that in rainfed systems. The emergy analysis results highlighted that the environmental sustainability indices for rainfed systems in Mashhad, Parsabad Moghan, and Sari were 0.047, 0.035 and 0.034, respectively. The values for the irrigated systems were 0.036, 0.035 and 0.034, respectively. The results of exergy analysis also indicated that the exergy efficiency of harvesting operation in rainfed and irrigated systems in Sari and Parsabad Moghan was higher than that in other areas by 56.07 and 128.72, respectively. Total GHG emissions of harvesting operation in Sari, Parsabad Moghan, and Mashhad in rainfed systems were determined to be lower than that in the irrigated systems (54.88, 47.64 and 36.03 kg CO2eq ha-1 versus 67.52, 66.56 and 59.22 kg CO2eq ha-1, respectively). In conclusion, the wheat harvesting system was environmentally more sustainable in Sari and Parsabad Moghan counties in rainfed and irrigated farming systems, respectively. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
44 - Agricultural Cooperatives and Improved Technologies Adoption among Smallholder Farmers in Cocoa-Based Farming Systems of Southwestern Nigeria
Ayodeji KehindeThis study was therefore conducted to determine the effect of membership in agricultural cooperatives on the adoption of improved technologies in cocoa-based farming systems. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 200 respondents for the study. Data wer MoreThis study was therefore conducted to determine the effect of membership in agricultural cooperatives on the adoption of improved technologies in cocoa-based farming systems. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 200 respondents for the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, adoption index and Tobit regression model. The results for the entire respondents showed mean values of 52 years for age, 29 years for farming experience, 10 people for household size and 6 ha for farm size. The average adoption level of improved technologies was estimated at 37% in the study area. Based on the average adoption level, about 61% of the sampled population are classified as partial adopters, while 39% are full adopters of improved technologies. Tobit's regression estimates revealed that gender, household size, farm size, hired labour, extension visits, and membership in agricultural cooperative significantly influenced the probability and intensity of adopting of improved technologies in cocoa-based farming system. The study concluded that membership in agricultural cooperatives has a significant influence on the adoption of improved technologies. Therefore, the study recommends establishing an agricultural cooperative that ensures efficient and effective training on improved technologies, as well as the strengthening the agricultural cooperative in order to provide microcredit necessary for greater adoption of improved cocoa production technologies among farmers. Also, cocoa farmers should be encouraged to participate in agricultural cooperatives. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
45 - An Eco-linguistic Study on Plants (A Case Study on Plant Entries in Farhang-e Bozorg-e Sokhan)
ابراهیم عزتی بهاره قلی نژاد پیربازاریEco-linguistics concerns linguistic expressions that can improve the way human beings deal with their ecosystem. To reiterate, the connection between human language and the environment in which he lives has been a matter of curiosity for years. However, there has remain MoreEco-linguistics concerns linguistic expressions that can improve the way human beings deal with their ecosystem. To reiterate, the connection between human language and the environment in which he lives has been a matter of curiosity for years. However, there has remained a question of whether it is nature including the ecosystem in a particular area that has effects on human language or vice versa. The next question which springs into mind would be the quality of the mentioned correlated link (i.e. language and nature) not to mention how these two sides can influence each other. Regarding the effects of language on human attitudes, and dictionaries as a main source of culture, the current study has selected all entries related to plants listed in “Farahng-e Bozorg-e Sokhan”. Based on studying 75,000 main entries, 1,312 entries related to plants have been extracted. Then, they were categorized based on botanical definitions as well as the parts of their body such as “wood, trunk”, “flower, blossom”, “fruit, nut”, “kernel, seed”, “nectar, syrup”, “leaf, vegetable” and “powder, or pollen”. After that, all entries’ usages as mentioned in the dictionary whether being beneficial for humans in the form of “food”, “medicine”, “industrial and decorative use” or being detrimental to humans in the arrangement of “drug, poison, and weed or wild plant” were analyzed according to an eco-linguistic perspective. On the basis of findings, 82 percent of definitions were positively or negatively humanized, while less than 18 percent were neutral in which plants were regarded as independent entities regardless of human benefits. On account of the tangible data in the findings of the study, it seems to be fair to say that human beings directed their attitude towards plants mostly for their own benefits and usages, the notion which was introduced conspicuously in the definitions of plants. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
46 - Analysis of the Structure and Savings of the Potato Production Scale Using the Translog Cost Function (Ardabil County)
جلال خیرخواه مقدم ابوالفضل محمودی غلامرضا یاوری امین دلاورThe present study aimed at investigating the production costs and economic benefits of the potato production in Ardabil country, Iran. To do so, 183 potato producers were randomly selected and were asked to present their ideas concerning the production costs and benefit MoreThe present study aimed at investigating the production costs and economic benefits of the potato production in Ardabil country, Iran. To do so, 183 potato producers were randomly selected and were asked to present their ideas concerning the production costs and benefits through a questionnaire and an interview. A field study was also taken into consideration to enrich the data. The collected data were analyzed through measures of Chi-square, Wald test, and Translog cost function. The results revealed that the cost function structure was non-hemotetic with respect to the Chi-square statistics (36.8) and results of the constant non-returns and non-homogeneous Wald test to the scale’s F- statistics (17.04) were non-cobb Douglas. Allen cross replacement relationship was positive for the dichotomies such as workforce and machinery, machine and seed, workforce and seed, workforce and water, and finally seed and water. However, it was negative for machinery and land inputs, machinery and water, land and machinery, land and labor force, land and seeds, and land and water. The calculated cost elasticity was -1.5044 which indicated a decrease in the average costs for an output increase as the production cost was found in the downstream part of the cost curve. The economies of scale of 2.504 indicated a 2.5 percent increase in the yield for one-percent increase in the cost. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
47 - Factors Affecting Farmers’ Adaptation to Climate Change: A case of Wheat Farmers in Gachsaran, Iran
محسن موساییClimate change is one of the most important challenges that affect different parts of human life on the earth. Due to its very close relationship with natural resources and climatic conditions, the agricultural sector is the most affected by this change. Thus, this stud MoreClimate change is one of the most important challenges that affect different parts of human life on the earth. Due to its very close relationship with natural resources and climatic conditions, the agricultural sector is the most affected by this change. Thus, this study aimed to identify the factors affecting the capacity of wheat farmers to adapt their careers to climate change in Gachsaran County, Iran. The research was an applied study in which field data were used in a descriptive-correlational and causal-correlation design to analyse the relationships of the variables. The research population was composed of 1845 wheat farmers working in Gachsaran. Using Cochran’s formula, 318 farmers were selected for the study through simple randomization. A questionnaire, which included personal and professional features, the factors affecting the farmers’ adaptation capacity, and the farmers’ perceptions of climate change, was developed by the researcher. An expert panel was used to address the validity of the developed questionnaire. Using Cronbach’s alpha, the reliability of the questionnaire was measured to be at the acceptable level of 0.72. The results of the multivariate regression showed that social capital, quality of life, the number of people aging over 60 in the family, the number of family members contributing to agriculture, income from agriculture, access to educational services, age, academic degree, total agricultural land, level of experience, and wheat yield per hectare accounted for the bulk of variance in the dependent variables (39.77%). Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
48 - Environmental Restoration, an Ecological Approach to Enhance Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity in Urban Areas. Magnuson Park Seattle/Washington
N/A N/APeople’s life has been always determined by the importance of their basic needs. From time to time, the world has made significant progress in terms of infrastructure and technology, pathways to good living conditions. Urban areas house most of the world’s p MorePeople’s life has been always determined by the importance of their basic needs. From time to time, the world has made significant progress in terms of infrastructure and technology, pathways to good living conditions. Urban areas house most of the world’s population, and there has been a surge in interest in researching urban ecosystems. For many, urban areas are sometimes viewed as concrete jungles, with limited fauna and flora dominated by nonnatives and homogenous taxa across regions. This settlement in urban areas creates rapid urbanization which in return has harmful impacts on the environment. There is growing awareness that cities affect almost every ecosystem on earth, significantly contribute to the loss of biodiversity, which are increasingly vulnerable to environmental change. Urban areas can also be healthy natural environments when mixed with blue and green infrastructures, which operations perform a range of benefits known as ecosystem services. Ecosystem services include but are not limited to pollution reduction, soil protection, carbon sequestration, cooling effect, and air purification. Healthy ecosystems are the foundation for sustainable cities, influencing and affecting human well-being and most economic activity. To better understand the growing concerns and find key actions to be able to fight against them, this study uses different scenarios to evaluate the restoration effects on biodiversity and ecosystem services through a typology with two main categories. One part describes the structure of different ecosystems, which are the compound of blue and green infrastructures along with their respective biodiversity. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
49 - Impacts of Iranian Agricultural Water Resources Conservation Policies (Case of Baft County in Dashtab Plain)
شجاع موسی پور محمود هاشمی تبار مهدی صفدریWater scarcity has made water management one of the top priorities in the world because of climate change and population growth on the one hand and increasing demand for food on the other. The present study aimed to simulate the effects of conservation policies on water MoreWater scarcity has made water management one of the top priorities in the world because of climate change and population growth on the one hand and increasing demand for food on the other. The present study aimed to simulate the effects of conservation policies on water resources in the Dashtab plain, Iran, using the positive mathematical programming (PMP) method. Data were collected by a questionnaire for which 136 questionnaires were filled by randomly sampled experts of Agricultural Jihad Organization. The results showed that out of the three policies adopted in this study including limiting irrigation inputs, reducing irrigation input subsidies, and reducing crop prices, reducing subsidies on irrigation inputs were the best policy to protect irrigation resources and farmers' incomes. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
50 - Dimensions of Corporate Social Responsibility in Rural Cooperatives
کمال رستمی لاله صالحیIn recent decades, unsustainable human activities have had devastating and irreversible effects on environmental, social, and even economic sustainability; thereby leaving countries and governments with many problems, including migration, marginalization, increasing pov MoreIn recent decades, unsustainable human activities have had devastating and irreversible effects on environmental, social, and even economic sustainability; thereby leaving countries and governments with many problems, including migration, marginalization, increasing poverty, and class disparities. It has been argued that integrating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into corporate structures and economic activities (including rural cooperatives) can make outstanding contributions to recovering from past shortcomings and neglect of the natural environment. This requires identifying factors affecting CSR activities in rural cooperation. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to increase CSR-related activities among the stakeholders of rural cooperatives at Kamyaran township (N=14100). A researcher-made questionnaire was used to achieve the research purpose. The validity and reliability of the research instrument were confirmed by an expert panel and Cronbach’s coefficient (α ≥ 0.71). Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Findings showed a positive and significant relationship between supportive, monitoring and directional strategy (SMDS), regularity and mental and structural ability (RMSA), and participatory mechanism (PM) with CSR level in rural cooperatives. Moreover, stepwise regression findings indicated that the identified factors accounted for 36.4 percent of the variance in CSR. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
51 - Paradigmatic Analysis of Environmental Management in Iran
مهسا فاطمی کورش رضائی مقدم ماتیس واکرناگلIran has many critical environmental changes and challenges, especially in agricultural development. These challenges are due to land reform and subsequent modernization. The main purpose of this paper is to analyze the paradigmatic trend of agricultural environmental m MoreIran has many critical environmental changes and challenges, especially in agricultural development. These challenges are due to land reform and subsequent modernization. The main purpose of this paper is to analyze the paradigmatic trend of agricultural environmental management of Iran. The study was accomplished through reviewing archival research findings as well as analyzing the content in different documents and worldwide databases. To do so, various global paradigmatic perspectives and strategies about the environmental management were reviewed. Moreover, by reviewing different environmental laws, rules, regulations, and activities in Iran, three distinct phases in environmental management including 'enthusiasm for modernization activities (1962- 1974)', 'concerns about environmental issues (1974- 2005)', and 'crisis of environmental management (2005-present)' were revealed. Thus, the most important problems leading to the unsustainable environment in the three phases and the reasons resulting in the failures of macro-policies were addressed. It is possible to declare that inappropriate paradigms within environmental management thinking, i.e., sustainability, as well as inconsistencies between the paradigms and strategies could be traced in different periods. The findings provide the researchers with the fact that the dominant perspective in environmental management is frontier economics via emphasis on economics and fewer considerations over ecological problems. Accordingly, the environmental degradation increased, via which the authorities were not successful to conduct collaborative systematic actions since the evidence represented the mere accomplishment of some sporadic strategies. As the pedagogical implications of the study, it should be asserted that a basic paradigm shift in environmental activities from technocentrism to ecocentrism seems to be necessary to achieve sustainable agriculture. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
52 - Identification of the Applications and Obstacles of Industrial Development of Medicinal Plants in Boyer-Ahmad County
Mahdi Miri Mahdi Nouripoor Zeinab SharifiDue to the growing population and the use of pesticides and chemicals in food production, people's health has received more attention than ever before. The side effects of chemical drugs have led the world community to take medicinal herbs and drugs of natural orig MoreDue to the growing population and the use of pesticides and chemicals in food production, people's health has received more attention than ever before. The side effects of chemical drugs have led the world community to take medicinal herbs and drugs of natural origin. On this basis, interests in the use of herbal remedies has become more prevalent among different societies, thus the 20th century is called the century of return to nature. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the applications and barriers of industrial development of Medicinal Plants in Boyer Ahmad County. The statistical population of the present study consisted of informed and knowledgeable people about Medicinal Plants of Boyerahmad region such as specialists, local experts and sellers of Medicinal Plants. Purposeful sampling was performed by snowball technique. Interview and semi-structured questionnaire with open questions were applied to collect the required information. The results indicated that the 65 most important Medicinal Plants consisted of Thyme, Anchovy, Yarrow, Corm etc. in three categories: medicinal, aromatic and spicy. The finding revealed that barriers to industrial development of Medicinal Plants included lack of government support, lack of infrastructures, lack of wild herbs, lack of academic experts, unwillingness of indigenous farmers to cultivate Medicinal Plants, and lack of financial facilities at low interest rates. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
53 - Estimating the Recreational Value of Chitgar Forest Park Using Contingent Valuation Method
حسن شفیعی سلیمان محمدی لیمائی امیراسلام بنیاد محمد کاوسی کلاشمیThe objective of this study was to estimate the recreational value of Chitgar forest park and the willingness to pay (WTP) of visitors to this park using the contingent valuation method (CVM). The questionnaire was used for data collection. The Cochran formula was appli MoreThe objective of this study was to estimate the recreational value of Chitgar forest park and the willingness to pay (WTP) of visitors to this park using the contingent valuation method (CVM). The questionnaire was used for data collection. The Cochran formula was applied to determine the required sample size for the survey. The random sampling method was used to survey. The double-bounded dichotomous choice approach was used to design the questionnaire. A logit regression model was used to estimate the relationship between WTP and explanatory variables. The results of the logit model showed that WTP had a significant negative relationship with the explanatory variables such as the respondent's age, household size, education level, and membership in non-governmental organizations (NGOs). In addition, results indicated that WTP had a positive relation with respondents' gender, marital status, and monthly household revenue as the explanatory variables. Results showed that the maximum expected WTP of visitors was 79630 IRRials. Furthermore, results showed that the total annual economic value of the recreation in Chitgar forest park was 38.9 billion IRRials. The results of this study can help decision-makers to enhance the quality of Chitgar forest park, develop tourism, increase the number of visitors, and generate revenue for the park. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
54 - Present and Test the Corporate Social Responsibility Model in the Field of Green Marketing with Emphasis on Brand Affiliation from the Perspective of Organic Products' Consumers
روزا طاعتی عبدالحمید ابراهیمی حمیدرضا سعیدنیا زهرا علیپور درویشی محمد طالقانیOrganic products are important factors in the case of commitment to corporate social responsibility in the field of green marketing to develop the Commitment of business system to environmental issues. The study aimed at presenting and testing social responsibility of c MoreOrganic products are important factors in the case of commitment to corporate social responsibility in the field of green marketing to develop the Commitment of business system to environmental issues. The study aimed at presenting and testing social responsibility of companies in the field of green marketing from the perspective of Consumers of organic products with an emphasis on brand dependence. The research was an applied research and it was of mixed and exploratory type. Statistical population of the qualitative consisted of an all customers of organic products in Tehran city which according to the Krejcie-Morgan table, 385 people were Surveyed. Data analysis was also done using structural equation modeling and PLS software According to the findings obtained in qualitative data coding, A total of 325 Concepts were extracted which were classified into 85 categories. According to the categories (22 main Categories) in the model, regarding database approach, the research model was presented. Also, quantitative analysis showed that causal conditions affect the main phenomenon, namely social responsibility in the field of green marketing of organic products. Social responsibility affects strategies in the field of green marketing, background conditions and intervener conditions. In addition, these strategies also affect the consequences of the model. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
55 - Review and Prioritization of Various Advertisement Methods by Meat Products Matrix Analytic Hierarchy Method (AHP): A Case Study of Sausages Products
Sara Esfandi Ahmad FatahiAdvertising is not only as a tool to increase company sales. Fast development of mass communication tools and added new mediums to advertising media have been introduced the advertising as a key element in the success or failure of a company. Due to the intense competit MoreAdvertising is not only as a tool to increase company sales. Fast development of mass communication tools and added new mediums to advertising media have been introduced the advertising as a key element in the success or failure of a company. Due to the intense competition between companies and the fast growth of markets and changes in consumer behavior, advertising is taken into consideration as a major tool to create consumer awareness of products and services. Thus, in order to choose the best advertising method for meat products (sausages and salami), comments of 500 Shiraz citizens are collected by Cochran sampling and used in data analysis by Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). After gathering the data, by synthesis the comments of respondents through arithmetic mean, the pairwise comparison matrix of criteria and priorities was formed to estimate the relative weights of them to achieve the goals of "the best method of advertising". The results indicated with respect to citizen viewpoints, the media advertisement, the street billboards, the advertising brochures, the advertising kiosks, and the purchase awards have the highest degree of importance with weight 0.430, 0.238, 0.139, 0.098 and 0.096, respectively. Due to the competition of different meat products factories, to make interest and encourage for purchasing a goods toward the competitor goods, it is necessary to use the persuasive advertisement. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
56 - Food Losses and Waste: A Global Overview with a Focus on Near East and North Africa Region
سینیشا بریان روبرتو کاپونه فیلیپ دبس حمید البلالیFood losses refer to edible food mass decrease throughout the human food chain. Food losses occurring at consumption stage are called food waste. Food Losses and Waste (FLW) represent one of the most critical social, economic and ecological challenges facing humanity, b MoreFood losses refer to edible food mass decrease throughout the human food chain. Food losses occurring at consumption stage are called food waste. Food Losses and Waste (FLW) represent one of the most critical social, economic and ecological challenges facing humanity, besides being also an ethical issue. FAO data show that roughly one-third of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted. There are no precise and accurate data regarding food waste in Near East and North Africa (NENA) region. The review paper aims at providing insights about the extent of FLW in NENA region with a special focus on Arab countries and Iran. The paper explores linkages between food waste and food security. Moreover, it analyses the economic and environmental implications of FLW. FLW vary depending on food type, country and season. Generally speaking, postharvest losses are significant in this region for most of commodity groups. It is estimated that FLW amount to 34% of food supply in NENA region. FLW undermine the very foundations of food security and amount to major depletion of resources (e.g. water, land, energy) and produce needlessly greenhouse gases. They also represent a wasted investment that reduces farmers’ incomes and increase consumers’ expenses. Therefore, food waste reduction is crucial for improving the sustainability of the food supply chain and achieving food and nutrition security in the region. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
57 - ESEE 2017 Transformative learning: new directions in agricultural extension and education
ESEE 2015, Chania, GreeceConference dates: July 4 – 7, 2017Conference Theme: Transformative learning: new directions in agricultural extension and educationThe 23rd European Seminar on Extension (and) Education (ESEE) will be held in the MediterraneanAgronomic Ins MoreESEE 2015, Chania, GreeceConference dates: July 4 – 7, 2017Conference Theme: Transformative learning: new directions in agricultural extension and educationThe 23rd European Seminar on Extension (and) Education (ESEE) will be held in the MediterraneanAgronomic Institute of Chania, and hosted by the Lab. of Agricultural Extension, Rural Systems &Rural Sociology, Dept. of Agricultural Economics & Rural Development, Agricultural Universityof Athens.The conference will provide an opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences among universitystaff and researchers, professional personnel and others who are involved in Extension and Education.We would like to exchange thoughts about the development of our field and also to look forwardtowards the future. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
58 - Working Effectiveness of Dissemination Channels as Perceived by Potato Growers
Tahir Munir Butt Muhammad Zakaria Yousuf Hassan Shahbaz Talib Sahi Khalid Mehmood Mashood- ul-Subtain Naeem- ul HassanA research can also reveal the cooperative effectiveness of agencies such as evaluation will lead to discover the weakness and strengths for further improvement of this program. The present study was designed in 2009 especially to see the effectiveness of the working of MoreA research can also reveal the cooperative effectiveness of agencies such as evaluation will lead to discover the weakness and strengths for further improvement of this program. The present study was designed in 2009 especially to see the effectiveness of the working of agricultural extension staff as perceived by farmers in district Okara-Pakistan. The data were collected with the help of a specifically designed and pre-tested interview schedule and total sample was 300 respondents. The results showed that most 45.0% of the respondents belonged to the old age (31-40 years) category and most 30% of the respondents were above illiterate. An overwhelming majority 77.33% of the respondents was in fall radio category. Whereas, only 29.33% of the respondents reported that they had contact with Extension Field Staff. An overwhelming majority 74.33% of the respondents indicated lack of mobility as the major constraints in approaching agricultural extension education services. It was concluded that different mass media were not fully utilized in the area which hindered not only awareness level of the respondents but also adversely effect the adoption level regarding the latest production technology related agriculture sector. On the basis of conclusions it was recommended that for first of all the educational level of the study area should be increased and Government should ensure adequate availability of rural infrastructure facilities to enable more of the dwellers cultivate the habit of utilizing medias channels as source of information in agriculture production. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
59 - Promoters and Deterrents of Developing Mechanization of Peanut Cultivation In North of Iran
Reza Zehtab Naebi Saeed Firouzi Mohammad Reza EbrahimzadehThe increasing cost of peanut production is a major concern in Iran. Therefore, developing the mechanization of peanut production is a necessity. In this regard, a three-phase Delphi study was conducted to identify the promoting and deterring factors affecting peanut cu MoreThe increasing cost of peanut production is a major concern in Iran. Therefore, developing the mechanization of peanut production is a necessity. In this regard, a three-phase Delphi study was conducted to identify the promoting and deterring factors affecting peanut cultivation mechanization in Guilan Province, the main peanut-producing region in Iran. After preliminary studies, 26 experts were selected as respondents for the study. Based on the final results, ‘allocating provincial and national funds to develop mechanization’ (with the agreement of 98.07% of respondents), ‘Organizing training programs to increase farmers’ technical knowledge’ (97.12%), and ‘conducting the pilot and model projects’ (95.19%) were found to be the most important promoting factors in developing peanut cultivation mechanization in north of Iran. Moreover, ‘the small size and fragmentation of peanut farms’ (with 96.15% of respondents agreeing), ‘problems with the national and provincial programs of peanut mechanization’ (95.19%), and ‘low technical knowledge of farmers and craftsmen about peanut farming mechanization’ (94.23%) were identified as the most important deterring factors in developing peanut cultivation mechanization in north of Iran. Given the small area dedicated to peanut cultivation and the low income levels of peanut farmers in north of Iran, it seems that provincial and national funding allocation and peer-planned programming to import appropriate farm machinery are the most urgent plans to improve the status of mechanization of peanut cultivation in north of Iran. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
60 - The Theory of Political Tariff Protection for Agricultural Sector in Developing Countries
Yaser FeizabadiThis paper aims to analyze tariff protection policies in the agricultural sector of developing countries. The agricultural tariff structure in developing countries is characterized by: i) high average tariffs, ii) the existence of tariff escalation, iii) dispersion of n MoreThis paper aims to analyze tariff protection policies in the agricultural sector of developing countries. The agricultural tariff structure in developing countries is characterized by: i) high average tariffs, ii) the existence of tariff escalation, iii) dispersion of nominal tariffs across tariff lines, and iv) a wide gap between average nominal tariffs and import-weighted average tariffs. Consequently, some features can be extracted that are consistent with the observed patterns of tariff protection in developing countries: i) escalation of nominal tariff rates with the degree of processing, ii) higher average tariffs in the agricultural sector compared to agriculture in developed countries, and iii) higher non-agricultural than agricultural tariff protection. Here the Theory of Political Tariff Protection for Agricultural Sector in developing countries is described. This theory allows us to identify two sets of products. Agricultural products for which tariffs are higher than their political fitted values, therefore, tariff cuts should occur in a long period of time and for which tariffs are higher than their political fitted values therefore tariff reductions would not be politically costly. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
61 - Nutritional Management of Broiler Rearing Farms in Guilan, Iran
Hossein Zaker Esteghamati Sayed Abdoullah Hosseini Hamid Reza Mohamadian Tabrizi Mohamad Hossein Palizdar Amir MeimandipourFrom a total of 656 broiler farms with the permission of exploitation in Guilan province, data was gathered from 20% of active farms including 85 units (Capacity of over 1663000 portions of broiler chickens) to evaluate the management of nutrition and nourish using ques MoreFrom a total of 656 broiler farms with the permission of exploitation in Guilan province, data was gathered from 20% of active farms including 85 units (Capacity of over 1663000 portions of broiler chickens) to evaluate the management of nutrition and nourish using questionnaire. The questionnaires were completed by the interview method. The methods of making feed, feed formulation, the shape of grain, the frequency of feeding, the type of dietary supplement and food additives, the use of experts, feed conversion ratio, causes of mortality, the age of mortality, drinking and feeding systems, and how to use fine nourishing (in the shape of supplement or concentrate) were considered in this study. The performance was calculated for each broiler farm. According to the production index, the farms were divided into three groups of weak (200+25), medium (250+25), and good (300+25) and their differences were compared. According to the results, among the managerial factors, the factors such as: feeding system, water quality, the conformity of ration in nutrition with the needs of commercial strains and drinking management, have the most portion in creating the three groups of good, medium and weak, among the broiler rearing farms. Thus, in the study of each group’s feeding system, the good group has the highest percentage of using automatic systems (86/60) and the weak group has the highest percentage of using manual systems. In comparing three groups regarding the drinking water quality, it was observed that good, medium and weak groups drink 92%, 61.84%, and 75% fresh water, respectively. Furthermore, in the weak group, most of the farms have used the water with tolerable hardness or saltiness. Finally, the conformity of strain’s requirement with diet was examined among groups. The results showed that 16.5% of units followed this conformity and the percentages of the good, medium, weak groups was 11.12%, 28%, 53.5%, respectively. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
62 - Assessing the Process of Extension Program Development in Iranian Agricultural Extension System
Saeid Fe'li Gholamreza Pezeshki Rad Hassan Sadighi Esmaeil Shahbazi Seyed Javad Ghoraishi AbhariThe purpose of this study was to assess the process of extension program development in Iranian Agricultural Extension System (IAES). The research instrument was a structural questionnaire with close-ended questions which its validity and reliability was confirmed by us MoreThe purpose of this study was to assess the process of extension program development in Iranian Agricultural Extension System (IAES). The research instrument was a structural questionnaire with close-ended questions which its validity and reliability was confirmed by using expert panel and Cranach’s alpha test, respectively. The target population of this research included all extension managers who were responsible for doing extension activities in Iran’s townships (N=334). According to Krejcie and Morgan’s table, a number of 191 persons selected as statistical sample in a stratified sampling method, and finally 198 questionnaires were gathered and analyzed (n=198). Overall, the use of the process of extension program development in IAES was at less than moderate level. The other results also indicated there was the significantly positive relationship between selected demographic characteristics of extension managers with their viewpoint on the use of the process of extension program development in IAES. These results highlight the need for the reform of the process of agricultural extension program development in IAES. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
63 - Which Will Overcome? The Productivity or Risk Premium
Javad Shahraki Shahram SaeedianThe study investigates consumers’ preference for cowpea reflected in the Nigerian markets through price discounts and premiums that consumers pay for different cowpea characteristics. The price data used for this study were obtained through a market survey. A comm MoreThe study investigates consumers’ preference for cowpea reflected in the Nigerian markets through price discounts and premiums that consumers pay for different cowpea characteristics. The price data used for this study were obtained through a market survey. A common data collection protocol was employed. Every month, between October 2009 to December 2010, five cowpea samples per seller were bought from randomly selected sellers in six markets and the prices noted. In the laboratory, the non-price data, such as, 100 grain weight, number of bruchid holes per 100 grains, eye colour and texture of the testa were obtained. A hedonic pricing regression model was used to analyze data collected. Hedonic pricing methods provide a statistical estimate of premiums and discounts. Results indicate that eye colour is the most important determinant of cowpea market prices. Cowpeas with brown colour commands a clear premium in all but one market. The consumers discount prices for insect damage in most markets. In general, this study signals the need for cowpea breeders to identify cost effective ways of breeding for brown coloured cowpea (Ife-brown specie) which was noted to attract price premium.Risk-averse farmers are prudent to use different inputs because every input has a distinct effect on output fluctuations and production risk as well. This paper examines the effect of input using growth on producer welfare of date farmers in Sistan and Baluchestan province which is the second greatest producer and exporter of date in Iran. It is well known that input using growth impresses both productivity and risk premium. These two factors contribute to producer welfare so that increasing the productivity will boost the welfare and an addition to risk premium shall detract the welfare of risk-averse farmers. Results showed that technical change has reduced both productivity and production risk in 2011/2012 and the welfare increased as 912727.21. But, in 2010/2011, productivity and risk premium had a positive growth and finally the producer's welfare experienced a reduction as 1041478.41. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
64 - Investigating the Effect of Variations in Irrigation Water Price on Cropping Pattern and Gross Margin under Uncertainty (Case Study: Khorasan Razavi)
Mostafa Mardani Saman Ziaee Elham Kalbali Samira SoltaniWater shortage crisis is an issue that has led to drastic changes in different agricultural policies, especially in arid and semi-arid areas. Uncertainty in the amount of resources, e.g. water, used for agricultural production entails risk for farmers' income and croppi MoreWater shortage crisis is an issue that has led to drastic changes in different agricultural policies, especially in arid and semi-arid areas. Uncertainty in the amount of resources, e.g. water, used for agricultural production entails risk for farmers' income and cropping pattern changes. In the present study, the robust optimization model was used for optimal allocation of arable lands of Khorasan Razavi Province under uncertainty. During the allocation, the effect of water input price variations on total gross margin and cropping pattern was considered. It was found that under certain data, both parameters of total gross margin and total acreage are more than uncertain data. Given that water price variations resulted in tangible changes in wheat acreage, it is recommended to adopt appropriate policies to reduce its production risk. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
65 - Factors Affecting Rural Facilitators’ Role: Iran
Farideh Azimi Mohammad Bagher KamaliThis study aimed to examine key factors affecting rural female facilitators’ role in participatory rural development in Tehran Province. Since the researchers intended to have a better insight into the facilitators’ role and employ inquiry as a learning foru MoreThis study aimed to examine key factors affecting rural female facilitators’ role in participatory rural development in Tehran Province. Since the researchers intended to have a better insight into the facilitators’ role and employ inquiry as a learning forum for bringing about changes for all participants, they preferred to use a case study based upon an appreciative inquiry method. The study divided the factors affecting the facilitators’ role into two main categories: driving factors and preventing factors. The former are: two-way communication, election of rural eligible facilitators, participation, sense of responsibility, and the latter are: cultural and tribal fanaticism, lack of permanent female extension workers and frequent management changes. Appreciative inquiry as a positive mode of action research could facilitate the process of education and communication for all stakeholders. We suggested that there should be a shift from the extension as a knowledge transfer to facilitation as people’s own knowledge creation. This study showed that appreciative inquiry could facilitate the process of change and gender-awareness. This research method could also facilitate mutual communication between the rural facilitators and extension workers. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
66 - Preventive Factors to Found Walnut Production Cooperatives in Tuyserkan Township, Iran
Mohammad AbdolmalekyThis study was conducted to seek the opinion of walnut producers on barriers affecting the success of producers to found production cooperatives regarding horticultural products in Tuyserkan Township, Iran. A sample of 234 walnut producers were randomly selected through MoreThis study was conducted to seek the opinion of walnut producers on barriers affecting the success of producers to found production cooperatives regarding horticultural products in Tuyserkan Township, Iran. A sample of 234 walnut producers were randomly selected through multistage cluster sampling technique. Descriptive- correlation research method was used in this study which has been implemented through the questionnaire. For determining the validity of questionnaire, the face and content validity was used. Reliability for the instrument was estimated at 0.94. According to factor analysis, barriers to found and develop walnut production cooperatives were categorized into seven groups that explained 65.799% of the total variance of the research variables. The results also indicated that lack of cultural infrastructures, inadequate knowledge and incorrect opinions of producers and leaders, inadequate laws and vulnerability and infrastructural barriers had the most effect to found and develop walnut production cooperatives, respectively. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
67 - Analysis of Land Tenure System Among Rice Farmers in Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Luka Gougong Ezra H, YahayaThe research analyzed the land tenure system among rice farmers in Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Two hundred and forty (240) farmers were sampled by a multi stage sampling procedure and used as respondents for the study. Well-structured questionn MoreThe research analyzed the land tenure system among rice farmers in Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Two hundred and forty (240) farmers were sampled by a multi stage sampling procedure and used as respondents for the study. Well-structured questionnaires were used for data collection. The main means of data analysis were percentages and correlation. Findings revealed that 46.7 percent of the respondents were within the age range of 31-40 years. Majority (77.9%) of the respondents were married and full time farmers. The predominant system of land ownership among the respondents was by inheritance. Land fragmentation was perceived to be the major constraints to land ownership in the study area. The results further showed that farm size correlated positively and significantly with annual income (r=0.519, p<0.001) and the yield significantly and positively correlated with marital status (r=0.243, p<0.001), annual income (r=0.604, p<0.001) and farm size (r=0.727, p<0.001). The problems of land tenure system that affects rice production as revealed by the study were Land fragmentation, Excessive land ownership, Land litigation and Expropriation. The study recommended that legislation given rice farmers title to land should be enforced by government in consideration of the fact that rice production need to improve to meet the demand of the teaming populace in the study area. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
68 - Production Efficiency of Farmers under National Fadama II Project in Oyo State, Nigeria
O.L Balogun A. Adeoye S.A Yusuf R.J Akinlade A. Carim-SanniThe study examines production efficiency of farmers under National Fadama-II Project in Oyo State Nigeria. Primary data were collected from two hundred and sixty-four farmers using multistage sampling technique. The analytical framework used for the study include: descr MoreThe study examines production efficiency of farmers under National Fadama-II Project in Oyo State Nigeria. Primary data were collected from two hundred and sixty-four farmers using multistage sampling technique. The analytical framework used for the study include: descriptive, infrastructure index, gross margin and stochastic frontier production function. Average infrastructural index in the area was 0.42. The gross margin for IDV was ₦445, 968.30 while for IUV for under-developed in Fadama villages is ₦357, 805.00. Gross margin was higher for Fadama II farmers than non Fadama-II farmers in IDV. The mean technical efficiency was 0.69 and 0.59 for Fadama and non-Fadama farmers respectively. The result showed that technical inefficiency of female Fadama-II farmers reduced by 0.19% while that of non-Fadama II farmers by 1.23%. Similarly, extension contact, marital status and infrastructural status reduced technical inefficiency of Fadama-II farmers by 2.8%, 0.3% and 2.6% respectively. Presence of infrastructure of Fadama-II project has imparted on efficiency of resource use among the beneficiary. There is therefore need to improve on Community Driven Development programme like Fadama-II and on coming Fadama-III project or any developmental project, so as to further impart more technical and economic knowledge to farmers. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
69 - Assessment the Socio-economic Factors Affecting Rural Youth Attitude to Occupation in Agricultural (Case of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer- Ahmad Province, Iran)
Mohsen Mosaee Ahmadreza OmmaniThe main objective in this causal-correlation field research was to identify effective factors on rural youth’s attitude towards agricultural occupation, in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Iran. Rural youth 15-25 years old in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer- Ahmad provi MoreThe main objective in this causal-correlation field research was to identify effective factors on rural youth’s attitude towards agricultural occupation, in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Iran. Rural youth 15-25 years old in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer- Ahmad province were the population of this study. The technique of sampling was cluster sampling. The technique of data collection is questionnaire. The panel of experts was used to validity of the questionnaire. Corenbach Alpha was used to gain assurance of the reliability of the questionnaire (a=0.79). The results of multivariate regression indicate the variables of type of farming system, rate of relation to organizations, participation in extension and education courses, insurance, age and income have the main role in showing the variations of attitude to agricultural occupation. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
70 - The Effect of Agricultural Production Subsidies Reduction in the Economic Variables of Agricultural Sector of Iran: Multifunctional Assessment in CGE Model
Saeed Mehrjou Zahra Kiani-FeyzabadThe production of public goods like amenity value of the landscape, food security, preservation of rural communities and rural lifestyle, by agricultural sector is a subject that has been widely accepted by experts. However, in many policies and political analyses carri MoreThe production of public goods like amenity value of the landscape, food security, preservation of rural communities and rural lifestyle, by agricultural sector is a subject that has been widely accepted by experts. However, in many policies and political analyses carried out, solely the production of private goods by the agricultural sector is paid attention and the important function of public goods production is ignored. Given the importance of multifunctional debate of agriculture in policies analysis, this study examined the effect of agricultural multifunctionality in the simulation of the agricultural production subsidies reduction effects using Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model. Simulation results of the effects of agricultural production subsidies reduction in terms of the multifunctionality showed that current practices to support the agricultural sector is non-optimal according to agricultural production and welfare reduction and the optimal level of supports with and without multifunctional agriculture is different. The simulation results showed that the welfare effects of economic reforms in Iran in the agricultural sector in terms of the multifunctionality will be positive. This is on condition that the welfare effects of agricultural reform in terms of the multifunctionality of agriculture are negative. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
71 - An Assessment of Beneficiaries’ Satisfaction of the Management of Loan Contract Components by Farmer Cooperative Societies in Edo State, Nigeria
Grace Oghenerobor Alufohai Tosan Jolomi OkorosoboThe study assessed beneficiaries’ satisfaction in the management of loag-contract components by cooperatives involved in the farm credit delivery in Edo State. The objective was to identify the components of the farm loan contract, examine the management strategie MoreThe study assessed beneficiaries’ satisfaction in the management of loag-contract components by cooperatives involved in the farm credit delivery in Edo State. The objective was to identify the components of the farm loan contract, examine the management strategies and rate the beneficiaries’ satisfaction of such management strategies. This was done by purposively selecting 40 cooperatives involved in farm credit delivery in Oredo, Egor and Ikpoba-Okha LGAs of Edo State where there is a proliferation of cooperatives who are actively involved in farm credit delivery. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, queuing model and satisfaction indices. Results showed the main loan-contract components to be loan volume, repayment regime, interest rates charged, default management, collateral required, timeliness and loan monitoring. Average beneficiaries' index was 4.28 out of 5 indicating high satisfaction originating from good queue management with traffic density of 1.12, moderate interest rate of 9% p.a, active loan monitoring, no physical collateral, timely disbursement of loan and accommodative repayment regime. Only individual loan volumes were low as a result of inadequate loanable fund. Study recommends that cooperative societies should take advantage of external sources of funds to boost the volume of their loanable funds. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
72 - Effective Factors on Rural People’s Non-Participation of Mahabad’s Dam Catchment in Watershed Management Projects
Soleiman Rasouliazar Saeid FealyThe purpose of this descriptive-correlation study was to investigate effective factors on rural people’s non-participation of Mahabad’s dam catchment in Watershed Management Projects. The research instrument was structural questionnaire with close-ended ques MoreThe purpose of this descriptive-correlation study was to investigate effective factors on rural people’s non-participation of Mahabad’s dam catchment in Watershed Management Projects. The research instrument was structural questionnaire with close-ended questions, which its validity confirmed by panel of academic staff and reliability of questionnaire was confirmed. The target population of this study consisted of all householders who lived in Mahabad’s dam catchment (N=2458) out of them, according to Cochran's formula 175 people were selected by using cluster sampling in a simple randomization method (n=175). The descriptive results showed lack of financial ability for participating in watershed management, lack of awareness about watershed management efficiency, the long term rate of return on the investment attracted in watershed management were the main variables related to rural people’s non participation in watershed management. By applying Factor Analysis Explanatory Technique, effective factors on rural people’s non-participation in watershed management were reduced to five factors namely weakness of agricultural extension services, getting watershed management out of governmental control, no achieving success to implement another rural projects by government, and no considering local individuals or organization by government. These five factors expressed 84% of the total variance of the non-participation people on Mahabad’s dam catchment in watershed management projects. Therefore points to these factors could solve the barriers of non-participation people on Mahabad’s dam catchment in watershed management projects. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
73 - Consumers’ Preference for Cowpea in Nigeria
Kalu Ukpai Ifegwu Joshua Olusegun AjetomobiThe study investigates consumers’ preference for cowpea reflected in the Nigerian markets through price discounts and premiums that consumers pay for different cowpea characteristics. The price data used for this study were obtained through a market survey. A comm MoreThe study investigates consumers’ preference for cowpea reflected in the Nigerian markets through price discounts and premiums that consumers pay for different cowpea characteristics. The price data used for this study were obtained through a market survey. A common data collection protocol was employed. Every month, between October 2009 to December 2010, five cowpea samples per seller were bought from randomly selected sellers in six markets and the prices noted. In the laboratory, the non-price data, such as, 100 grain weight, number of bruchid holes per 100 grains, eye colour and texture of the testa were obtained. A hedonic pricing regression model was used to analyze data collected. Hedonic pricing methods provide a statistical estimate of premiums and discounts. Results indicate that eye colour is the most important determinant of cowpea market prices. Cowpeas with brown colour commands a clear premium in all but one market. The consumers discount prices for insect damage in most markets. In general, this study signals the need for cowpea breeders to identify cost effective ways of breeding for brown coloured cowpea (Ife-brown specie) which was noted to attract price premium. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
74 - Using Probabilistic-Risky Programming Models in Identifying Optimized Pattern of Cultivation under Risk Conditions (Case Study: Shoshtar Region)
Mohammad Kavoosi Kelashemi Mohammad Aghapour Sabbagi Hamid Reza AlipourUsing Telser and Kataoka models of probabilistic-risky mathematical programming, the present research is to determine the optimized pattern of cultivating the agricultural products of Shoshtar region under risky conditions. In order to consider the risk in the mentioned MoreUsing Telser and Kataoka models of probabilistic-risky mathematical programming, the present research is to determine the optimized pattern of cultivating the agricultural products of Shoshtar region under risky conditions. In order to consider the risk in the mentioned models, time period of agricultural years 1996-1997 till 2004-2005 was taken into account. Results from Telser and Kataoka models showed that due to accepting the risk amounts, most of the optimized amounts suggest the tomato cultivation during the cultivation period of fall, and watermelon cultivation during the cultivation period of spring. On the basis of results, due to allocation of agricultural lands of Shoshtar to tomato and watermelon cultivation and specializing the farming activity in this province, gross profit of agricultural production system can be increased to 6116047000 and 727782272 thousand Rials, respectively. The results of understudy models were investigated under different income scenarios and probabilistic levels of risk acceptance. Correct policy making in order to offer the suitable equipments for adjusting the effects of lack of certainty and risks due to the climatic unwanted conditions in production process of agricultural products of Shoshtar region improve the life situation of farmers of the mentioned region. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
75 - Creativity and Innovation as a New Approach in Human Capital
Mehrdad Goudarzvand CheginiThis question has always been put forward in the mind of curious people why some countries have developed termed in spite of very few natural resources and facilities while other countries have not developed in spite of having more suitable resources and facilities. Var MoreThis question has always been put forward in the mind of curious people why some countries have developed termed in spite of very few natural resources and facilities while other countries have not developed in spite of having more suitable resources and facilities. Various factors such as economy, culture, geography, etc. are perhaps a background to answer this question, but there is a more important factor that, in similar conditions, causes the development of some countries and that factor is to consider human resource as a fundamental capital and how to use their abilities and talents. The phenomenon of creativity and innovation, like many peculiarities of human beings, are found in all mankind and it is these motivations and individual and environmental conditions that make the creativity factor vivid. Among the features of intelligent organizations are: systemic thought, easy accessibility to information and so on all of which have originated from the well-beginners of creative and innovative people. This article deals with innovation and creativity, as the most important Haman capitals, the relationship of brain and creative thinking, powers comprising mind capabilities, divergent and convergent thinking and the factors making innovations and creativity. The findings of this research indicate that with respect to increasing change and transformations of today’s societies, the organizational thinkers in the 21st century are different from the thinkers in the 20th century. Critical thinking following creative thinking has created a new approach in the human capital of organizations. Therefore, the organizations that have employed this approach are successful. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
76 - Extent of Rural Women’s Participation in Agricultural Activities
Muhammad Luqman Ejaz Ashraf Muhammad Zakaria Yousuf Hussan Tahir Munir Butt Naveed IftikharRural women in Pakistan, under a small holding system of farming, play a pivotal role in farming. They actively participate in a range of activities related to crop production and livestock management. Rural women remain busy from dawn to dusk in various agricultural ac MoreRural women in Pakistan, under a small holding system of farming, play a pivotal role in farming. They actively participate in a range of activities related to crop production and livestock management. Rural women remain busy from dawn to dusk in various agricultural activities, including pre-harvest, post-harvest and livestock management. Their participation is well dispersed but less perceived because of insufficient data to show their active involvement in various agricultural activities. Keeping these points in mind, this study was designed to explore the extent of women’s participation in various agricultural activities in district Bahawalpur (Southern Punjab, Pakistan). A total of 125 rural women were selected through multistage random sampling technique and interviewed with a well-designed, pre-tested interview schedule, and the data was analyzed using SPSS. The results of the data analysis revealed that rural women’s participation level was at the top (M=2.87 and SD=0.42) in picking of cotton while their participation level was found low (M=1.78 and SD=0.88) in broadcasting of seed/fertilizer among different crop production and management related activities. While on the other hand their extent of participation was found at the top (M=2.90 and SD=0.30) in cleaning of animal’s sheds and found low (M=2.02 and SD=0.83) in calf rearing among different livestock production and management which were being performed by rural women. Regarding daily time given by rural women to perform various crop production, livestock production and household activities majority of rural women they devote>than 8 hours in a day to perform these activities as reported by 27.2%, 32.8% and 76.8% of the respondents, respectively. It is recommended that national commission should be established to recognize and documented the participation of rural women at various national and international forums. It is also recommended that women training wing should be established at national level under the supervision of district administration to train rural women in different areas of crop and livestock production so that they can contribute in a better way in the national economy. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
77 - Impacts of Strategic Learning Practices on Employees’ Commitment in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) Engaged in Agriculture and Protein Food Production Sectors in Guilan Province
Elham Sedighi Pashaki Kambiz Shahroudi Mehdi FadaeiThe survival of the firms depends on the adoption of techniques and methods for encouraging learning among people. On other hand, it is necessary to have an attitude for interaction and endeavour in order for the learning to be built and conserved. Therefore, committed MoreThe survival of the firms depends on the adoption of techniques and methods for encouraging learning among people. On other hand, it is necessary to have an attitude for interaction and endeavour in order for the learning to be built and conserved. Therefore, committed people in organizations have always been emphasized as a driving force of the extension and creation of learning. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of strategic learning practices on employees’ commitment in small and medium-sized sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in agriculture and protein food production sectors in Guilan Province. The statistical society was composed of 650 key people of SMEs in agriculture and food sector in Guilan Province. Stratified sampling method was applied. Tseng’s standard questionnaire was used as main tool for data collection. The research is a practical study in terms of objective and a correlation-based descriptive studied in terms of data collection methodology. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis and stepwise regression was used for inferential statistics. In inferential section, Pearson’s coefficient of correlation was used to examine the relationships between strategic learning methods and people’s commitment. Furthermore, stepwise regression was used to examine the impact of various aspects of strategic learning methods on people’s commitment. SPSS Software Package was applied for statistical analyses. It was found that strategic learning practices were significantly correlated with employees commitment. Based on the regression results, create system, strategic leadership and empower people were ranked as the first, second and third strongest factors influencing employees’ commitment, respectively. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
78 - Application of Linear and Non-linear Programming Model to Assess the Sustainability of Water Resources in Agricultural Patterns
Seyed Abolghasem Mortazavi Reza Hezareh Sina Ahmadi Kaliji Samira Shayan MehrWater resources sustainability is one of the major issues in the agricultural sustainability. In this study sustainability of water resources has been investigated by use of linear and non-linear models in six models based on optimal utilization of water resources in th MoreWater resources sustainability is one of the major issues in the agricultural sustainability. In this study sustainability of water resources has been investigated by use of linear and non-linear models in six models based on optimal utilization of water resources in the north parts farms of Iran because of incorrect use of agricultural water resources, from 2011 to 2012. Also “gross margin per a unit of water consumption” and “employment per a unit of water consumption” are used as indicators for assessing the sustainability of cropping patterns. The results show that cropping pattern of fractional goal programming (FGP) model has been near to current situation and has shown realistic conditions according to expertise and advantage of this area in cultivation of certain crops. So the FGP model has desirability in each of indicators than other five models. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
79 - Analyze of Predictive Model of Innovation Management in Processing and Complementary Industries of Livestock Products
Ahmad Reza OmmaniThe purpose of this study was designing predictive model for innovation management in processing and complementary industries of livestock products. The method of research was correlative descriptive. The population of this research was managers in processing and comple MoreThe purpose of this study was designing predictive model for innovation management in processing and complementary industries of livestock products. The method of research was correlative descriptive. The population of this research was managers in processing and complementary industries of livestock products of Khouzestan Province (N=486). By stratified random sampling, a random sample (n=125) was selected for participation in the study. A questionnaire was developed to gather data regarding Innovation Management in processing and complementary industries of livestock products. Data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). According to the results, the innovation management level in processing and complementary industries of Khuzestan province is not desirable. Therefore, practitioners should be required to provide increasing levels of innovation management. Results showed that variables such as income, competitiveness, accountability, risk taking, tend to be creative, level of education and attitude to innovation management played a critical role in improving innovation management. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
80 - Size Distribution of Income among Rice-Based Farming Households in South Eastern States of Nigeria
Chikezie, C Ibekwe U.C Ohajianya D.O Orebiyi, J.S OguomaN. N Obasi, P.C Henri-Ukoha, A Emenyonu, C.A Nwaiwu, I.UThe study was designed to investigate the income distribution among rice-based farming households in Okigwe Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria. A sample of 120 rice-based farmers was selected by multistage sampling technique. Data were collected with a well structu MoreThe study was designed to investigate the income distribution among rice-based farming households in Okigwe Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria. A sample of 120 rice-based farmers was selected by multistage sampling technique. Data were collected with a well structured questionnaire administered to 120 randomly selected rice farmers. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Gini-coefficient model was also employed. The socio-economic characteristic of the farmers revealed that majority of the farmers were educated. Besides, majority of them also had appreciable experience in rice farming which makes them better rice farmers. It was revealed that income share percentage of the richest households was 17.65% followed by the second richest group with income share percentage of 13.27%. Those in the twelfth decile represented the poorest group with a cumulative share percentage 2.82%. The Gini-coefficient of distribution of 0.32 showed that incomes were not highly concentrated but varied around the low per capita of N1442, 859 per household. It becomes imperative therefore to enhance farmers’ income through a sustainable improved technology in rice farming. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
81 - Communication Skills of Agricultural Sciences University Teachers in Iran
Ebrahim Ezzati LarsariThis study concerns determining the factors that may influence the communication skill of those university teachers involved in the field of agricultural sciences in Iran. Accordingly, based on a cross-sectional survey method, a conceptual model of communication skill h MoreThis study concerns determining the factors that may influence the communication skill of those university teachers involved in the field of agricultural sciences in Iran. Accordingly, based on a cross-sectional survey method, a conceptual model of communication skill has been devised through reviewing the related literature. Next, the model was revised by the expert panel of the study into a seven-factor model with 58 variables. Then, this revised model was transformed into a questionnaire. Once the expert panel studied, revised and at last confirmed the questionnaire, it was submitted to the subjects, around 234 university teachers of agricultural sciences selected randomly from some main universities in Iran. In order to run Explanatory Factor Analysis (EFA), the obtained data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 16.00). Consequently, EFA explained three factors such as naturalness, eloquentness and emotionalness as the main effectiveones on teaching agriculture in the universities of Iran. Finally, it is worth mentioning that naturalness comprised six variables, eloquentness was consisted of eight variables and emotionalness concerned three variables. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
82 - Evaluation of Tourism Industry Development Strategies Factors in Guilan Province
Fatholah Keshavarz Shal Parviz Rajabi KolvaniIran due to its unique condition in terms of tourist attraction and because of the specific location and a variety of natural resources and human Phenomena, that different regions of the country including Guilan province has a typical position in terms of tourism which MoreIran due to its unique condition in terms of tourist attraction and because of the specific location and a variety of natural resources and human Phenomena, that different regions of the country including Guilan province has a typical position in terms of tourism which attracts a lot of tourists. By itself, ecological, environmental, cultural, historical and religious attraction in the north, we will see more development in the tourism industry by formulating and scientific solutions and preservation of cultural values and the environment. In this research, a descriptive– analytical approach has been taken in order to achieve mentioned goals. Also major sources of tourism are identified by field and library (Book, Magazines, Relevant document) study and with SWOT pattern, strengths, weakness, threats and opportunities will be specified and analyzed. The present research with fundamental question that whether tourism development reduces the effects of economic sanctions? Based on this assumption that, the development of tourism can reduce the effects of economic sanctions and we can use tourism industry as a means to deal with economic sanctions and create employment opportunities, distribution of income, foreign exchange increase, reducing migration, raising the living standard, regional balancing, transferring value to unprivileged area, development of rural and urban communities and the cultural and ethnic unity for the attainment of national unity. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
83 - Analyzing the Effect of the Water Reduce Subsidies on GDP
Seyed Mahdi Hosseyni Javad ShahrakiThe objective of this work is to analyze the effects of decrease in water subsidies (increase in the price of the water) on various economic sectors in order to promote the conservation of this resource based on the actual price of water. But over the past decades, vari MoreThe objective of this work is to analyze the effects of decrease in water subsidies (increase in the price of the water) on various economic sectors in order to promote the conservation of this resource based on the actual price of water. But over the past decades, various subsidizing methods hold the cost of water down. On the other hand, the indiscriminate use of these resources led the government to impose enormous costs. Determining the economic impact of subsidy reform can be an essential factor in the determination of water price reform scenarios. The methodology that will be used to explore the implications on the economy will be a computable general equilibrium model (CGE), previously designed for an analysis of the direct taxes of the Andalusian economy (Cardenete and Sancho, 2003), but now enhanced and extended to include emissions of pollutants and the introduction of environmental taxes (André, Cardenete and Velázquez, 2005). This model has been further modified to introduce the variations in the water price that this study investigates the effect of water subsidy reform on the economy based on six scenarios using computable general equilibrium model. Results show that by decreasing subsidies, GDP will reduce in all economic sectors. Government can prevent the decrease in production by redistributing incomes. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
84 - Evaluation of Land Cover Changes Ysing Remote Sensing Technique (Case study: Hableh Rood Subwatershed of Shahrabad Basin)
Khadijeh Abolfathi Marzieh Alikhah-Asl Mohammad Rezvani Mohammad NamdarThe growing population and increasing socio-economic necessities creates a pressure on land use/land cover. Nowadays, land use change detection using remote sensing data provides quantitative and timely information for management and evaluation of natural resources. Thi MoreThe growing population and increasing socio-economic necessities creates a pressure on land use/land cover. Nowadays, land use change detection using remote sensing data provides quantitative and timely information for management and evaluation of natural resources. This study investigates the land use changes in part of Hableh Rood Watershed of Iran using Landsat 7 and 8 (Sensor ETM+ and OLI) images between 2001 and 2013. Supervised classification was used for classification of Landsat images. Four land use classes were delineated including rangeland, irrigated farming and plantations land, and dry farming lands,urban. Visual interpretation, expert knowledge of the study area and ground truth information accumulated with field works to assess the accuracy of the classification results. Overall accuracy of 2001 and 2013 image classification was 81.48 (Kappa coefficient: 0.7340) and 87.04 (Kappa coefficient: 0.7841), respectively. The results showed considerable land cover changes for the given study area. Land cover change detection showed that in a period of 12 years, 277.57 hectares of dry farming lands and 340 hectares of dense range have been lost. But, 341 hectares for low dense range, 280 hectares for semi dense range and 1.4 hectares for urban areas, have been added in area. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
85 - Regionalization of the Iowa State University Extension System: Lessons Learned by Key Administrators
Mary S. Holz-Clause Vikram Swaroop Chandra Koundinya Sherry Glenn Jack M. PayneThe cyclical economic downturn in the United States has forced many Extension administrators to rethink and adjust services and programming. The Cooperative Extension System (CES), the organization primarily responsible for governmental Extension work in the United Stat MoreThe cyclical economic downturn in the United States has forced many Extension administrators to rethink and adjust services and programming. The Cooperative Extension System (CES), the organization primarily responsible for governmental Extension work in the United States, at Iowa State University responded to this economic downturn by restructuring its organization from county based to a regional model. This paper shares the experiences of key administrators in planning this restructuring process and the lessons learned. This experience and the restructuring processes used have implications for administrators in all organizational settings. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
86 - Estimating the Cost of Water and the Economic Value of Water in the Farmlands Covered by Man-Made Ponds: A Case Study of the Alborz Project Area in Iran
مجتبی نبی زاده ذوالپیرانی حمید امیرنژاد علی شاهنظریWater pricing is considered as one of the most important management tools of water resources, which can result in optimized allocation in the agricultural sector. In this regard, this study estimated the cost of water and the value of water in the farmlands covered by t MoreWater pricing is considered as one of the most important management tools of water resources, which can result in optimized allocation in the agricultural sector. In this regard, this study estimated the cost of water and the value of water in the farmlands covered by the selected manmade ponds (MMPs) within the Alborz project area in Mazandaran Province using the engineering economics methods and production function calculation. The required data were collected via a survey conducted in 2013-2014 growing season. Sample size was estimated to be 198 people. After studying various production functions, transcendental production function was chosen as the best functional form. Next, the economic value of water for rice in the basin covered by the selected MMPs was calculated to be 19,065 IRR per m3 using an estimation of the production function. In addition, the cost of water per m3 in the selected MMPs was obtained as to be 868 IRR at the interest rate of 22% and 394 IRR at the interest rate of 12%. Comparing the cost of water with the economic value of water demonstrated that the economic value of water is higher than the cost of water in the selected MMPs, and that both of them had great difference with the price paid by farmers. The implication is that the existing gap between the real price and the price paid by farmers should be filled by the economical pricing of water. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
87 - Forecasting Iran’s Rice Imports during 2009-2013
Mohammad Reza Pakravan Mohammad Kavoosi Kelashemi Hamid Reza AlipourIn the present study Iran’s rice imports trend is forecasted, using artificial neural networks and econometric methods, during 2009 to 2013, and their results are compared. The results showed that feet forward neural network leading with less forecast error and ha MoreIn the present study Iran’s rice imports trend is forecasted, using artificial neural networks and econometric methods, during 2009 to 2013, and their results are compared. The results showed that feet forward neural network leading with less forecast error and had better performance in comparison to econometric techniques and also, other methods of neural networks, such as Recurrent networks and Multilayer perceptron networks. Moreover, the results showed that the amount of rice import has ascending growth rate in 2009-2013 and maximum growth occurs in 2009-2010 years, which was equal to 25.72 percent. Increasing rice import caused a lot of exchange to exit out of the country and also, irreparable damage in domestic production, both in terms of price and quantity. Considering mentioned conditions, economic policy makers should seek ways to reduce increasing trend of rice import; and more investment and planning for domestic rice producers. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
88 - The Need for a Strong Public-Private Linkage in Agricultural Extension System (Case Study: Sari Township, Iran)
Amir Ahmadpour Shohreh SoltaniRelationship between public and private sector is becoming an increasingly important issue in management of agricultural extension services. The need for a strong linkage could be identified as the gap between desirable and current situation. In this research, the diffe MoreRelationship between public and private sector is becoming an increasingly important issue in management of agricultural extension services. The need for a strong linkage could be identified as the gap between desirable and current situation. In this research, the differences among current and desirable situation in six diverse dimensions was calculated. The current and desirable situation was evaluated from the overview of two groups of experts in public (n=36) and private (n=59) sector in Sari township. The research instrument was a questionnaire which was filled during interviews. Reliability and validity of questionnaire was verified using Chronbach’s alpha test and views of panel of experts respectively. Results showed that there is a need to reinforce the link between public and private extension, especially in case of organizational structure system. This study showed that, the linkage between decision making and planning system of extension system is inappropriate and should be improved. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
89 - The Significance of Social Capital in the Higher Agricultural Education System
Nematollah Shiri Nader NaderiThe academic achievement of students has been a focus of social research for decades. Yet little attention has been paid to social capital and its importance as a university context factor for academic success. We examine whether social capital has effects on students&r MoreThe academic achievement of students has been a focus of social research for decades. Yet little attention has been paid to social capital and its importance as a university context factor for academic success. We examine whether social capital has effects on students’ academic achievement. The population of this study consisted of all senior agricultural students of Razi University at Iran (N=257), that 154 of them were selected as the sample using the proportionate stratified sampling method. The main instrument in this study was a questionnaire which its validity was confirmed by a panel of experts and its reliability was established by Cronbach's Alpha coefficient (α>0.70). Data was analyzed by SPSS Win22 and LISREL 8.80 software in two phases of descriptive and inferential statistics. Results of structural equation modeling indicated that social capital was the main predictor of agricultural students’ academic achievement. Findings of this study can have practical implications concerning agricultural students’ academic achievement for higher agricultural education mangers, planners and educators. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
90 - Estimation of Potential Evapotranspiration and Crop Coefficient of Wheat at Rupandehi District of Nepal
Govinda BhandariThis study is carried out to estimate the potential evapotranspiration (PET) and crop coefficient (Kc) for Wheat, BL 3235 variety. A lysimeter is installed to estimate PET at the experimental farm of Agricultural Research Center of Bhairahawa, which is located in wester MoreThis study is carried out to estimate the potential evapotranspiration (PET) and crop coefficient (Kc) for Wheat, BL 3235 variety. A lysimeter is installed to estimate PET at the experimental farm of Agricultural Research Center of Bhairahawa, which is located in western part of Nepal. The Blaney-Criddle formula is used to estimate the Kc for wheat. The estimated values of PET and Kc for wheat at the four crop growth stages (initial, crop development, mid-season/reproductive and late season/maturity) are 3.5 cm, 7.82 cm, 11.3 cm, 1.16 cm and 0.34, 0.67, 0.73, 0.06 respectively. The total value of PET and average value of Kc for Wheat is 23.78 cm and 0.45. Aridity index (AI), the ratio of precipitation to PET, is an important parameter to determine the dryness of a region. The average value of AI at the Wheat growing season (January to April, 2011) in Bhairahawa is 0.39, and is classified as a semiarid region. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
91 - Analysis of Agro-Chemical Inputs Use in Maize Production among Small-Scale Farmers in Iwo Local Government, Osun State, Nigeria
Kemi Funmilayo Omotesho Azeez Muhammad-Lawal Gafar Olawumi IyiowuIn spite of the development of various improved cultivars of maize, yield in Nigeria has continued to be hampered by the over cropped nature of most farmlands as well as a wide range of pests and diseases. This study therefore carried out an analysis of agro-chemical in MoreIn spite of the development of various improved cultivars of maize, yield in Nigeria has continued to be hampered by the over cropped nature of most farmlands as well as a wide range of pests and diseases. This study therefore carried out an analysis of agro-chemical inputs’ use in maize production among small scale farmers in Iwo Local Government Area of Osun State. Specifically, the study investigated the relationship between agro-chemical inputs’ use and maize yield in the study area. It determined the factors affecting agro-chemical inputs’ use and the major constraints to its usage. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire from 105 respondents obtained through a two stage random sampling procedure. Analytical tools employed for the study included Pearson Moment correlation and linear regression analysis. The study revealed a 78.5% positive and significant relationship between agro-chemical inputs’ use and maize yield (p< 0.01). High cost and irregularity of supplies, insufficient farm income and fear of health hazards were the major constraints to the use of agro-chemicals. The determinants of agro-chemical inputs’ use among the farmers were; farm size, income at p Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
92 - Analysis of Constrains Facing Urban Agriculture Development in Tehran, Iran
Soraya Pourjavid Hassan Sadighi Hossein Shabanali FamiThe purpose of the study was to identify the constrains affecting urban agriculture in Tehran, Iran. The statistical population of this study consisted of city dwellers within the 22 municipal districts of Tehran out of which 320 individuals were selected as the sample MoreThe purpose of the study was to identify the constrains affecting urban agriculture in Tehran, Iran. The statistical population of this study consisted of city dwellers within the 22 municipal districts of Tehran out of which 320 individuals were selected as the sample of the study. Cochran’s formula was used to determine the sampling size based on stratified sampling method. A panel of experts confirmed the validity of the questionnaire used in this study. The calculated Cronbach’s alpha for the main sections of the questionnaire was 0.95 and 0.93. Results of the ranking of constrains and challenges revealed that “high start-up costs” and “lack of knowledge among managers and authorities” were among the most important constrains. The results of factor analysis revealed that 7 factors including “education-research”, “infrastructure”, “support”, “regulations and policy making”, “technical”, “financial-economic” and “cultural” explained 67.36 of the variance. Although list of constrains revealed is not perfect, this work paves the way for further research regarding factors influencing urban agriculture. It also provides interesting information for planners about the challenges of urban agriculture development. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
93 - Determinants of Deprivation Among Part–time Cassava Farming Households in the Humid Tropic
Nsikak-Abasi A Etim Sunday Okon Iniobong A. AkpabioAs cost of living rises and people’s wages / salaries do not cover their basic food and dietary needs, interest in parttime farming has risen. Part-time farming activities are being practiced by different people as a food security strategy from vulnerable househol MoreAs cost of living rises and people’s wages / salaries do not cover their basic food and dietary needs, interest in parttime farming has risen. Part-time farming activities are being practiced by different people as a food security strategy from vulnerable households. But these part-time farms have had limited success in providing food/nutrition security, increasing incomes and improving well-being. Understanding the factors underlying their persistent deprivation is imperative when designing policies and programmes to meet their needs and improve their welfare. Farm level survey data collected from 60 households with the aid of questionnaire were used to estimate the determinants of deprivation by Tobit regression model. Using the maximum likelihood approach, asymptotic parameters estimates were evaluated to describe determinants of deprivation. Sex, marital status, household size, education, farm income and labour were significant determinants of deprivation. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
94 - Factors Affecting Biomass Energy Utilization by Small Holder Farmers in Iran
سیده مرضیه رازقی حسین شعبانعلی فمی روح اله رضاییThe main purpose of this survey was to assess biomass production and use as a source of energy by smallholders in Tafresh County located in Markazi Province, Iran. A descriptive survey method was used for data collection. The statistical population consisted of 2,470 sm MoreThe main purpose of this survey was to assess biomass production and use as a source of energy by smallholders in Tafresh County located in Markazi Province, Iran. A descriptive survey method was used for data collection. The statistical population consisted of 2,470 smallholders. A sample size of 300 was selected by using the stratified random sampling technique. A questionnaire was used to collect the data. A panel of experts confirmed the validity of the questionnaire. A pilot study was conducted to establish the reliability of the instrument. The Cronbach alpha's coefficient was higher than 0.75 for the main scales of the questionnaire. The results showed that the residues of plants and animals are recognized as a potential source of renewable energy, but there exists no specific policy or technical instruction for their optimal use, particularly in organizations such as Agriculture Jihad. Therefore, many farmers burn a considerable amount of firewood without being aware of its potential use. Findings revealed that “diversification of productive activities” had the greatest influence on the use of biomass energy, and the variables “annual cost of gas at home” and “animal farming experience” were ranked the 2nd and 3rd most important factors influencing the dependent variable, respectively. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
95 - Factors Affecting the Technical Efficiency Level of Inshore Fisheries in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
Nurul Aisyah Nalini Arumugam Mohd. Ariff Hussein Ismail LatiffThe objective of this study is to determine factors affecting the technical efficiency of the inshore fisheries in Kuala Terengganu. Data for the study was collected from a survey conducted between June and August 2007 where 100 fishermen in 14 villages were chosen by s MoreThe objective of this study is to determine factors affecting the technical efficiency of the inshore fisheries in Kuala Terengganu. Data for the study was collected from a survey conducted between June and August 2007 where 100 fishermen in 14 villages were chosen by stratified sampling. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) and Tobit analysis were employed to determine the technical efficiency level and factors influencing technical efficiency among the fishermen. Results of the study show that, most fishing units exhibit a low degree of technical efficiency. This implies that either fishing inputs were used inefficiently or insufficient inputs were used in fishing activities. The mean technical efficiency for the sample was estimated to be 55% for the peak season and 40% for the non-peak season. About 37% and 62% of the fishermen had less than 40% level of technical efficiency in peak season and non-peak season respectively. Management variables (planning, staffing and controlling) and demographic variables (size of horsepower, size of family and formal education) exert positive effects on technical efficiency of inshore fisheries in Kuala Terengganu. These findings suggest that there is much room for improvement in efficiency among a large segment of the inshore fishermen. With appropriate training and using more advanced technologies, fishermen’ level of technical efficiency can be raised. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
96 - Factors Influencing the Use of and Attitude of Using Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Agricultural Extension, A Study in the Isfahan Province of Iran
Zahra Haji Hashemi Gholamreza Pezeshki Rad Mohammad ChizariInformation and communication technologies (ICTs) are increasingly influencing human beings and are changing our attitudes towards these technologies. The purpose of this article is to understand the factors influencing the use of ICTs in agricultural extension through MoreInformation and communication technologies (ICTs) are increasingly influencing human beings and are changing our attitudes towards these technologies. The purpose of this article is to understand the factors influencing the use of ICTs in agricultural extension through a descriptive research method. The populations were 320 individuals of agricultural Extension Workers (EWs) of Isfahan province that 200 people selected as a research sample. The reliability of self-completion questionnaire according to pilot test and calculating Cronbach’s alpha for four part of the instrument was 82.6-87.8. The results revealed that the EWs have a positive attitude toward using ICT. They mostly viewed it as a useful tool for extension, which can potentially save money and time and extension. On the ranking of principal areas of applying ICTs by EWs “typing letters/report”, “prepare and protect file on process basic agricultural and rural information”, had most usage. The main result of the study revealed that the EWs approximately use ICT quite a bit. Also, the EWs with high school diploma degree used ICT less than the EWs with MSc degree and the EWs with 5 years and less experience had higher ICT application than the EWs with 15-16 year experience. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
97 - A Comparative Study of Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Canola Production
Mehdi Khojastehpour Amin Nikkhah Davood HashemabadiIn this research, the energy flow and production energy indices of canola cultivation in Trakya province of Turkey, Golestan and Mazandaran provinces of Iran were compared. Diesel fuel and chemical fertilizer inputs were the highest consumer of energy in the production MoreIn this research, the energy flow and production energy indices of canola cultivation in Trakya province of Turkey, Golestan and Mazandaran provinces of Iran were compared. Diesel fuel and chemical fertilizer inputs were the highest consumer of energy in the production of canola in these three regions. The results indicated that despite the higher energy use of machinery in Trakya province of Turkey, the energy use of diesel fuel in this province is less than the energy consumed in the two northern provinces of Iran, which could be due to available old machines for the production of canola in Mazandaran and Golestan provinces. Total greenhouse gas emissions of canola production for these regions were computed 562.85, 652.86 and 887.30 kgCO 2 eq ha, respectively. The inputs of chemical fertilizer and diesel fuel in canola production produced the highest percentage of gas emissions in these three areas. Energy consumption for potential feedstock production for one kg production of biodiesel fuel in these provinces was calculated as 14.76, 20.66 and 37.77 MJ, respectively. The amounts of greenhouse gas emissions for potential feedstock production for one kg production of biodiesel were obtained 0.45, 0.76 and 1.17 kgCO 2 eq for Trakya, Golestan and Mazandaran provinces, respectively. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
98 - Labour and Poverty: Empirical Relationship Using House Data from South Nigeria
Nsikak-Abasi A. Etim Sunday Okon Inibong A. AkpabioIn Nigeria, most farming activities rely on family labor. However, rural-urban drift and the movement of young people away from agriculture are making labor increasingly pause. Thus, labor has become a major constraint to expanding the scope of production by small-scale MoreIn Nigeria, most farming activities rely on family labor. However, rural-urban drift and the movement of young people away from agriculture are making labor increasingly pause. Thus, labor has become a major constraint to expanding the scope of production by small-scale resource poor farmers. This paper provides an empirical relationship between labor and poverty using data from households. Through a multi stage sampling procedure, 150 farming households were selected using questionnaire. Results of Foster, Greer and Thorbecke decomposition show that poverty incidence, depth and severity increase with increase in labor employed in farm operations implying that poverty is directly related to labor. Finding further reveals that the difference in poverty incidence of one of the sub-group (1-50 Vs 50-100) pair is statistically significant at (P<0.05). Results suggest that the mandays of labor employed significantly affect the poverty incidence of farm households. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
99 - Rice Yield Distribution and Risk Assessment in South Asian Countries: A Statistical Investigation
Mahadeb Prasad Poudel Shwu-En Chen Raju GhimireIn the last decades, rice yields in South Asian countries grew tremendously in one hand and a noticeable yield fluctuation on the other. The objective of this study was to examine the rice yield distributions, estimate yield risks at country level, and compare risks bet MoreIn the last decades, rice yields in South Asian countries grew tremendously in one hand and a noticeable yield fluctuation on the other. The objective of this study was to examine the rice yield distributions, estimate yield risks at country level, and compare risks between five countries namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Anderson Darling (AD) test was applied to test the goodness-of-fit for four distributions by using country level de-trended rice yields from 1961 to 2010. Results showed the Normal distribution was fitted well in Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, whereas the Wei bull distribution in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan. The average yield risks at 85% of the expected yield were found 5.29, 4.27, 3.86, 1.55, and.15% in Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, respectively. Wilcoxon signed rank test results of mean absolute percentage differences showed yield risk in Bangladesh was significantly lower than the rest four counties and that in Afghanistan was significantly higher than Nepal and Bangladesh at 0.1 level. The outcome of this study could give policy implications for designing and implementing the risk reducing programs in the countries with higher yield risk. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
100 - Factors Affecting Farmers` Higher Gain from Paddy Marketing: A Case Study on Paddy Farmers in North Central Province, Sri Lanka
RPIR Prasanna SWGK Bulankulama RH KuruppugeThis study focused to identify the likelihood factors affecting on farmers’ higher gain from paddy marketing in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, where the main paddy cultivation area of the country. The required data was drawn from the field survey carried MoreThis study focused to identify the likelihood factors affecting on farmers’ higher gain from paddy marketing in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, where the main paddy cultivation area of the country. The required data was drawn from the field survey carried out in three irrigation systems covering 257 farmers during July to August 2010. The empirical logit model was used to assess factors. The study found that imperfections of existing paddy marketing system in the area due to concentrated market power among few oligopolistic buyers. Furthermore, land size, land ownership, poor accessibility in formal sector credit market and farmers involvement in informal sector credit sources are critical to farmers’ decisions to gain higher returns from paddy marketing. The results further showed the need of reviewing the roles and functions of government extension services and farmer organizations with regard to the paddy marketing. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
101 - Evaluation Factors Affecting of Risk Production in Sistan Grape Growers by using Stochastic Frontier Approach
Nazar Dahmardeh Ali Sardar ShahrakiDue to agriculture is a risky activity and risk models is important in order to analyze the behavior of farmers, hence, in this study, the factors affecting risk-taking and risk aversion is the region grape growers. Data analysis was performed by using stochastic fronti MoreDue to agriculture is a risky activity and risk models is important in order to analyze the behavior of farmers, hence, in this study, the factors affecting risk-taking and risk aversion is the region grape growers. Data analysis was performed by using stochastic frontier. Data gathered by questionnaires at three counties of Zabol, Hirmand and Zahak at 265 grape farmers in crop year of 2011-2012. The results showed that the cultivated area respectively for the county of Zabol and Zahak risk–reducing and risk-increases, labor Rental at Zabol county risks - reducing and animal manure for the county of Hirmand and Zahak was risk - Reducing respectively. Therefore, the positive and significant labor input on risk factor is production as a result of seasonality, It is suggested that the focus on seasonal labor and employment Rental through agencies or through the representatives of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affair. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
102 - Empirical Assessment of Environmental and Health Risks in Intensive Poultry Production in Kwara State, Nigeria
بوسلا آمولگبه خدیجت آبیمبولا عثمان موتیات اولاینکا آنیماشون جوبریلThe study was designed to assess the environmental and health risks arising from intensive poultry production in Kwara State, Nigeria. A total of 120 poultry farmers in Kwara State under the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) were selected randomly for the study, and MoreThe study was designed to assess the environmental and health risks arising from intensive poultry production in Kwara State, Nigeria. A total of 120 poultry farmers in Kwara State under the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) were selected randomly for the study, and structured questionnaires were administered. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and the linear regression. The study revealed that about 79.5% of the poultry farmers were literate, having completed at least a tertiary educational level. In addition, the results showed that the environmental and health issues were significant during production and processing. It was further revealed that the type of battery cage used and educational level of the farmers were positively significant, while the year of establishment was negatively significant when it comes to the adoption practices. This implies that the higher the level of education, the more likely farmers adopt improved practices. Moreover, it was observed that the majority of the poultry farmers do not abide by the environmental and public health laws and regulations; therefore, it is recommended that government should enforce strict supervisory agencies of the sanitation/health policies aiming at environmental preservation and protection. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
103 - Educational Needs of Corn Farmers Regarding Biological Control Bracon Parasitoid of Corn Caradrina in Dezful Township, Khouzestan Province, Iran
Ahmad Reza Ommani Ali Jafar KhademThe purpose of research was analyzing educational needs of corn farmer's regarding biological control Bracon parasitoid of corn Caradrina in Dezful Township, Khouzestan province, Iran. The method of research was correlative descriptive. A random sample of Dezful townshi MoreThe purpose of research was analyzing educational needs of corn farmer's regarding biological control Bracon parasitoid of corn Caradrina in Dezful Township, Khouzestan province, Iran. The method of research was correlative descriptive. A random sample of Dezful township corn farmers of Khouzestan province, Iran (n=350) were selected for participation in the study. A questionnaire was developed to gather information regarding educational needs of corn farmer's regarding biological control Bracon parasitoid of corn Caradrina. The questionnaire was pilot tested in Shoushtar Township. Questionnaire reliability was estimated by Cronbach’s alpha. Reliability was 0.85. Data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The results indicated 53.4% of corn farmers had low and very low knowledge regarding biological control Bracon parasitoid of corn Caradrina. Based on results, farmers need to education regarding all subject area of biological control. Also, there was significant correlation between knowledge of corn farmer's with social participation, level of education, income, technical knowledge and extension activity. The result of regression indicated that 53% of the variances in the knowledge of respondents could be explained by the social participation, level of education, income, technical knowledge and extension activity. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
104 - Increasing the Effectiveness of the Russian Grain Market
Nazarova Varvara Khrabrova ValentinaConsidering the current upward drift in farm use all over the world, the Russian agro-food market has immense possibilities to create such economic conditions under which the farming sector could develop dynamically. The increase in the grain production is of crucial im MoreConsidering the current upward drift in farm use all over the world, the Russian agro-food market has immense possibilities to create such economic conditions under which the farming sector could develop dynamically. The increase in the grain production is of crucial importance for all agricultural branches. In this respect, the grain sector is Russia’s strategically significant economic segment. This paper presents both potential possibilities and risk insurance in the Russian grain market. The purpose of the article is to provide an economic appraisal and a holistic analysis of this industrial sector along with elaboration of guidelines, aimed at adjustment in this area and commercial process optimization with the view to speeding up the grain production in the Russian Federation. The practical implications of the paper lie in the fact that if the currently important problems are solved, there is a possibility of ensuring food security, stabilization and sustainable development in the agribusiness. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
105 - Analysis of the Relationship between "Agricultural Information System Members' Viewpoint towards Organic Products" and "their Environmental Attitude": the Case of the Central District of Boyer-ahmad County
Mehdi Nooripoor Sanaz Arpanahi Zeinab SharifiThe aim of this research was to investigate this research was to investigate the relationship between Agricultural Information System (AIS) members' viewpoint towards organic products and their environmental in central District of Boyer- Ahmad County. The research popul MoreThe aim of this research was to investigate this research was to investigate the relationship between Agricultural Information System (AIS) members' viewpoint towards organic products and their environmental in central District of Boyer- Ahmad County. The research population included researchers, extension agents and contact farmers of the study area and based on this population numbers, the sample sizes were determined 62, 55 and 60 persons respectively using Krejcie and Morgan sampling table. The main tool for collecting data about the respondent’s viewpoints towards organic products was a pre-designed questionnaire which its validity was confirmed by rural development experts and its reliability also confirmed by using Cronbach-Alpha coefficient (0.76-0.94).Moreover, the environmental attitude of the respondents was measured using Dunlap & Van Liere's New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) scale. The results showed that researchers, extension agents and farmers had a moderate environmental attitude. Furthermore, researchers and extension agents had above average viewpoint towards organic products. However, farmers had a fairly favorable viewpoint. In addition, the relationship between Agricultural Information System Members' viewpoint towards organic products and their environmental attitude was positive and significant which indicated that the more favorable environmental attitude they have, the more tendencies towards organic products they have. As a result, improving environmental attitude should be given priority in order to produce healthy products and preserve the environment. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
106 - Determinants of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (FFV) Farmers’ Participation in Contract Farming in Peninsular Malaysia
Nalini Arumugam Fatimah Mohamed Arshad Eddie Chiew F.C Zainalabidin MohamedThe purpose of this research was identifying socio-economic characteristics affected on respondents’ participation in contract farming. The survey was conducted using structured questionnaire in populous states namely Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Perak, Se MoreThe purpose of this research was identifying socio-economic characteristics affected on respondents’ participation in contract farming. The survey was conducted using structured questionnaire in populous states namely Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Perak, Selangor and Johor in Peninsular Malaysia. A total of one-hundred and sixty seven FFV farmers were randomly selected and personally interviewed. Logit analysis was carried out to identify determinants that influenced fresh fruits and vegetables (FFV) farmers participating in contract farming. The findings in the paper show that, based on the output from logistic regression, ownership, land size, education background, perceived benefit, complicated process, lacking in opportunities and price risk are dominant variables influencing FFV farmers’ willingness to participate in contract farming. Land ownership, land size, education and perceived benefit are dominant variables that positively influenced FFV farmers to participate in contract farming. Complicated process, lack of opportunities and price risk negatively influenced FFV farmers’ participation in contract farming. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
107 - Theoretical Approach of A Possible Value-Added Chain in the Biomass Industry in Rural Areas Giving the Example of A Hungarian Microregion
Zoltán Bujdosó Csaba Patkós Tibor Kovács Zsolt RadicsThe future of biomass energy in the global energy system depends on many major factors, among others on the attitude of society in rural areas to the biomass energy and the renewable energy resources. Biomass energy plays increasing role in rural areas with its contribu MoreThe future of biomass energy in the global energy system depends on many major factors, among others on the attitude of society in rural areas to the biomass energy and the renewable energy resources. Biomass energy plays increasing role in rural areas with its contribution to the self sufficiency of people in the countryside. The paper deals with the analysis the opportunities of utilization of biomass energy sources giving example of a Hungarian study area and to study the possibilities of the cooperation and management regarding biomass industry in a certain rural region. Furthermore, the aims of this analysis are on the one hand to predict the potential renewable energy of the Eger Micro-region and on the other hand to research the theoretical possibilities of a value added chain in biomass industry. The main conclusion of the paper is that economic benefits can be locally embedded through local distribution of profit generated by sales of energy or financial benefits from energy saved by efficiency activities local training and employment opportunities and local shareholding. Furthermore shareholding can also involve individuals resident outside of the local community, forming part of a more spatially dispersed ‘community of interest’ involved in, and supportive of, the development. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
108 - The Requirements of Organic Pomegranate Marketing from Paveh Growers Perspective
Farhad Lashgarara Shaghayegh Ehtesham Maryam OmidiOne factor that has highlighted the role of agriculture in the economy is to make the marketing system of agricultural products more efficient. The main purpose of this study was to identify the requirements of marketing the organic pomegranate of Paveh, Kermanshah Prov MoreOne factor that has highlighted the role of agriculture in the economy is to make the marketing system of agricultural products more efficient. The main purpose of this study was to identify the requirements of marketing the organic pomegranate of Paveh, Kermanshah Province, Iran, from the perspective of farmers. In order to identify contributing factors, an exploratory factor analysis was used. The population of this study consisted of the pomegranate growers of Paveh (N=2000) and 320 people were selected using the Cochran formula and a proportional stratified sampling method. The main research instrument was a questionnaire that was completed by interview. Validity and reliability were confirmed using the feedbacks of advisors through 0.78 Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The results showed that the requirements were classified in eight factors of motivational improvement such as informing, technical, policy, economic, marketing, infrastructure, management, and social– services and they could explain 87 percent of the organic pomegranate marketing variance. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
109 - Promoting Organizational Entrepreneurship in Iran: Evidences From Agricultural Extension Workers
Nader Naderi Nematollah Shiri Mojgan Khoshmaram Masoud RamezaniThe main purpose of this study was to investigate the role of Knowledge Management (KM) in Organizational Entrepreneurship (OE) among agriculture extension workers at Kermanshah Township, Iran. The statistical population in this study consisted of all agriculture extens MoreThe main purpose of this study was to investigate the role of Knowledge Management (KM) in Organizational Entrepreneurship (OE) among agriculture extension workers at Kermanshah Township, Iran. The statistical population in this study consisted of all agriculture extension workers of Jihad-e-Agriculture management and centers of agricultural services at Kermanshah Township (N=143), of whom 129 were available and provided data for this study. The main instrument in this study was a questionnaire which its validity was confirmed by the panel of experts and its reliability was established by Cronbach's Alpha coefficient (α>0.70). Data was analyzed by SPSSwin21 software in two parts of descriptive (frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation) and inferential (correlation and regression analysis) statistics. Based on the results of enter multiple regression, KM components were the main predictors of OE among agriculture extension workers. The findings of this study have applications for Jihad-e-Agriculture management and centers of agricultural services in order to promoting OE among agriculture extension workers in Iran. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
110 - Study of Effective Factors on Income Inequality Decrease in Rural Areas of Iran
Ali BagherzadehAccording to the Ahlowalia hypothesis (1995), the growth of total factor productivity (TFP) beside infrastructure investments of government lead to income inequality decrease in rural areas of countries. The main objective of this study is to investigate the effects of MoreAccording to the Ahlowalia hypothesis (1995), the growth of total factor productivity (TFP) beside infrastructure investments of government lead to income inequality decrease in rural areas of countries. The main objective of this study is to investigate the effects of public investments such as agricultural R&E, road, education and irrigation on income inequality in rural areas of Iran. In order to get results, we used ARDL method and time series data of 1980 to 2008. However, this research attempts to survey the direction of causality between the income inequality and total factor productivity (TFP) in Iran. Empirical results show there is a negative relation between income inequality and agricultural TFP in rural areas of Iran. Hence, additional investments on rural education and agricultural R& E have significance and different impacts on income inequality. Findings showed Ahlowalia hypothesis developed for the relation among income inequality, TFP and investment in electricity is not rejected in case of Iran’s rural areas. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
111 - Investigating the Impacts of Credits Granted by Agricultural Bank of Iran on Economic Conditions of Farmers in Hirmand Region
Nader Barani Mohammad Hossein Menhaj Esmaeil Ramezanpoor Mahmud Ahmadpoor BorazjaniOne of the obstacles that has caused agricultural sector not to reach significant and expected growth is shortage of short, medium and long–term funds to finance various activities of this sector. This study aims at investigating the economic impacts of credits gr MoreOne of the obstacles that has caused agricultural sector not to reach significant and expected growth is shortage of short, medium and long–term funds to finance various activities of this sector. This study aims at investigating the economic impacts of credits granted by Agricultural bank on farmers on Hirmand region. The statistical population of the survey included 4691 farmers of Hirmand region and the sample size were 117 farmers who had received loan from agricultural bank at least once during 2006-2011. The Sample was selected using simple random sampling and questionnaires were distributed among them. The results from t-Test showed that significant level for income manufacturing variants was 0.000 and for investment and livelihood variants were 0.014 and 0.077, respectively. This significantly levels suggest that received loan from bank has increased income and production, the living conditions of borrowers, economic profitability and increased productivity. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
112 - Identifying Indicators of Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture in Paddy Fields of Guilan Province
Ali Mohammadi Torkashvand Mohammad Sadegh Allahyari Zahra Daghighi MasulehIn recent years, agriculture has become the prime polluter of natural resources. It is therefore essential to make assessments based on reliable indicators to ensure that an agricultural system remains not only productive, but also ecologically sound. A large area of ar MoreIn recent years, agriculture has become the prime polluter of natural resources. It is therefore essential to make assessments based on reliable indicators to ensure that an agricultural system remains not only productive, but also ecologically sound. A large area of arable land in Guilan province is devoted to rice cultivation so the transition to environmentally sound agricultural practice in paddy fields of the province is an important strategy. The main purpose of this study was to present a new and comprehensive framework for assessing environmentally sound agricultural practice applicable to the paddy fields in Guilan Province. A review of the relevant literature identified environmentally sound indicators that had been used by researchers in recent years. Then some parameters were introduced for examination and prioritization. The proposed structural model includes seven factors and 21 indicators. The target population included university faculty members and researchers who were familiar with the concepts of agricultural sustainability and that were familiar with the Guilan paddy fields. A structural on-line questionnaire was the main instrument used to gather information. Based on experts’ points of view, the coefficient of significance for each of the selected indicators was measured using the Yager fuzzy screening method. The results obtained from structured questionnaires showed that 20 of the 21 indicators were appropriate for assessing environmentally sustainable agriculture. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
113 - Impacts of Drought on Socio-Economic Conditions of Paddy Farmers in Guilan Province, North of Iran
Hamid Devisti Mohamad Karim MoetamedThe purpose of this study was to survey impacts of drought on Socio-economic conditions of Guilan Paddy farmers. Besides recognizing these impacts, it ranked them according to the viewpoint of the Paddy farmers. It was of the descriptive- correlation type. Questionnaire MoreThe purpose of this study was to survey impacts of drought on Socio-economic conditions of Guilan Paddy farmers. Besides recognizing these impacts, it ranked them according to the viewpoint of the Paddy farmers. It was of the descriptive- correlation type. Questionnaire was the main tool of this study. To determine the validity of questionnaire used of comments of panel experts and reliability of the questionnaire by using of Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 89%. The information gathered by using the survey method. The statistical population was the farmers whom their basic career was production of rice and according to the information of Agricultural Organization (Jihad-e-Keshavarzi) in 2009 was caught by drought. By using the proportional stratified sample method, 270 of these individuals were chosen and filled in the questionnaires. In order to determine the scale of drought impacts, year 2008 (a year which paddy farmers had ensured water reservoir) compared to year 2009 (a year which paddy farmers were caught by drought and water shortage). The results indicated that drought caused decrease in white-rice production for 312 kg per hectare. This problem also caused increase in costs, decrease in income, decrease in saved money, and increase in anxiety, mental problems etc on Guilan paddy farmers. Other findings indicated that there hasn't been statistically significant relationship between age and farming experience of paddy farmers with the amount of damage. But, there was statistically significant relationship between literacy, type of water resource and taking extension advices with amount of damage. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
114 - Affective Factors in the Wheat Farmers’ Adoption of Farming Methods of Soil Management in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran
Soleiman Rasouliazar Saeid FealySoil Management (SM) is critical to human well-being that it is more important now because of meeting the high demands for food production and satisfying the needs of an increasing world population. Therefore, the purpose of this descriptivecorrelation study was to inve MoreSoil Management (SM) is critical to human well-being that it is more important now because of meeting the high demands for food production and satisfying the needs of an increasing world population. Therefore, the purpose of this descriptivecorrelation study was to investigate the effective factors on wheat farmers’ adoption of Farming Methods of Soil Management (FMSM). The research instrument was a structural questionnaire with close-ended questions, which its validity and reliability was confirmed. The target population included all wheat farmers in West Azerbaijan Province (N=24949) that among of them, 371 wheat farmers was chosen by using Krejcie & Morgan’s table through multi-stage sampling (n=371). The descriptive results showed the majority of farmers (237 or 63.90%) had moderate adoption of FMSM. These results also indicated farmers used three FMSM namely 1) using crop rotation, 2) using animal fertilizers, and 3) using soil testing more than others did. On the other hands, there were significant relationships between some of personal, farming, social, economic, and extension-education characteristics of farmers and the amount of their adoption of FMSM. Finally, stepwise regression analysis revealed that 35.30% (R2=0.353) of the variances in the amount of farmers' adoption of FMSM could be explained by the five variables namely farm size, knowledge about FMSM, the amount of extension contacts about FMSM, distance between farm and agricultural service centers, and the amount of attitude toward FMSM. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
115 - Forecasting Milled Rice Production in Ghana Using Box-Jenkins Approach
Nasiru Suleman Solomon SarpongThe increasing demand for rice in Ghana has been a major concern to the government and other stakeholders. Recent concerns by the coalition for African Rice Development (CARD) to double rice production within ten years in Sub-Saharan countries have triggered the to impl MoreThe increasing demand for rice in Ghana has been a major concern to the government and other stakeholders. Recent concerns by the coalition for African Rice Development (CARD) to double rice production within ten years in Sub-Saharan countries have triggered the to implement strategies to boost rice production in the government. To fulfill this requirement, there is a need to monitor and forecast trends of rice production in the country. This study employs the Box-Jenkins approach to model milled rice production using time series data from 1960 to 2010. The analysis revealed that ARIMA (2, 1, 0) was the best model for forecasting milled rice production. Although, a ten years forecast with the model shows an increasing trend in production, the forecast value at 2015 (283.16 thousand metric tons) was not good enough to compare with the current production of Nigeria (2700 thousand metric tons), the leading producer of rice of rice in West Africa. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
116 - Perceptions of Secondary School Students towards Natural Resources Management: Case Study of Participants in FoF and Non-Participants
Michael G. Kanyi Tom Vandenbosch Fredrick U. Ngesa Joash K. KibettIntegrating natural resources management in the secondary school curriculum in Kenya has received a lot of talk without adequate practical activities. The Farmers of the Future Programme under the World Agroforestry Centre, formally the International Centre for Research MoreIntegrating natural resources management in the secondary school curriculum in Kenya has received a lot of talk without adequate practical activities. The Farmers of the Future Programme under the World Agroforestry Centre, formally the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF), initiated a practical approach to integration of natural resources management in the secondary school curriculum in Kenya. This paper provides information on significant findings of a study that was carried out to determine the potential of FoF in integrating natural resources management into the secondary school curriculum in Kenya. A comparison between secondary school students who are involved in FoF programme and those not involved was done to determine their perceptions towards natural resources management. Further, comparison of perceptions by gender among learners who are involved in the FoF initiative was done. The study employed an ex-post-facto design in data collection using questionnaires. Questionnaires and were analysed using t-test at alpha=0.05. The findings indicated that the FoF programme had a significant influence on learners’ perceptions towards natural resources management. It was therefore concluded that FoF programme enhanced positive perceptions towards natural resources management among learners. On the basis of the findings, it was recommended that the FoF programme be expanded to cover more schools. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
117 - Effect of Access to Health Facilities on the Health Status of Rural Households at Kermanshah Province (Case Study: Bisotoun District)
Zahra Korani Fateme Pourghasem Tahereh EmamiThe main purpose of this study was to investigate effect of access to health facilities on the health status of rural households at Kermanshah Province. Statistical pupation of this study consisted of all heads of rural households at Bisotoun district in Harsin Township MoreThe main purpose of this study was to investigate effect of access to health facilities on the health status of rural households at Kermanshah Province. Statistical pupation of this study consisted of all heads of rural households at Bisotoun district in Harsin Township, Kermanshah Province, Iran (N=1020), that 278 of them were selected by the cluster random sampling method. The main instrument of this study was a questionnaire which its validity confirmed by a panel of experts and its reliability was calculated by Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The results showed that the health status of rural households was medium at the given district. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that 36% of the dependent variable (health status) is explained by five following variables: level of water availability, level of sewer system availability, and level of access to health services (e.g. toilet, bath, health home, etc.), access to resources and communication and information channels and the level of waste disposal system availability. The results of this study can be considered by authorities and politicians so that they can pay more attention to the rural health issues. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
118 - Analysis of Rice Import Trend and It's Economic Factors: Case of Iran
Zabiholah GholamiRice comes second after wheat in Iran`s food consumption economy. However Iran is one of the greatest rice importer countries all over the world because of its rising population and recent growth in GDP. This paper presents an analysis of cointegration test between rice MoreRice comes second after wheat in Iran`s food consumption economy. However Iran is one of the greatest rice importer countries all over the world because of its rising population and recent growth in GDP. This paper presents an analysis of cointegration test between rice import and it`s economic factors over the period 1990-2011, employing Engle-Granger model. At first, Dickey-Fuller test shows that all variables are non-stationary at data level, so their first differences (that are stationary series) are used. Secondly, Engle-Granger testing presents existence of a long-run relationship between rice import and it`s economic factors including per capita GDP, foreign exchange rate and domestic price. At last, rice import model was estimated using OLS method which proves that all independent variables are significant at high level and the sign of coefficients are consistent with theoretical expectations So that import of rice positively correlates with Per capita GDP, domestic price and negatively correlates with freight exchange rate. With respect to increasing demand for rice, government should keep domestic policies for the rise of rice production so that the need for import falls in the long-run. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
119 - Effective Factors on Application of Sustainable Agricultural Practices by Paddy Farmers (Case of Rural Production Cooperatives Members)
Amir AhmadpourOne of the central duties of rural production cooperatives is to promote the adoption and application of sustainable agricultural practices by farmers, which hinges on several factors. Therefore, the study intends to evaluate the factors influencing the application of s MoreOne of the central duties of rural production cooperatives is to promote the adoption and application of sustainable agricultural practices by farmers, which hinges on several factors. Therefore, the study intends to evaluate the factors influencing the application of sustainable agricultural practices by paddy farmers. The research population included from all includes all paddy farmers as members of the production cooperatives in rural areas of Sari County, Iran (N=4160). A total of 162 farmers were selected through stratified sampling technique. The data was gathered through questionnaires, that its face validity was verified by a panel of experts, and its reliability was obtained through a pilot test (Alpha Cronbach coefficient, 0.93). The results showed that the application of sustainable agricultural practices was generally good. Moreover, the findings showed that there was a positive and significant relationship between the age, using information sources, family members, cultivating area, production amount, social status, access to inputs, participating in extension training courses and economic factors with the application of sustainable agricultural practices. The stepwise linear regression analysis results showed that the variables of cultivating area/hectare, economic facilities, participating in extension training courses and age can determine 61.8% variation of the application of sustainable agricultural practices by paddy farmers as members of rural production cooperatives. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
120 - Iranian Agricultural Academic Staff’s Organizational Culture and their Psychological Empowerment
Ehsan Gholifar Hesamedin Gholami Mehrdad PouyaFaculties’ empowerment is one of the effective tools for increasing productivity and optimum use of their individual and group abilities and capacities to reach organizational goals. Organizational culture is the main component of decision making in universities a MoreFaculties’ empowerment is one of the effective tools for increasing productivity and optimum use of their individual and group abilities and capacities to reach organizational goals. Organizational culture is the main component of decision making in universities and one of the requirements of psychological empowerment (i.e. meaning, competence, self-determination, trust, impact). Given the importance of these two variables and their possible relations; and as the main purpose of this study, the supposed correlation between Iran agricultural colleges’ faculties’ psychological empowerment and their organizational culture was investigated. So this descriptive correlation study surveyed agricultural faculties to measure their psychological empowerment and also organizational culture in their colleges. A multi-stage random Sampling approach was implemented. The national sample consisted of 404 faculty members. Factor analysis determined three components of organizational culture (i.e. team-orientations, empowerment and capability development). All components of psychological empowerment were significantly and positively correlated with team-orientations and empowerment while the capability development was only significantly correlated with trust. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
121 - Perception of Shea Nut Tree as an Economic Tree among Farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria
Rasheed Gbolagade AdeolaThe importance of shea tree to the people of south-western Nigeria cannot be over emphasized considering both the economic and environmental uses of the tree. However, efforts have not been made to propagate its production by the farmers as the shea tree still grows in MoreThe importance of shea tree to the people of south-western Nigeria cannot be over emphasized considering both the economic and environmental uses of the tree. However, efforts have not been made to propagate its production by the farmers as the shea tree still grows in the wild state. It would be worthwhile to investigate farmers’ perception of shea nut tree as an economic tree and their attitudes toward the conservation measures needed to prevent its extinction. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 160 farmers for the study. A structured interview schedule was used to collect data from the respondents. Descriptive statistics of means and percentages were used to describe the data while correlation coefficients were employed to determine the relationships that exist between farmers’ perception and their socio- economics characteristics. A larger percentage of the farmers claimed the awareness of the potential products of shea nut trees. Majority (90.6%) of the respondents perceived shea tree as an economic tree and indicated that it provides income for women and children that gather the fruits. Most of the farmers had favourable attitude toward shea nut tree as an economic tree. Land ownership status (r=0.536), age (r=0.875), education (r=0.725), farming experience (r=0.508), household size (r=-0.817) and farm size (r=-0.673) had significant influence on the perception of farmers. The study therefore recommends that the extension agencies should play significant role in educating the farmers on the importance of conserving the trees to sustain its economic benefits. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
122 - Economic Analysis of Water Demand in Greenhouses of Khash Township
Javad Shahraki Neda AliAhmadiThe main goal of this study was to investigate the way of affecting of water in production of cucumber. From aspect of econometrics, mutual relationships of production function and expenses have been analyzed in which Translog cost function has been used. This function MoreThe main goal of this study was to investigate the way of affecting of water in production of cucumber. From aspect of econometrics, mutual relationships of production function and expenses have been analyzed in which Translog cost function has been used. This function has been estimated using the conditional input demand functions, the shefard theorem, chemical fertilizer, animal fertilizer, labour force, seed, and pesticide in the framework of a system of equations by taking advantage of the irrelevant regression method. Applied inputs is for 151 cucumber Beneficiaries in Khash in farming year of 2011-12 that insider and crossing tendency of input demand for this product has been investigated through collecting questionnaires and using obtained coefficients. The results show that the translog cost model is a good fit compared to the data of research. According to the reviews, demand for water has a minor Insider- succession tendency more than one which shows possible stretch of demand function rather than the price of the inputs. Hence, appropriate pricing policies can be used to take a positive step in preventing the extreme usage of this input and directing beneficiaries for optimum use of these inputs. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
123 - Intensification of Rice Production Systems in Southeastern Nigeria: A Policy Analysis Matrix Approach
Albert I. Ugochukwu Chuma I. EzedinmaThe Nigerian rice sector has made remarkable improvement in the last decade as production has increased significantly thereby reducing the gap between domestic supply and demand. In the last three decades, rice imports make up greater proportion of Nigerian imports as r MoreThe Nigerian rice sector has made remarkable improvement in the last decade as production has increased significantly thereby reducing the gap between domestic supply and demand. In the last three decades, rice imports make up greater proportion of Nigerian imports as rice forms a structural component of the Nigerian diet. Past government inconsistent policies were not successful in securing good market share for domestic rice producers, hence producers suffered great losses. The recent resurgence of interest by the present administration to intensify domestic rice production has yielded positive results. The objective of this study is to analyze and assess the costs and benefits of intensification of rice production systems in southeastern Nigeria using a policy analysis matrix approach. Multi Stage sampling technique was employed in selecting 75 upland and 75 lowland rice farmers who were interviewed with structured and validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM). The result shows that upland; lowland and double rice cropping systems in southeastern Nigeria are profitable based on the policy analysis matrix (PAM) model, and rice production under various systems and technologies is socially profitable and financially competitive. While there exist comparative advantage in the various production systems, with lowland and double cropping being highest, substantial tax was imposed on rice imports in Nigeria and government investment in intensifying rice production had a positive impact on the output of local rice production. The study concludes with strategies for the development of rice sub sector in Nigeria. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
124 - Analysis of Factors Affecting Adoption and Application of Sprinkler Irrigation by Farmers in Famenin County, Iran
Hassan Afrakhteh Maryam Armand Fatemeh Askari BozayehDue to its location in the dry belt, the vast country of Iran has always been faced with the problem of water shortages. In such a climate one should take measures to increase the productivity and improve the efficiency of irrigation through expansion of water-conservin MoreDue to its location in the dry belt, the vast country of Iran has always been faced with the problem of water shortages. In such a climate one should take measures to increase the productivity and improve the efficiency of irrigation through expansion of water-conserving technology in the agricultural sector, as this is the largest and most important consumer of water. Therefore this study aimed at investigating factors affecting the adoption and application of sprinkler irrigation technology by farmers in the county of Famenin, Iran. Survey research was the dominant approach. The statistical population consisted of farmers in the Famenin County, and, using Cochran’s formula, 280 of them were selected through multi-stage stratified random-sampling equally among adopters and non-adopters. In order to assess the validity of the questionnaire the opinions of experts were used and to measure the reliability of the questionnaire Cronbach’s alpha statistic was used (82%). The results showed the adoption of sprinkler irrigation systems to be influenced by environmental factors such as the area under cultivation, access to water, water quality, and non-environmental factors such as the workforce number in the family, employment diversity, and participation in extension education and courses on agricultural water management. Ultimately the logit model is estimated in this paper. Adopters have also expressed reasons such as failure to adequately train farmers for maintenance after system installation, scientific and practical justifications, lack of availability of efficient repairs, inappropriate design and implementation by companies, low-quality components and fittings, clogging of sprinklers due to salty water, non-compliance with environmental conditions, difficulty using machines, the large area occupied by these systems, transportation, parts shortage, lack of security and the possibility of the theft of parts and fittings, and communal ownership of water resources as their dissatisfaction factors. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
125 - The Analysis of the Effects of Domestic and Foreign Investment in R&D on Agricultural TFP in Iran
Ali BagherzadehNowadays, agricultural R&D provides new and developed technologies to create modern agricultural producing methods. During recent years, improving agricultural productivity is affected by not only domestic R&D investments but also foreign countries R&D inves MoreNowadays, agricultural R&D provides new and developed technologies to create modern agricultural producing methods. During recent years, improving agricultural productivity is affected by not only domestic R&D investments but also foreign countries R&D investments. Nowadays, according to new growth models, R&D is the base of productivity. Recent economic theories consider agricultural research and it's spill overs as important factors for technological change and economic growth. This paper investigates the amount of agricultural total factor productivity in Iran and analyzes the relationship between TFP, domestic agricultural research, and foreign agricultural R&D during 1979–2008. In this study Iran's partners are 20 Asian, European and South American countries. The Solow residual index approach is applied for the measurement of total factor productivity in agricultural sector of Iran. ARDL model involving different lag length specifications were estimated taking TFP as a dependent variable. The results indicate that agricultural researches (both domestic and foreign R&D) have positive and significant impact on agricultural TFP. But the impact of foreign R&D on agricultural productivity is stronger than the effect of domestic R&D. According to gained results considerable portion of national product should be allocated to R&D costs and research budget of agricultural sector should be increased to standard level. Also government should pay attention to its partner countries because agricultural R&D spillover of developed countries is more than developing countries. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
126 - The Relationship between Organizational Culture and Knowledge Management in Hamedan's Jihad- Agriculture Applied-Scientific (HJAAS) Higher Education Center
Mohammad Reza Rouniasi Reza MovahediThe main purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between organizational culture and knowledge management in Hamedan's Jihad- Agriculture Applied-Scientific higher education center (HJAAS). Denison's Organizational Culture Model and the Building Blocks MoreThe main purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between organizational culture and knowledge management in Hamedan's Jihad- Agriculture Applied-Scientific higher education center (HJAAS). Denison's Organizational Culture Model and the Building Blocks of Knowledge Management Model were used for finding this relationship. A descriptive correlative methodology was used. The statistical population of the study consisted of 80 teachers in HJAAS with at least four years experiences until 2010-2011 academic years. A number of 65 teachers were selected randomly based on the Cochran formula. Data gathering tool for measuring organizational culture was Denison's standard questionnaire and for measuring knowledge management a new questionnaire was developed. Cronbach's Alpha test showed a reliability of 0.89 for organizational culture questions and 0.83 for knowledge management questions. The results showed mission culture as the highest and adaptability culture as the lowest dimensions. Among the knowledge management factors, the highest rank belonged to knowledge identification and knowledge goal and the lowest was knowledge measurement. Results on one hand showed a strong relationship between either mission culture and knowledge goal, or, adaptability culture and knowledge development in the higher education center of HJAAS, on the other hand a weak relationship between involvement culture and knowledge measurement. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
127 - Ranking and Level of Development According to the Agricultural Indices, Case Study: Sistan Region
Ali Sardar Shahraki Javad Shahraki Seyed Arman Hashemi MonfaredSistan region is one of the most important agricultural areas in the province of Sistan and Baluchistan. Therefore, given the heterogeneity in agriculture and recognizing these differences, the aim of this study was to obtain the level of development of agriculture in t MoreSistan region is one of the most important agricultural areas in the province of Sistan and Baluchistan. Therefore, given the heterogeneity in agriculture and recognizing these differences, the aim of this study was to obtain the level of development of agriculture in the Sistan region. To obtain this purpose two Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and the numerical taxonomy was used in a view of 20 indicators in the agricultural sector in the region. The required data was achieved by filling out the questionnaire certified experts and statistical yearbooks in the agricultural sector. Data analysis was used by Matlab and SPSS software. Results of numerical taxonomy showed that Markazi, Shibab and Poshteab sectors component parts were less developed. Also, Jazinak and Miyankangi are in the category sections were undeveloped. The results of Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) model indicated that Markazi, Shibab and Poshteab sectors are in the first rank of development, in terms of agricultural indices in the region. Jazinak and Miyankangi are in the fourth and fifth ranking. Therefore, in general, it is clear that the level of development of agricultural in Sistan region isn’t in good condition. In this regard itis suggested that appropriate planning to promote agricultural development is on the agenda should be applied. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
128 - Investigation of the Factors Hindering and Promoting Tourism Evidences from Villages of Abyaneh Village
Hoda Manafian Zhila Daneshvar Ameri Saba Salehi EsfahaniRural tourism, a dynamic industry with a promising future, can play a key role in economic improvement of talented countries such as Iran. Abyaneh village is one of the best-known villages in both Iran and the world. The number of annual visitors of this ancient village MoreRural tourism, a dynamic industry with a promising future, can play a key role in economic improvement of talented countries such as Iran. Abyaneh village is one of the best-known villages in both Iran and the world. The number of annual visitors of this ancient village is approximately 550,000 that is a considerable number. Within a short radius of Abyaneh there are five villages (Barz, Tare, Komjan, Yarand, Hanjan) with a lot of potentials to develop rural tourism. But only 20% of tourists of Abyaneh population consider the surrounding villages as a separate destination. The large number of tourists visiting Abyaneh village provides opportunity for managing rural tourism in this area is to attract tourists to the surrounding villages around Abyaneh. In the present study, the hindering and promoting factors of fostering tourism in these villages have been compared by both the surrounded villagers' and locals' of Abyaneh village. To this end, 222 questionnaires were distributed among the individuals and the means were compared using Mann-Whitney test. The most important unfavorable factor, from the surrounded villagers' point of view, is lack of enough advertising and marketing and from the locals of Abyaneh village points of view, is the shortage of attractions, compared with attractions of Abyaneh. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
129 - Entrepreneurial Properties and Tendency of Agricultural Advisory Personnel
Ahmad Yaghoubi Farani Mehrdad Pouya Masoud Samian Adel Esmaeeli Salumahaleh Khalil MirzaeiThe main purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of entrepreneurial characteristics of members of technical and engineering companies and agricultural advisory services on their willingness toward entrepreneurial activities. Entrepreneurship development play MoreThe main purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of entrepreneurial characteristics of members of technical and engineering companies and agricultural advisory services on their willingness toward entrepreneurial activities. Entrepreneurship development plays an important role in job creation process which can eventually lead to the achievement of sustainable development goals in agriculture. In Iran, a kind of rural advisory services named technical engineering companies and agricultural advisory services are legally accountable for agricultural extension and rural development issues. A survey methodology was utilized to collect data by using a questionnaire interview. The Target population of the study were all agricultural advisory personnel (N=50) currently working in Hamedan and Malayer townships. Results showed that there was no significant relationship between age, gender, educational level, and work experience of participants with their entrepreneurial tendency. However, self-confidence, work courage, teamwork spirit, motivation and creativity, competitiveness, self-help, law abiding character, risk-taking and job interest significantly affected the entrepreneurial tendency of participants. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
130 - Determination of target Exchange Rate for the Comparative Advantage of Iran Crops (A Case of Sari Township)
Mohammad Reza Pakravan Mohammad Kavoosi KalashamiIn this paper, the value of exchange rate was calculated in order to determine comparative advantage in crops of Sari Township during 2009-2010. Hence, first, comparative advantage indices are estimated by using a policy analysis matrix. The results showed that just whe MoreIn this paper, the value of exchange rate was calculated in order to determine comparative advantage in crops of Sari Township during 2009-2010. Hence, first, comparative advantage indices are estimated by using a policy analysis matrix. The results showed that just wheat has a DRC index of one in the minimum amount of national currency exchange rate value. This indicated the fact that only wheat, compared to Rice, Soybean, Canola and Barley in this region, can compete with global markets and had a social profitable production system. Therefore, it is recommended that executive policies, which make competitive ability in wheat, should also be applied for other products. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
131 - On Different Characteristics of Iranian Farmer Women in Rural Development Activities Based on Animal Husbandry
حسین بیورانی سیمین ناصریRural women play a significant role in domestic and socio-economic life of the society so that national development is not possible without developing this important and substantial segment of our society. Given the importance of women in agriculture, this study was con MoreRural women play a significant role in domestic and socio-economic life of the society so that national development is not possible without developing this important and substantial segment of our society. Given the importance of women in agriculture, this study was conducted to examine the role of Iranian women in the farm management decision-making processed concerning animal husbandry. The sample of the study comprised 200 farm women, who were recruited by the help of the proportionate stratified sampling technique. Data were collected in East Azerbaijan in the Northwest of Iran. Women’s contribution to agriculture is thus fundamental for the socio-economic development of rural areas. They are extensively involved in agriculture as female farm heads, co-owners, family farm workers, and also employees. In order to find out the relationship between different characteristics of rural women and participation in animal husbandry, the GLM multivariate method was employed as a robust statistical method. As the final results showed, women age, family size, level of aspiration, extension contact, perceived role overloads, and inter-spouse communication correlated highly with work participation in animal husbandry. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
132 - Bank Credits and Investment Growth of Agricultural Sector in Iran
Mehdi Shabanzadeh Reza Esfanjari Kenari Parinaz Jansouz Mohammad Kavoosi KalashamiThis study were examined relationship between bank credits and investment growth of agricultural sector in Iran during the period of 1982-2011 by auto regressive distribution lag bounds test approach. Basically, the growth investing of the agricultural sector in Iran is MoreThis study were examined relationship between bank credits and investment growth of agricultural sector in Iran during the period of 1982-2011 by auto regressive distribution lag bounds test approach. Basically, the growth investing of the agricultural sector in Iran is related to oil revenues, bank credits, value added of agriculture sector and capital stock. The results confirm the existence of a long-run relationship between variables in model. In addition, according to the results, bank credit is the most significant variable in explaining the growth investing, so that increases access to it will encourage growth investment of the agricultural sector in Iran. The estimations show that elasticity of bank credits, oil revenues, stock investment and value added are 0.103, 0.015, 0.049 and -0.058 in the agricultural sector respectively. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
133 - Related to Agricultural Research, Distribution of Income and Agricultural Value Added
Zeinab MoinoddiniAgricultural Research is one of the most important factors in agricultural development, thus, the role and importance of research is increasing. Within the past years, all developed and consequently developing countries have engaged their most attention to promote their MoreAgricultural Research is one of the most important factors in agricultural development, thus, the role and importance of research is increasing. Within the past years, all developed and consequently developing countries have engaged their most attention to promote their researches indexes. This study is investigating the effect of agricultural research on the distribution of income and agricultural value added in Iran, during the period of 1976 - 2012. Three SLS methods were used to determine the income distribution functions, value added and per capita income. The results showed that agricultural researches were effective on improvement of agricultural value added. The results also express that continuance in agricultural researches can increase per capita income and less inequality of income distribution. Effect of agricultural value added on inequality of income distribution was low but though increase in agricultural value added and decrease it. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
134 - Investigation of East Azerbaijan Researchers and Extension Agents’ View about the Role of Extension Services on Agricultural Development
Javad Mahmoodi KaramjavanThe purpose of this study was investigation of East Azerbaijan researchers and extension agents’ view about the role of extension services on agricultural development. The methodology was descriptive-correlation which is carried out by survey method. In this study MoreThe purpose of this study was investigation of East Azerbaijan researchers and extension agents’ view about the role of extension services on agricultural development. The methodology was descriptive-correlation which is carried out by survey method. In this study, the sample population was 335 people including all researchers and extension agents working in the agricultural sector. To assess the reliability of the questionnaire, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used and level over 0.75 for all sections of the questionnaire was measured. Its validity was established asking for the help from the technical experts. Results showed that the agricultural extension is an undeniable necessity in the agricultural development the effects of which has been positive and significant in the major variables of the agricultural development. The shortcomings are not due to the nature of extension rather they are because of improper execution, lack of support and similar reasons. The reduction of pest damage, improvement of the social status, contribution to boost handicrafts, acceptance of product insurance, recommendations for land leveling, creation of sale cooperation, awareness raising of the market, use of modern irrigation methods and several factors else was those extension role factors that the respondents agreed upon. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
135 - Assessment of Land Management Practices in Food Crops Production among Small Scale Farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria
Abdulazeez Muhammad-Lawal Omotesho Kemi Funmi Adekola Olabisi Fatimat Adekunle DayoThe study carried out an assessment of agricultural land management practices in food crops production among small scale farmers in Kwara Sate, Nigeria. Specifically, the study determined the socio economic characteristics of crop farmers in Kwara State; ascertained the MoreThe study carried out an assessment of agricultural land management practices in food crops production among small scale farmers in Kwara Sate, Nigeria. Specifically, the study determined the socio economic characteristics of crop farmers in Kwara State; ascertained the cropping patterns common among them; highlighted the soil conservation methods adopted by the farmers; examined the relationship between selected socio-economic characteristics of the farmers and their adoption of major agricultural land management practices; and investigated the constraints to adoption of sustainable agricultural practices among crop farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria A three stage random sampling technique was used in selecting a total of one hundred and forty four small scale food crops farmers. Descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression model and four point Likert-type scale were used to analyse the data for the study. The study revealed that food crops production in Kwara State is dominated by middle aged men who are poorly educated and have poor access to agricultural extension services. Half of the respondents (48.60%) adopted cereal-based cropping systems. 48.6% of the farmers adopted a minimum of three management practices. Crop rotation was mostly adopted by all the farmers while irrigation was the least adopted by only 29.3% of the respondents. Furthermore, the study revealed that farm size, age, education status, number of contacts with extension agents, household size and number of farm plots of the respondents were the significant factors affecting their adoption of land management practices. The study also revealed that the major constraints to the use of sustainable crop management practices among the farmers included inadequate supply of fertilizer, inadequacy of labour and credit, poor knowledge of improved agricultural practices, poor transportation, low produce prices and high cost of production. The study recommended the need for training programme on the use of appropriate sustainable practices that will take into account the cropping systems adopted by the farmers. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
136 - Assessment of Fish Biodiversity in Oni River, Ogun State, Nigeria
Obe Bernardine Wuraola Jenyo-Oni AdetolaFor the purpose of sustainable exploitation of the fishery resources of Oni River, Ogun State, Nigeria, the fish biodiversity assessment was carried out. This was conducted by enumerating and identifying fish species composition, measuring the fish length, fish weight, MoreFor the purpose of sustainable exploitation of the fishery resources of Oni River, Ogun State, Nigeria, the fish biodiversity assessment was carried out. This was conducted by enumerating and identifying fish species composition, measuring the fish length, fish weight, assessing the fish abundance and biomass, determining the length-weight relationships and the length-frequency of the fishes. Altogether, 592 fishes were sampled comprising twenty-eight (28) species belonging to sixteen (16) families. The families identified included: Cichlidae, Mormyridae, Clariidae, Channidae, Malapteruridae, Gymnarchidae, Bagridae, Mochokidae, Polypteridae, Pantodontidae, Schilbeidae, Anabantidae, Osteoglossidae, Characidae, Notopteridae and Distichodontidae. The family Mormyridae was the most abundant with 163 members followed by Cichlidae with 161 members. The least represented family was Schilbeidae with only two (2) members. On the species level, Tilapia zillii had the greatest number of representation with seventy (70) members, followed by Oreochromis niloticus with fifty-eight (58) members. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
137 - The Sustainability Practices among Dairy Farmers: The Case of Johor
Zainab Mohd Karim Nalini Arumugam Boniface BonaventureSustainability concept in agriculture is becoming widespread throughout industries in many fields even in crop production, livestock production and etc. Sustainable in agriculture is believed can give present and future good benefit to the farmers and society. However, MoreSustainability concept in agriculture is becoming widespread throughout industries in many fields even in crop production, livestock production and etc. Sustainable in agriculture is believed can give present and future good benefit to the farmers and society. However, in dairy sector in Malaysia, the sustainability concepts and practices seems not fully aware by the farmers which result in low self- sufficiency level in milk production. The self-sufficiency level in Malaysia is merely 6% and this lead to the urgency of importing more milk from other countries such as Australia, Holland and others. This study attempts to describe the descriptive thoughts on sustainability among Malaysian dairy farmers as well as describing the socio economic characteristics of the dairy farmers which will be the indicator of adoption of sustainability practices among dairy farmers. The preliminary data was collected using questionnaires through conducting face to face interviews with 50 dairy farmers from Johor. The Likert-type scale was employed to determine the practices that adopted by the dairy farmers. The gathered data was analysed using SPSS. The findings indicated that the dairy farmers had a higher understanding about the farm sustainability aspect which gives the highest mean score of 4.41. The second highest mean score is the ecological aspect which is about 4.13. The mean score for economic aspect shows the mean score about 4.00. The social aspect of sustainability revealed the lowest mean score which was about 3.46. The results indicated that the farmers favour sustainable practice is farm sustainability system. Sustainability in dairy farming sector in Malaysia can be achieved if the three element of sustainability which is environmental, economic and social aspect were implemented and adopted in this sector. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
138 - Irrigation Water Pricing in Iran: The Gap between Theory and Practice
Morteza Tahamipour Mohammad Kavoosi Kalashami Amirhossein ChizariPricing policies play an important role in water demand management and its optimal allocation. Determining proper water price leads to optimal allocation of water especially in agricultural consumptions. Applying new subsidy targeting law in Iran which insists on pricin MorePricing policies play an important role in water demand management and its optimal allocation. Determining proper water price leads to optimal allocation of water especially in agricultural consumptions. Applying new subsidy targeting law in Iran which insists on pricing water based on its supply cost, will effects considerably on water resource management in agriculture sector. So, in this study, different Irrigation water pricing methods is investigated and proper irrigation water price is determined using survey data for 2010-2011 farming year in Golestan Province of Iran. At the first step using econometric approach, economic value of irrigation water in different agriculture crops is determined that shows demand side price for water. Then, supply cost of surface and ground water is calculated using accounting approach which shows supply side price for irrigation water. Finally, economic value and supply cost of irrigation water compared and different water pricing methods is evaluated. Results indicated that, weighted average of economic value and supply costs of irrigation water in Golestan province were 1795 and 1399 IRR per cubic meter, respectively. So, improvement of water demand and supply management could be achieved using price policies. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
139 - Relationship between Meta-Technology Ratios and Varietal Differences in Date Production (Case Study of Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran)
Shahram Saeedian Mahmoud Sabouhi Sabouni Javad Shahraki Ebrahim Moradi Mohammad SepahiThis paper uses the concept of Meta-frontier to investigate the relationship between Meta Technology Ratios (MTR) and different varieties in datepalms including; Mazafati, Rabi and Zardan that are produced widely in Sistan and Baluchestan province of Iran. We used a str MoreThis paper uses the concept of Meta-frontier to investigate the relationship between Meta Technology Ratios (MTR) and different varieties in datepalms including; Mazafati, Rabi and Zardan that are produced widely in Sistan and Baluchestan province of Iran. We used a stratified sampling of 300 date farmers of this province in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and estimated a stochastic production frontier using pooled data. Then, stochastic production frontiers were estimated for each variety, separately. At the end, the meta-frontier parameters were obtained to estimate the Meta technology ratio. Results showed that the estimated mean values of technical efficiency for the pooled frontier, variety group frontiers and Meta frontier across all data were 0.558, 0.543 and 0.0014, respectively. The value of Meta technology ratio was 0.407 for Mazafati variety, 0.432 and 0.507 for Rabi and Zardan varieties respectively. Mazafati had the lowest MTR while, Zardan and Rabi varieties are more closed together. Surprisingly, Mazafati had the lowest technical efficiency with respect to group frontier and Metafrontier. The estimated average technical efficiencies with respect to group frontiers for Mazafati, Zardan and Rabi are: 0.518, 0.520 and 0.592, respectively, while Mazafati is kind of date which is the most exported variety. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
140 - The Effects of Non-Farm Business in Rural Sustainable Development: A Case Study in Sanandaj's Rural Areas, Kurdistan
Reza Movahedi Hadi Fathi Somaye Latifi LatifiRural economy has an important role in rural sustainable development in every region or country. However, the rural economy in Iran is too much depending on agriculture and development of other rural economy in particular nonfarm activities, has been neglected by Irania MoreRural economy has an important role in rural sustainable development in every region or country. However, the rural economy in Iran is too much depending on agriculture and development of other rural economy in particular nonfarm activities, has been neglected by Iranian rural communities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the role of non-farm business on rural sustainable development in Sanandaj Township. This study was a type of surveying research and employed both questionnaire and interview tools. A four-part questionnaire (with 48 questions) was developed in order to collect data from the respondents. Likert-type responses with five scales were used to assess different sections of the questionnaires. The questionnaires’ reliability was tested by Cronbach’s Alpha technique and it was 76% (a=0.76). A number of 279 families, 181 families with and 98 without non-farm business were selected randomly in 2011. Results of the study showed that non-farm business can contribute to employment growth, income generating, and prevent seasonal and permanent migration from rural areas. Based on the results, non-farm business and non-farm industries need to be strongly invested by financial facilities through rural cooperatives and unions. Additionally, encouraging rural participation is essential in non-farms and industrial activities. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
141 - Comparative Analysis of Economic Efficiency between Low and High External Input Technology Agriculture in a Harsh Macroeconomic Environment of Imo State, Nigeria
S.O. AnyanwuThe study compared economic efficiency among smallholder farmers who practiced low external input technology [LEIT] and high external input technology [HEIT] agriculture in a harsh macroeconomic environment typified by inadequate fertilizer subsidy in Imo State, Nigeria MoreThe study compared economic efficiency among smallholder farmers who practiced low external input technology [LEIT] and high external input technology [HEIT] agriculture in a harsh macroeconomic environment typified by inadequate fertilizer subsidy in Imo State, Nigeria. Cross sectional data generated from 160 smallholder farmers randomly selected from 2 out of the 3 agricultural zones in Imo State were used. Profit function was used in analyzing the data. Results showed that the LEIT farmers achieved higher level of economic efficiency relative to their HEIT counterparts, although the difference is statistically non significant. It is therefore recommended that in the face of escalating costs of fertilizer, organic manure could be used. Appropriate policies should be put in place by the government to encourage livestock rearing so as to effectively utilize their bye product-organic manure. Household refuse or bio-degradable from the cities could be channeled to farms to serve as organic manure. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
142 - A Survey on the Current Status of Mechanization of Paddy Cultivation in Iran: Case of Guilan Province
Saeed FirouziThis study investigated the status of mechanized power and self-propelled rice cultivation machinery in Guilan Province in northern Iran. The raw data was obtained from 2013 statistics of the Agricultural Jihad Organization of Guilan province. Power per unit of area, me MoreThis study investigated the status of mechanized power and self-propelled rice cultivation machinery in Guilan Province in northern Iran. The raw data was obtained from 2013 statistics of the Agricultural Jihad Organization of Guilan province. Power per unit of area, mechanization level, area per unit of self-propelled machinery, and mechanization requirement were calculated for eastern, western and central Guilan. The mean power per unit of area for eastern, western and central Guilan was 2.22, 2.07, and 3.09 hpha , respectively. The total mechanization requirements were determined to be 0%, 73.39%, 99.28%, and 52.47% for land preparation, transplanting, weeding, and harvesting operations, respectively. The area per self-propelled rice machinery was 111.38,3777.97, and 358.99ha for rice transplanter, weeder, and combine harvester, respectively. This indicates that there is insufficient mechanization for rice weeding and that there is an urgent need to increase the machinery available for this agronomic operation in the paddy fields of Guilan Province. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
143 - Development of Entrepreneurship in Complementary and Processing Industries in Khouzestan Province, Iran
Ahmad Reza OmmaniThe main purpose of this study was to identify and analyze factors affecting development of entrepreneurship in complementary and processing industries of citrus products at Khouzestan province, Iran. The Statistical population of this study consisted of all managers in MoreThe main purpose of this study was to identify and analyze factors affecting development of entrepreneurship in complementary and processing industries of citrus products at Khouzestan province, Iran. The Statistical population of this study consisted of all managers in processing and complementary industries of citrus products in Khouzestan province (N=89). By census method all managers were selected for participation in the study. Return rate was 84% (N=75). The main instrument in this study was questionnaire which its validity was confirmed by a panel of experts and its reliability was established by calculating Cronbach Alpha Coefficient (a=0.87). Findings reveal that there were positive and significant relationship between willingness to creativity, risk oriented, responsibility, competitiveness, participation on education programs, attitude to entrepreneurship, income level, educational level and level of entrepreneurship. According to factor analysis, factors affecting development of entrepreneurship in complementary and processing industries were categorized into four groups consisting: development of cognitive and psychomotor domains, development of infrastructure equipments, improving economic policies and development of psychological characteristics that those factors explained 68.82% of the total variance of the research variables. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
144 - Land Suitability Classification of East Azerbaijan Research Station for Tomato, Potato, Onion and Bean
Parisa Alamdari Setareh AmanifarIn this study, qualitative land suitability evaluation was made for research station of East Azarbaijan, for tomato, potato, onion and bean. The study was done using Simple Limitation Method (SLM), Limitation Method regarding Number and Intensity (LMNI) and Parametric M MoreIn this study, qualitative land suitability evaluation was made for research station of East Azarbaijan, for tomato, potato, onion and bean. The study was done using Simple Limitation Method (SLM), Limitation Method regarding Number and Intensity (LMNI) and Parametric Methods (PM) such as the square root and the Storie methods. The results from different methods indicated that the most important limiting factors are Organic Matter (OM), salinity and sodicity and calcium carbonates, either alone or in combination. Evaluation indicated that the (SLM) and (LMNI) mainly show similar suitability classes, but Parametric methods especially square root method which it's results revealed to be more realistic show different suitability classes in many cases. According to the square root method, the area can be recommended as marginally suitable for cultivation of tomato and potato and expected to yield about 40-65% of optimal production. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
145 - Trade Liberalization, Exchange Rate Changes, And the Competitiveness of Carbohydrate Staple Markets in Nigeria
Maduabuchi Mkpado C.J. AreneThis study examined the effects of trade liberalization and exchange rate changes on carbohydrate staples in Nigeria. Secondary data published from 1974 to 2006 on cassava exports and rice imports as well as non-tradable carbohydrate staples were used. It was hypothesiz MoreThis study examined the effects of trade liberalization and exchange rate changes on carbohydrate staples in Nigeria. Secondary data published from 1974 to 2006 on cassava exports and rice imports as well as non-tradable carbohydrate staples were used. It was hypothesized that exchange rate changes and trade liberalization via price relatives, trade intensity and nominal protection coefficient have affected prices of carbohydrate staples in Nigeria. Results show that the effects of trade liberalization on prices of non-tradable carbohydrate staples were mixed. Trade liberalization accounted for most changes in the price of non-tradable rice than other crops. World prices positively affected the prices of maize and non-tradable rice. Also increasing exchange rate will lead to increase in price of non-tradable rice due to price competition with imported rice. The intensification of liberalization exercise from the removal of quantitative restriction to use of tariff, among other recommendations, should be encouraged because it can be a remedy to the negative impact of increase in the trade intensity and erosion of nominal protection coefficient on prices of the non-tradable crops. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
146 - Factors Affecting Nonfarm Income Diversification among Rural Farm Households in Central Nepal
Raju Ghimire Wen-Chi Huang Rudra Bahadur ShresthaNonfarm activities play an important role in the determination of rural household income, consumption expenditure, and household food security. However, much less studies have been devoted to the factors that influence nonfarm income diversification by farm household in MoreNonfarm activities play an important role in the determination of rural household income, consumption expenditure, and household food security. However, much less studies have been devoted to the factors that influence nonfarm income diversification by farm household in developing countries. Using cross-sectional data and a probit model, this study attempts to determine the factors influencing nonfarm income diversification decisions by farm households in Central Nepal. The result reveals that household characteristics such as age, gender and education of the household head, and family size play a significant role in nonfarm work decisions. The households with larger farm size are less likely to participate in nonfarm work than their counterpart. Additionally, for those remains in the rural households, distance to road and market hinders the opportunities for nonfarm work. Finally, regional differences also exist in participating nonfarm activities among farm households. This study suggests that government policy should pay more attention on education, gender and infrastructures such as road and markets, to reduce the entry barriers and facilitate easier access to nonfarm activities. Also, nonfarm activities need to be promoted and incorporated in governmental plans and policies for balanced development between hills and terai areas. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
147 - Livestock Marketing Decisions Among Pastoral Communities: The Influence of Cattle Rustling in Baringo District, Kenya
Kaimba George Kinyua Guliye Abdi Yakub Njehia Bernard Kamau Hillary Kiplangat BettThe study sought to determine whether pastoralists have resorted to sale of livestock as a form of insurance against commercialization of cattle rustling in which well structured and managed cartels have organised more intense and frequent cattle raids on pastoralist, a MoreThe study sought to determine whether pastoralists have resorted to sale of livestock as a form of insurance against commercialization of cattle rustling in which well structured and managed cartels have organised more intense and frequent cattle raids on pastoralist, and how their decisions have affected their herd size. The study was conducted among the pastoral Baringo community of Kenya. A sample size of 110 households was selected using multi-stage sampling procedures and interviewed using a questionnaire. Binary Probit Model and Ordinary Least Squares were used in the analysis. Results indicated that cattle rustling, particularly in its predatory state significantly contributes to spontaneous sale of livestock even under very low prices that in themselves could be described as raiding. The results further indicated that the number of livestock lost through cattle rustling dominated livestock sale and hence reduced herd size and the numbers of livestock available for sale. The insecurity generated by cattle rustling, coupled with the poor marketing infrastructure make market inaccessible by both buyers and sellers, resulting to increased poverty and dependency amongst the pastoralists. Consequently, pastoralism has become a source of misery rather than source of livelihood. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
148 - Comparative Analysis of Stochastic Frontier Partially non-parametric and Stochastic Frontier Parametric Methods Case Study: Measuring Cost Efficiency in Wheat Production in Iran
Ebrahim Moradi Mosayeb Pahlavani Ahmad Akbari Hossain Mehrabi Bashrabadi -
Open Access Article
149 - Analysis of Communicative Factors Affecting in Application of Sustainable Rice Farming Practices among Paddy Farmers of Mazandaran Province
Laleh Salehi Ahmad Rezvanfar Seyed Hamid Movahed Mohammadi Seyed Mahmood HosseiniThe main purpose of this study was to analyze of communicative factors affecting in application of Sustainable Rice Farming Practices among paddy farmers of Mazandaran province. The statistical population of consisted of paddy farmers of Mazandaran province (N= 208839). MoreThe main purpose of this study was to analyze of communicative factors affecting in application of Sustainable Rice Farming Practices among paddy farmers of Mazandaran province. The statistical population of consisted of paddy farmers of Mazandaran province (N= 208839). According to Cochran formula, a sample of 240 farmers was selected through cluster sampling method. To collect data, a questionnaire was designed. Reliability of the questionnaire was measured by computing Cronbach’s alpha (α ≥0/7) and its validity was approved by a panel of expert. Factor analysis revealed that communicative factors affecting in application of Sustainable Rice Farming Practices were four factors including: organizational communication, modern communication, local interpersonal communication and external interpersonal communication, respectively according to their importance. These factors explained 67.92 percent of the total variance. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
150 - Assessment of Use of Selected Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) for Extension Service Delivery: Implication for Agricultural Development in Nigeria
Saheed Ige Adetumbi Olumuyiwa Akin Olaniyi Jacob Gbemiga AdewaleThe study was carried out to assess the implication of the use of selected Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for extension service delivery in Nigeria. The simple random technique was used to select fifty percent of the total extension agents which equiv MoreThe study was carried out to assess the implication of the use of selected Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for extension service delivery in Nigeria. The simple random technique was used to select fifty percent of the total extension agents which equivalent to forty-two respondents as sample size for the study. Frequency counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation were used as descriptive statistic. Also, Chi-Square test and Spearman’s rho correlation were employed as inferential statistic to test for the hypotheses. Findings indicated that access to various ICTs tools especially Radio and Mobile phone and were found to be relevant to farming operations. The result of Chi square test revealed that significant relationship exist between sex, age, level of education, years of working experience of the extension agents and level of use of ICTs. Furthermore, the result of Spearman rho Correlation showed that there was no significant relationship between ICT training of extension workers and the level of use of ICTs. The study recommended among others that, there should be a periodic review of the use of current ICTs in extension service delivery to facilitate effectiveness in the use of ICTs for extension service and adequate funding of extension service should also be ensured to enhance the maintenance of ICTs made available to extension personnel. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
151 - Risk Analysis and Strategy of Rice Farmers in Swampland in the Face of Climate Change Impact (Case in South Kalimantan Province-Indonesia)
Yudi Ferrianta Muhammad Fauzi MakkiThe impact of climate change does not only affect the production aspects but also on household income and other socioeconomic aspects. The research aims to determine the household economic behaviors of rice farmers in decision-making with relation to the production risk MoreThe impact of climate change does not only affect the production aspects but also on household income and other socioeconomic aspects. The research aims to determine the household economic behaviors of rice farmers in decision-making with relation to the production risks due to climate change and determine the farmer’s adaptation strategies in the face of climate change. The approach taken is the production risk analysis using the coefficient variance. The result shows that the farmers’ behavior to manage rice farming in the tidal area has neutral risk behavior. This means that if there is a risk or possibility of risk recurrence towards rice farming, thus the decision maker (farmer) still does not reduce or enlarge the scale of their business. Adaptation strategies adopted by farmers in swampland consists of short, medium and long term strategies. The improved adaptive capacity on farm level should be through planned adaptation whose development is conducted by the government to be synergistic and rely on autonomous adaptation that has been a tradition in the farmers community. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
152 - Effectiveness of Agricultural Training Centers’ Curriculum in Promoting Adoption of Agricultural Technologies: Evidence from Small-Scale Potato Farmers in Nyandarua County, Kenya
Ronald O. Nyamwamu Justus M. Ombati John G. MwangiAgricultural Training Centres (ATCs) promote crop and livestock development by providing extension information to farmers and serving as models of improved crop and livestock husbandry practices. Although potato farmers in Nyandarua County were trained on potato product MoreAgricultural Training Centres (ATCs) promote crop and livestock development by providing extension information to farmers and serving as models of improved crop and livestock husbandry practices. Although potato farmers in Nyandarua County were trained on potato production technologies, their average yield was ≤16 tonnes per hectare compared to the national potential of 30 tonnes. This study therefore sought to determine the effectiveness of ATCs’ curriculum in promoting farmers’ adoption of selected potato production technologies in Nyandarua County in Kenya. A survey design was used. Primary data was collected from 136 farmers trained at ATCs on potato production using interview schedules. The respondents were sampled through a five-stage technique. The data was analysed using T-test and ANOVA, then summarized into percentages. Study results showed that adoption of recommended potato production technologies produced high yields compared to traditional technologies. It was therefore concluded that ATCs’ curriculum was effective in promoting farmers’ adoption of potato seed selection, planting, crop protection and harvesting technologies. It is recommended that ATCs’ curriculum prioritise demonstrations that show the influence of clean seed, fertilizer application, timely harvesting and spacing on potato yields. Further, campaigns should be held to educate farmers on the importance of potato dehaulming to promote its adoption. In addition, farmer-based seed production programs should be started in the County aimed at ensuring ready availability of seed. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
153 - The Effect of Socio-Personal Factors on Economic and Managerial Variables in Shahroud Commercial Dairy Farms
Hamed Kashfi Ahmad Reza Yazdani Farhad Shirani Bidabadi Mehrdad LatifiThe purpose of this research was to study the effects of four personal and social variables including the age, literacy, job experience and size of herd on different variables such as implementing of managerial strategies in transition period, relevant costs of these st MoreThe purpose of this research was to study the effects of four personal and social variables including the age, literacy, job experience and size of herd on different variables such as implementing of managerial strategies in transition period, relevant costs of these strategies, average production per head and gross income of milk sale per head. For this purpose all required information were collected through questionnaire distribution among the owners of commercial dairy farms of Shahroud district. This questionnaire was included three parts. Relevant information about personal and social indices was inserted in first part. Second part included of relevant information about performance and non-performance of considered managerial strategies in transition period and third part was about relevant information about production and economic records. Finally all information about 50 herds was obtained and compared as well. Data analysis was through applying Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) method. Also it was possible to specify any relation among independent and dependent variables through calculation of Pearson Correlation Coefficient. Finally it was revealed that social and personal factors have a significant effect on the implementation of management strategies and other independent factors. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
154 - Needs Assessment Competencies: Are They Important for Extension Educators?
Nav R. Ghimire Robert A. MartinThe purpose of this study was to determine the importance of eleven professional competencies related to needs assessment and program development; a secondary purpose was to identify the best time these competencies should be learned. The study followed a survey researc MoreThe purpose of this study was to determine the importance of eleven professional competencies related to needs assessment and program development; a secondary purpose was to identify the best time these competencies should be learned. The study followed a survey research design, in which 441 randomly selected extension educators in the North Central Region of the United States responded to a questionnaire through an online survey. Results suggest that respondents perceived nine of the eleven competencies as highly important for their professional development. High percentages of the respondents also reported that six competencies should be learned on the job. Stepwise regression analysis revealed the demographics of “gender” and “education” as statistically significant predictors in determining respondents’ perceptions. Findings indicate a need for flexible staff development programs for extension educators through graduate education, in-service programs, and on-the-job training. Findings have implications for designing new policies for employee selection, training, professional development, and performance appraisal. Further study was recommended to determine whether the findings would be valid at the national level. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
155 - Determinants of Farmers’ Participation in Horticulture-based Extension Programs in Iran: Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior
Morteza Akbari Farahnaz Rostami Abdolmotaleb RezaeiThis paper aims to discover the determinants of farmers’ par-ticipation in horticulture-based Education programs in the Western Azerbaijan province, Iran. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the study also tries to make a comparison between participants an MoreThis paper aims to discover the determinants of farmers’ par-ticipation in horticulture-based Education programs in the Western Azerbaijan province, Iran. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the study also tries to make a comparison between participants and non-participants, who have achieved in this program. A sample of 231 farmers (137 participants and 94 non-participants) was selected based on a stratified random sampling method. Data gathering instrument was a questionnaire that its validity was approved by a group of experts and its reliability was confirmed by calculating Cronbach's alpha (α=0.71). The results showed that, there were significant differences between participants and non-participants in agricultural education programs in terms of all the TPB contexts. Additionally, the results of the regression analysis showed that attitude to how thinking and decision and subjective norms were the best deter- minants of farmers’ participation. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
156 - The Determinants of Rural Poverty in Nigeria
Nsikak-Abasi A. Etim Edet J. UdohMost of the population of Nigeria is rural and agriculture is the mainstay of the impoverished people’s livelihood. This paper estimated the determinants of rural poverty in Nigeria using the Tobit regression model. Through the multistage sampling technique, prima MoreMost of the population of Nigeria is rural and agriculture is the mainstay of the impoverished people’s livelihood. This paper estimated the determinants of rural poverty in Nigeria using the Tobit regression model. Through the multistage sampling technique, primary data were obtained from 150 rural farming households using a questionnaire. The Result of Tobit regression analysis shows that increase in farm income, farm size and amount of agricultural loan led to a decrease in the level of poverty by 0.9953, 0.1220 and 0.4016 x 10-6 respectively. Membership of the cooperative by household heads, ownership of certain assets, access to extension services, and modern farming inputs, increase in educational attainment and male heads of households decreased the likelihood of being poor. Findings also reveal that except for access to loan that is elastic, the responsiveness of the probability and intensity of poverty to dependency ratio, farming experience, farm size and income are inelastic. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
157 - Effect of under Irrigation Management on Potato Performance Components
Fakhrodin Ghasemi Sahebi Masoud Hekmat Eman PourkhizTo evaluate the effect of water, tape drip and furrow irrigation methods on the performance components and features of Agria cultivar potato, an experiment was carried out in the agriculture faculty of Kermanshah. Repeated three times, this study was carried out in the MoreTo evaluate the effect of water, tape drip and furrow irrigation methods on the performance components and features of Agria cultivar potato, an experiment was carried out in the agriculture faculty of Kermanshah. Repeated three times, this study was carried out in the form of full random blocks with the main factor of different amounts of irrigation water in three levels (50, 75, and100 percent of cumulative evaporation from an A- class evaporation pan) and the secondary factor of irrigation method (including drip and furrow irrigations). At 3 repetitions, results showed that the minimum performance (19.168 tons per hectare) was related to the drip irrigation method with 50 percent evaporation from the A-class pan and the maximum one (34.455 tons per hectare) was related to the drip irrigation method with 100 percent evaporation from the A-class pan. The rate of irrigation and effectiveness of method on the number of the main stem per square meter and number of the main stem in the bush were not significant. The minimum percent (number of tubers) of tubers smaller than 35mm (26.47percent) and the maximum tuber production (37.17 percent) in the size of food and market-friendly (tuber bigger than 55mm) were attained by drip irrigation method with 100 percent evaporation from the A-class pan. The impact of Irrigation method on and the specific gravity of tubers and starch (dry matter) were and was not significant, respectively. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
158 - Examine the Effects of Students’ Social Capital Components on Entrepreneurship Intention (Evidences From: University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran)
Rasool Lavaei Adaryani Mohammad Reza Akbari Fatemeh Adel Ali AmiriThe main aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of students' social capital components and entrepreneurship intention. The statistical population of this study consisted of all students of University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Universit MoreThe main aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of students' social capital components and entrepreneurship intention. The statistical population of this study consisted of all students of University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran (N=2600) among which 155 students where accessed based on Cochran formula and through convenient sampling. Data were collected through a questionnaire face and content validity of which was approved by faculty members of Agricultural Management and Development Department of University of Tehran. Social capital was measured by four components (i.e. social participation, social coherence, social confidence and social communication). Reliability of the research instrument was measured by computing Cronbach’s alpha coefficient which ranged from 0.72 to 0.88. Path analysis technique employed to investigate the relationship of social capital components and entrepreneurial intention. Results revealed that social participation and social coherence had a direct effect on entrepreneurial intention while social confidence and social communication had an indirect effect on it. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
159 - Strategic Planning for Agriculture Section Using SWOT, QSPM and Blue Ocean- Case Study: Eshraq Agro-industry Company
محمد عبدالشاه بابک فضلی بشلی شبنم فضلی بشلی علی نوروزیStrategic management is defined as a set of management decisions and actions that determine a company's long-term performance and lead and control the organization so that it can quickly respond to some internal and external environmental changes. Obviously, the agricul MoreStrategic management is defined as a set of management decisions and actions that determine a company's long-term performance and lead and control the organization so that it can quickly respond to some internal and external environmental changes. Obviously, the agricultural sector and natural resources are one of the most significant economic sectors of the country because of their vital role in providing the required food and nutritional safety. The present study aims to determine the appropriate strategies for Eshraq agro-industry Company. In this study, agricultural sector and animal husbandry strategies are determined simultaneously. The SWOT analytical framework has been used to determine the appropriate strategies. Eventually, after assessing the situations and strategic actions by the SPACE method using the QSPM strategic approach, the determined strategies have been sorted according to importance and priority which include small livestock, aviculture, aquaculture, establishing dairy plants and value-added production, developing the existing dairy cattle, increasing milk and meat production and changing land uses from farms to gardens respectively. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
160 - Analysis of the Effects of Agricultural Inputs Price Liberalization on the Production of Sunflower in Khoy Zone
Ali Bagherzadeh Fatemeh kazemzadehSunflower is one of four main annual oil plants that cultivated in oil and nut varieties. This plant as an important and industrial food product and because of nutritional features and the potential for earning exchange has become a valuable product in foreign and inner MoreSunflower is one of four main annual oil plants that cultivated in oil and nut varieties. This plant as an important and industrial food product and because of nutritional features and the potential for earning exchange has become a valuable product in foreign and inner markets and has a special position in agricultural sector. Khoy, by producing 40 percent of sunflower productions of country annually, is the greatest sunflower producer in Iran. The main purpose of this study is the analysis of the effects of inputs price liberalization on production of sunflower producers in this city. This study is according to a field research and cross-sectional data of 2009 have been used for it. Results show input price liberalization policy by increasing inputs prices and decreasing demand amounts of inputs, increases the production costs and decreases the production and totally it’s harmful for sunflower producers. For preventing negative effects of liberalization on production, adopting necessary policies such as merging small farms and making big ones to profit by economies of scale and increasing production and productivity with the resulted incomes from liberalization and spending them in scientific researches to produce with low costs are suggested. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
161 - Effective Factors on Women Role in Sustainable Development (Case Study: Marvdasht Rural Areas in Iran)
Seyed Nematollah MousaviThis paper aims to study the role of women in agricultural promotion and its effect on rural development. Research method in this study was based on a survey and the required information was collected through questionnaire from a sample of women especially rural women. MoreThis paper aims to study the role of women in agricultural promotion and its effect on rural development. Research method in this study was based on a survey and the required information was collected through questionnaire from a sample of women especially rural women. The data were analyzed using Logit model. The results showed that women had a major role in farming including producion, conservation, and destructing. The results also showed that women had a great tendency for participating in extension classes to improve their knowledge for sustainable development. Considering the results, it was necessary to provide the life facilities and necessities, awareness women especially rural women with group media and organizing the promotional and educational classes for reaching the sustainable development. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
162 - Obstacles of Women Presence in Iranian Rural Management: A Case from Osku County
Mohammad Shokati Amghani Hesamedin Gholami Nematollah Shiri Hossein Shabanali FamiThe presence of women in social and managerial fields is one the indicator of social justice and development that leads to optimum use of capabilities and potentials of half of the country's rural population. In the recent years, establishing public institution of Dehya MoreThe presence of women in social and managerial fields is one the indicator of social justice and development that leads to optimum use of capabilities and potentials of half of the country's rural population. In the recent years, establishing public institution of Dehyary by the Ministry of Interior have provided new opportunity for women presence in rural management. This study aimed to identify women’s participation obstacles in rural management in Iran, specifically in Dehyary. The statistical population of this study was 15-64 year – old females which were resident in rural areas of Oskou County. Applying a proportional random sampling and Cochran formula, 347 women were chosen to be surveyed as sample. A questionnaire was used for data collection, which its face validity was approved by a panel of experts and its reliability was calculated by Cronbach's alpha coefficient (a=0.84). The results revealed that, negative attitudes and believes in rural community is the most important obstacle for women to participate in rural management. Furthermore, factor analysis categorized obstacles for women participation in six factors including cultural, personal, supportive, job-related, religious and Economic constrains. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
163 - Factors Affecting the Development and Strengthening of Rural Women Enterprises in Iran
رضا موحدی مسعود سامیان احمد یعقوبی فرانی خلیل میرزاییGiven the importance of women's participation and taking advantage of their ability, it is essential that a systematic and strategic plan should be organized in this area. Undoubtedly, planning for the development of the specific associations of rural women can be an ef MoreGiven the importance of women's participation and taking advantage of their ability, it is essential that a systematic and strategic plan should be organized in this area. Undoubtedly, planning for the development of the specific associations of rural women can be an effective step to increase their participation in various scenes, and it can also help improve the status and rights of women. The main objective of this study was to explore factors affecting the development and strengthening of rural women’s enterprises. A mixed method was used in this study. Data gathering tools were both semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Target samples were both 25 rural development experts and 92 rural women in the Hamadan County. The results showed that the following items are essential for the development and strengthening rural women’s enterprises: applying legal and financial support; family support; management support, and education and cultural support. In addition, the following strategies are required: culture building; women's empowerment programs, continued implementation of consulting and training programs, and encouraging the introduction of the women's enterprises. The results of factor analysis showed that economic, sociocultural, and education and extension factors can determine approximately 60 percent of factors affecting the development and strengthening of rural women’s enterprises. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
164 - Assessment of Water Use Efficiency Indices in Selected Plains of Fars Province, Iran
حمیدرضا میرزایی خلیل مهدی اسفندیاری جواد شهرکی مرتضی یعقوبیThis paper aimed to evaluate Water Use Efficiency (WUE) indices for crops and horticulture productions. In doing so, after gathering data from 164 farmers, we investigated water withdrawal cost indices and monetary return per cubic meter of water through two econometric MoreThis paper aimed to evaluate Water Use Efficiency (WUE) indices for crops and horticulture productions. In doing so, after gathering data from 164 farmers, we investigated water withdrawal cost indices and monetary return per cubic meter of water through two econometric and managerial approaches . Besides, water shadow pricesand dry matters of per cub meter of water were calculated. The results revealed that the average monetary return per cubic metre of water is 3875.4 IRR (0.134 USD) and cost per cubic metre of well water equals 839.3 IRR (0.029 USD), four times more than the value of some current development projects of water resources. Finally, according to the findings, we suggested a corrected price trade term to adjust water monetary return indices.Control policies and government participation in funding of artificial recharge of undergorund aquifers projects were recommended as well. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
165 - The Impact of Bio-Ethanol Conversion and Global Climate Change on Corn Economic Performanve of Indonesia
Yudi Ferrianta Nuhfil Hanani Budi Setiawan Wahib MuhaiminMany studies conclude that the rise in global food prices due to higher demand from the development of biofuels, climate anomalies, and increased of oil prices. Not only the food commodity index rose more than 60 percent, nonfood commodity price index also rose over 60 MoreMany studies conclude that the rise in global food prices due to higher demand from the development of biofuels, climate anomalies, and increased of oil prices. Not only the food commodity index rose more than 60 percent, nonfood commodity price index also rose over 60 percent and crude oil price index has increased even further above 60 percent. The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of bio-ethanol conversion and global climate change on corn economic performance of Indonesia. The results showed that the food crisis caused by climate anomalies lead the world corn prices rose 50 percent, impact on Indonesia corn imports fell by 11.86 percent. And the other hand, the energy crisis that caused the corn used as feedstock for ethanol that caused U.S. corn exports only 20 percent of their products have an impact on Indonesia on maize imports fell 32.4 percent. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
166 - Teaching Methods and Tools Used In Food Safety Extension Education Programs in the North Central Region of the United States
Vikram Swaroop Chandra Koundinya Robert A. MartinOne of the ways to ensure food safety is to educate the public. Of the organizations providing food safety education in the United States (U.S.), the Cooperative Extension System (CES) is one of the most reliable. The effectiveness CES programs depends not only on what MoreOne of the ways to ensure food safety is to educate the public. Of the organizations providing food safety education in the United States (U.S.), the Cooperative Extension System (CES) is one of the most reliable. The effectiveness CES programs depends not only on what is being taught but also on how it is taught. Both a needs-based curriculum and how that curriculum is delivered are equally important. This descriptive cross-sectional study using a disproportional stratified random sample identified the teaching methods and tools being used by food safety extension educators of the CES of North Central Region (NCR). A Likert-type scale administered to extension educators revealed that they were adopting a balanced use of teaching methods and tools, and using learner-centered teaching methods in their programs. However, distance education, case studies and podcasts, which are commonly used in education programs, were not being used extensively. We recommend that food safety extension educators of NCR should increase the use of these two teaching methods and tool while continuing to use the current ones. This study has implications for improving food safety education delivery to clients in the NCR and for designing inservice education for food safety extension educators. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
167 - The Law of One Price and the Cointegration of Meat Price in The Global Market: The Case of Iran’s Market
Behrouz Eskandarpour Parisa Khaligh Khiyavi Mohammad Kavoosi KalashamiIn view of the importance of the meat imports and the exports of meat in Iran, this study focuses on the status of the global market of meat imports the unit price test in these markets between the years 1961 and 2011 using the market cointegration approach. The results MoreIn view of the importance of the meat imports and the exports of meat in Iran, this study focuses on the status of the global market of meat imports the unit price test in these markets between the years 1961 and 2011 using the market cointegration approach. The results of this study are indicative of prices co-integration in the international market of meat as well as among such major importers as the US, Germany, Italy, Japan, France and Russia. However, the important point is that no price co-integration has been observed between the global prices of meat and the import price in Iran’s import market. Moreover, no law of one price has been established in Iran’s import market in the long term; and in this respect, these markets lack the appropriate efficiency. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
168 - Fast Food Consumption Pattern among Youth in Ogbomoso Metropolis of Oyo State, Nigeria
Ogunniyi Laudia Titilola Adepoju Adenike Adebusola Olagunju Funke Iyabo Akinola Oluseyi YewandeFast food has become a prominent feature of diet and has grown into a dominant dietary pattern among youth worldwide. It is difficult to escape noticing the colourful edifice and bill boards of these food outlets, one is probably just around the corner of your street. M MoreFast food has become a prominent feature of diet and has grown into a dominant dietary pattern among youth worldwide. It is difficult to escape noticing the colourful edifice and bill boards of these food outlets, one is probably just around the corner of your street. Mr Biggs, Tastes Fried Chicken, Sweet Sensation, Big Treat, Favourite etc. Due to competitive nature of the market many of the food outlets market have started to blend their menus with African cuisines like Pounded Yam, Amala, Moin-Moin, Eda, Semovita, Fufu etc. This study analyzed fast food consumption pattern among the youth in Ogbomoso metropolis of Oyo State, Nigeria. Data were collected randomly from two hundred (200) respondents with the use of structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Logit and Tobit regression analysis. Data analysis revealed that 68% of the respondents were male, 92% were singled, 86.5% had tertiary education, 71% are Christians while 72% of the respondents were students. Average age was 24.5 years. The factors affecting the respondents decision to consume fast food are gender, hours spent in watching television, income, education and hours spent at work/school. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
169 - Identifying the Barriers of Sustainable Agriculture Adoption by Wheat Farmers in Takestan, Iran
Shaghayegh KheiriConventional agriculture systems of production often lead to environmental degradation, economic problems and even social conflict. The efficacy of agriculture systems conducive to the economic, environmental and social sustainability of farming operations has been demo MoreConventional agriculture systems of production often lead to environmental degradation, economic problems and even social conflict. The efficacy of agriculture systems conducive to the economic, environmental and social sustainability of farming operations has been demonstrated, yet the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices is not widespread. This study evaluates the barriers of sustainable agriculture by wheat farmers in Takestan using a descriptive–correlation survey methodology. This quantitative study was based on a Researcher made questionnaire designed to elicit the barriers to adoption of sustainable agriculture practices perceived by a sample of 149 wheat farmers in the Takestan (N=268), through a stratified random sampling technique. Instrument validity was confirmed by a panel of experts. The reliability estimated by Cronbach’s coefficient (α=0.905). The data has been analyzed using the SPSS (16). The results revealed that the high cost of sustainable agriculture was the most important barriers in its implementation (M=4.74). The findings of multiple regressions explained that farmer’s attitudes and practices of sustainable agriculture explained 89 percent of the variance of the barriers of sustainable agriculture. Farmer’s attitudes had the most influence on the determination of the barriers of sustainable agriculture (β=0.775). Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
170 - Assessment of Rural Farming Households WTP for Fertilizers and Agrochemicals in Kwawara State, Nigeria
Emmanuel Akinboboye Fadipe Ademoye A.A., Adigun Olayinka Animashaun JubrilGiven the specific geographic and spatial location of rural areas in developing countries, to bring agrochemical to the rural farming households, it is argued, may have to come at a cost over and above the normal price it is sold in market. To this end, this work focuse MoreGiven the specific geographic and spatial location of rural areas in developing countries, to bring agrochemical to the rural farming households, it is argued, may have to come at a cost over and above the normal price it is sold in market. To this end, this work focuses on the willingness of rural farming households to pay more than the mean average regional retail price for agrochemicals in Kwara state, North Central Nigeria. Questionnaire was administered to 100 randomly sampled in the two agricultural development zones (ADP) in the study area. Descriptive statistics and the Logistic Binary Regression model were fitted to examine factors that influence respondents’ decision to pay more than the prevailing average prices for access to agrochemicals in the study area. Findings indicated a high level of awareness of agrochemical use and modal responses to quantities used include: fertilizers (41-50Kg/ha), herbicides (<10liters/ha), and pesticides (<10liters/ha) on the cultivation of yam, cassava and maize, which were the dominant arable crops in the study area. About 90% of the respondents purchase agrochemicals from their personal savings and less than 10% of the respondents got their agrochemicals from other sources (governmental, developmental agencies, ADP and farmers’ cooperative). Furthermore, 88% (p<0.01) of the respondents indicate willingness to pay more than the current average price to have access to agrochemicals and the logistic regression reveals that level of education (P<0.01), had a positive relationship with respondents’ to willingness to pay more for agrochemicals in the study area. Recommendations were made towards encouraging expanded use of agrochemicals through enhanced marketing strategies that will facilitate contact of marketing agents to prospective customers located in the rural communities. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
171 - Determinants of Repayment of Loan Beneficiaries of Micro Finance Institutions in Southeast States of Nigeria
Stephen Umamuefula Osuji Onyeagocha Sunday Angus Nnachebe Dixie Chidebelu Eugene Chukwuemeka OkorjiThe study investigated the loan repayment, its determinants and socio-economic characteristics of microfinance loan beneficiaries in the Southeast states of Nigeria. It was carried out in three states of the five southeast states. Using a multistage sampling technique, MoreThe study investigated the loan repayment, its determinants and socio-economic characteristics of microfinance loan beneficiaries in the Southeast states of Nigeria. It was carried out in three states of the five southeast states. Using a multistage sampling technique, a total of 144 loan beneficiaries in the three segments of MFIs, namely; formal (commercial and development banks); semi-formal (NGOs-MFIs) and informal (ROSCAS, “Isusu” and co-operative societies) were randomly selected and interviewed in the three states. An ordinary least square (OLS) multiple regression analysis was carried out to isolate and examine the determinants of loan repayment from the respondents’ perspective. Results showed that beneficiaries had low level of education, operated enterprises at a relatively small scale, had large family size and were of middle age. Further, it was found out that the majority of the respondents were involved in farming enterprise (crop and poultry) even though trading was the most prominent single non-farming enterprise (trading, processing and artisanship). The result affirmed that the informal sector respondents recorded the best repayment rate, followed by the respondents of semi-formal and the banks brought the rear. Outstanding among the determinants of loan repayments from the respondents’ perspective were; loan size, level of education, experience, profitability and portfolio diversity. These, therefore deserve special attention in loan administration of MFIs. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
172 - An Assessment of the Effects of Root and Tuber Expansion Project (RTEP) on the Livelihood of Cassava Processors in Kwara State, Nigeria
Bello Alli Achem Jones Adebola Akangbe Jubril Olayinka AnimashaunThe study was carried out to assess the effects of the Root and Tuber Expansion Programe (RTEP) on the livelihood of project beneficiaries in Kwara State, Nigeria. A 3-stage sampling technique was adopted for the study, selecting a total of 80 cassava processors from tw MoreThe study was carried out to assess the effects of the Root and Tuber Expansion Programe (RTEP) on the livelihood of project beneficiaries in Kwara State, Nigeria. A 3-stage sampling technique was adopted for the study, selecting a total of 80 cassava processors from two Agricultural Development Programe (ADP) zones in the State. Structured interview schedule was used as instrument to elicit primary data from processors. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the socio economic characteristics of the respondents. The t-test was used to test the hypotheses on the relationship between the income and livelihood of RTEP beneficiaries and non beneficiaries, while those on the socio economic characteristics was tested using the Mann-Whitney (U) test. The findings of the study showed that RTEP provided more than 73 percent of total cassava processing equipment in the study area. The study further revealed that there was no significant difference in the socio-economic characteristics and livelihood of RTEP and Non RTEP participants. There was however a significant difference in their income. Amongst others, the study recommended massive investment in subsidizing critical cassava processing equipment, and provision of micro-credit at low interest rates to cassava processors. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
173 - Major Barriers to Application of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Technologies in Sustainability of Livestock Units
Marzieh Panahzadeh Parikhani Fatemeh Razzaghi Borkhani Hossein Shabanali Fami Naser Motiee Abotaleb HosseinpoorThe main purpose of this study was to investigate the major barriers to application of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) technologies in sustainability of livestock by ranchers of Meshkinshahr. A sample of 120 farmers was selected by using proportional random sampling MoreThe main purpose of this study was to investigate the major barriers to application of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) technologies in sustainability of livestock by ranchers of Meshkinshahr. A sample of 120 farmers was selected by using proportional random sampling method. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire. Validity of questionnaire was determined through Agricultural Jihad exports of Meshkinshahr County and some faculty members at University of Tehran, Department of Agricultural Management and Development. Cronbach’s alpha was used to estimate the reliability. The reliability was found to be acceptable. The results of Factor Analysis showed that infrastructure barriers, informational- educational barriers, institutional-support barriers, personal barriers, economical barriers were the five barriers to application of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) technologies in livestock unites. These factors explained 67.23 percent of the total variance. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
174 - Pursuing International Competitiveness in Iranian Wheat Policy
S.S. Hosseini M. TorshiziAfter the war with Iraq which ended in 1988, Iran implemented several agricultural support policies based on Five-Year National Development Plans. The main objective of these plans in the agriculture sector was to make the agricultural economy more market-oriented and t MoreAfter the war with Iraq which ended in 1988, Iran implemented several agricultural support policies based on Five-Year National Development Plans. The main objective of these plans in the agriculture sector was to make the agricultural economy more market-oriented and to encourage sustainable agriculture. This paper investigates the extent to which Iran's government has been able to achieve this objective in the case of wheat. For this purpose, Producer Support Estimate (PSE) and Consumer Support Estimate (CSE) indicators for Iranian wheat are calculated and discussed. Generally, producers’ and consumers’ support is achieved chiefly by distorting market prices. As will be shown, from 1989 to 2006, the PSE increased about 20 times (in real prices), while the level of production increased 1.69 times. However, the PSE had no significant causal relationship with either wheat yield or its area under cultivation. With respect to consumers’ support, this was found to be positive for Iranian wheat, a result that is uncommon for most developed and developing countries. Recent agricultural policies in Iran do not appear to encourage international competitiveness for wheat and are making the wheat economy more dependent on support prices. We suggest that policy makers reconsider the method of subsidization and the pricing system, at least in the case of wheat. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
175 - Examining Subsidy Polices on Maize Production in Iran (Panel Data approach)
Negin Hosseingholizadeh Jafar Haghighat Rassul MohammadrezaeiAmong the agricultural important factors, inputs are the most significant in agricultural production. This article aimed to examine the impact of government subsidy policies on production of one of the most strategic products, namely on production of one of the most str MoreAmong the agricultural important factors, inputs are the most significant in agricultural production. This article aimed to examine the impact of government subsidy policies on production of one of the most strategic products, namely on production of one of the most strategic products, namely maize, in Iran. To achieve this goal, panel data for the nine provinces of Iran's major producers of maize during the period of 1999-2007, is used. In this study, first the country's maize production function has been estimated by using data information for inputs: chemical fertilizer, labor, water, seeds and pesticides. And then, calculating the partial elasticity of production factors,sensitivity of production to changes in the value of inputs is evaluated. Also, using a methodology based on the maximum profit, inputs´ demand function is calculated.Results of analyzing government Subsidy Policy showed that, paying subsidy to chemical fertilizer decreases maize production 0.412 percent, because of low demand elasticity of this input. Also according to subsidy of seed, with regard to low demand elasticity of this input to its price, paying subsidy that decreases seed price, wouldn´t have so high effect on its consumption and consequently, on production growth, so that maize production only increased 0.478 percent due to paying subsidy to seed. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
176 - Seasonality and Forecasting of Monthly Broiler Price in Iran
آزاده فلسفیانThe objective of this study was to model seasonal behavior of broiler price in Iran that can be used to forecast the monthly broiler prices. In this context, the periodic autoregressive (PAR), the seasonal integrated models, and the Box-Jenkins (SARIMA) models were used MoreThe objective of this study was to model seasonal behavior of broiler price in Iran that can be used to forecast the monthly broiler prices. In this context, the periodic autoregressive (PAR), the seasonal integrated models, and the Box-Jenkins (SARIMA) models were used as the primary nominates for the forecasting model. It was shown that the PAR (q) model could not be considered as an appropriate method for modeling seasonal behavior of the broiler price. Results of seasonal unit root test indicated that the monthly prices of broiler follow a non-stationary stochastic seasonal process. Accordingly, the regression-based model is an appropriate modeling framework. While SARIMA is an alternative modeling approach, the RMSE of forecasting error suggested the superiority of the regression-based model over the SARIMA model. Therefore, the estimated parameters of the regression-based model can be used to predict the monthly prices of broiler in Iran. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
177 - Factors Affecting Entrepreneurial Motivation of Agricultural Students at Razi University
Nematollah Shiri Amirhossein Alibaygi Mojgan FaghiriThe main purpose of this study was to investigate factors affecting entrepreneurial motivations of agricultural students at Razi University. Statistical population of this study consisted of all agricultural undergraduate students (senior) (N=186), that 164 of them were MoreThe main purpose of this study was to investigate factors affecting entrepreneurial motivations of agricultural students at Razi University. Statistical population of this study consisted of all agricultural undergraduate students (senior) (N=186), that 164 of them were selected as research sample using proportionate stratified sampling method. The main instrument in this study was questionnaire which its validity was confirmed by the panel of experts and its reliability was established by Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Data was analyzed by SPSSWin20 software. Findings revealed that agricultural students at Razi University have the entrepreneurial motivations at moderate to high level. In addition, multiple regression analysis showed that three variables including the attitude toward entrepreneurship, the role model, and the courses of entrepreneurship education can be explaining 35.5 percent of variances of the student's entrepreneurial motivations. Results of this study have applications for planners of higher agricultural education system in order to improving the agricultural student's entrepreneurial motivations. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
178 - Analysis of Technical Efficiency of Smallholder Cocoa Farmers in Cross River State, Nigeria
Agom Damian Ila Susan Ben Ohen Kingsley Okoi Itam Nyambi N. InyangThe technical efficiency involved in cocoa production in Cross River State was estimated using the stochastic frontier production function analysis. The effects of some selected socio- economic characteristics of the farmers on the efficiency indices were also estimated MoreThe technical efficiency involved in cocoa production in Cross River State was estimated using the stochastic frontier production function analysis. The effects of some selected socio- economic characteristics of the farmers on the efficiency indices were also estimated. The study relied upon primary data generated from interviewing cocoa farmers using a set of structured questionnaire. A multi-staged random sampling technique was adopted in selecting two hundred (200) cocoa farmers from Ikom Agricultural Zone in the state. The data on the socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while the stochastic production function, using the Maximum Likelihood Estimating (MLE) techniques was used in estimating the farmer’s technical efficiency and their determinants. Result of the analysis showed that farmers were experiencing decreasing but positive returns to scale in the use of the farm resources. The efficiency level ranged between 0.20 and 0.93 with a mean of 0.69. The result of the generalized Likelihood Ratio (LR) tests confirmed that the cocoa farmers in the area were technically inefficient. The major contributing factors to efficiency were age of farmers, farm size, and level of education, sex of farmer and age of the farms. The study observed that there is enough room to improve efficiency with the farmers’ current resource base and available technology and concluded that policies that would directly affect these identified variables should be pursued. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
179 - Regression Analysis of Innovation Management in Processing and Complementary Industries of Livestock Products
Ahmadreza OmmaniThe purpose of research was analysis of innovation management in processing and complementary industriesof livestock products. The method of research was correlative descriptive. The statistical population of this study was all managers in processing and complementary i MoreThe purpose of research was analysis of innovation management in processing and complementary industriesof livestock products. The method of research was correlative descriptive. The statistical population of this study was all managers in processing and complementary industriesof livestock products of Khouzestan Province (N=486). The sampling method was stratified random sampling. The sample size was a (n=125). A questionnaire was developed to gather information regarding Innovation Management in processing and complementary industriesof livestock products. Data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). According to the results, the correlation between innovation management with participation in special course, accountability, risk taking, tend to be creative, competitiveness, attitude to innovation management and obtained credit was significant. Based on regression analysis participation in special course, accountability, risk taking, tend to be creative, competitiveness and attitude to innovation management may well explain for 42.9% changes (R2=0.429) in level of innovation management. According to path analysis, competitiveness and attitude to innovation management were the most important variables influencing the innovation management. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
180 - Land and Poverty: Some Empirical Findings Using Cross Sectional Data from Niger Delta Region, Nigeria
Nsikak-Abasi A. Etim Agnes U. Akpan Uduakobong A. BrownPoverty is the most serious threat to natural resources and the environment and most of the poor are rural-based who engage in various agricultural activities. Land is a critical asset for the rural poor and lacking means to appropriately intensify agriculture which com MorePoverty is the most serious threat to natural resources and the environment and most of the poor are rural-based who engage in various agricultural activities. Land is a critical asset for the rural poor and lacking means to appropriately intensify agriculture which compels the poor to either overuse or misuse this natural resource base to meet basic needs. This study presents empirical relationship between land and poverty using Foster, Greer and Thorbecke weighted poverty measure. Through the multi-stage sampling procedure, 150 rural farmers were selected with the aid of questionnaire. The results of poverty decomposition show that the prevalence of poverty is more among the nearly landless farming households. Result of stochastic dominance analysis indicate that poverty incidence is sensitive to changes in poverty lines and there is second order stochastic dominance as poverty depth and severity are robust to the choice of poverty line for this sub-group. Results further suggest that households with little or no access to farmland depend on non-farm income sources for family survival. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
181 - Future Prospects of Iran, U.S and Turkey's Pistachio Exports
Mohammad Reza Pakravan Mohammad Kavoosi KalashamiIn this study, the situation of Iran, U.S and Turkey's Pistachio export is investigated. to this purpose, Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) Index is calculated based on Agricultural and total economy export, separately, then forecasted by using Auto- Regressive Integ MoreIn this study, the situation of Iran, U.S and Turkey's Pistachio export is investigated. to this purpose, Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) Index is calculated based on Agricultural and total economy export, separately, then forecasted by using Auto- Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) approached, for 2008-2013. The results show that considering both commodity baskets, Turkey and Iran had comparative advantage in Pistachio export in 1982-2007, but U.S did not. Also, forecasting RCA index, based on both commodity baskets, show the improvement of U.S Pistachio export situation, unlike the values of RCA index forecasting for Iran and Turkey is falling. Therefore, it is recommended that Iran and Turkey attempt to identify new consumer markets in order to retain their market shares in pistachio export. Following the U.S imposed policies during last six years which improved its pistachio export, Iran and Turkey can increase their market shares. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
182 - Analysis of Marketing Strategies in Dairy Processing Industries in Hamedan Province
Atena Eftekhari Vali BorimnejadAs the conditions in the market and in the world of work and commerce gets more complicated, this requires cor-rection, improvement and also updating marketing attitude among manufacturers and marketers. It is an urgent requirement to choose and determine strategies in MoreAs the conditions in the market and in the world of work and commerce gets more complicated, this requires cor-rection, improvement and also updating marketing attitude among manufacturers and marketers. It is an urgent requirement to choose and determine strategies in order to achieve the objectives. Strategy means the comprehensive and main plan in manufacturing unit revealing the way it achieves the goals.On the other hand, as processing inducts toward market, the rate of wastage (losses) reduces. This Study concerns processing industries and finding suitable important strategies. Toward this end, present study seeks to investigate the market and the strategies of marketing in processing industries. The society under study in this investigation consists of producers, retailers and the consumers of dairy processing industries in Hamedan province. The data required for this study are connected using three groups of questionnaire. Mreover, factor analysis and structural equation modelling have been used as the statistical method of the investigation. The output of Lisrel and Amos softwares are used to study the variables. The common marketing strategies are defined in results section and each one is compared with prefent conditions of dairy processing industry market in Hamedan province, and acceptable and unacceptable marketing strategies are assigned separately. In the end, several recommandations are presented for using strategies and conducting future investigations. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
183 - An Application of the Two-Regime Threshold Vector Error Correction Model to Analyze Asymmetric Price Transmission of Milk in Zanjan Province of Iran
Moharram Ainollahi Mohammad GhahremanzadehIn this paper asymmetric price transmission mechanism and nonlinear adjustment between producer and retail prices of milk were examined in Zanjan Province of Iran. For this purpose, a Two-Regime Threshold Vector Error Correction Model (TVECM) and a Sup-LM Test developed MoreIn this paper asymmetric price transmission mechanism and nonlinear adjustment between producer and retail prices of milk were examined in Zanjan Province of Iran. For this purpose, a Two-Regime Threshold Vector Error Correction Model (TVECM) and a Sup-LM Test developed by Hansen and Seo (2002) were employed for checking presence of a threshold effect. Application of unit root tests indicated that both wholesale and retail prices are I (1), and Johansen test verified cointegration of the series in the long-run. Results of the Sup-LM test confirmed threshold adjustment of product price towards the long-run equilibrium. Furthermore, results obtained from TVECM revealed that the coefficient of ECT is significant only in the first regime of retailing equation implying that retailers significantly respond to the decreasing deviations from the long-run equilibrium. While adjustment coefficient is not significant for wholesale equation in both regimes to imply that there is not significant inclination to react to deviations from the long-run equilibrium among the wholesalers despite the retailers. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
184 - Comparative Cost Structure and Yield Performance Anzlysis of Upland and Mangrove Fish Farms in Southwest, Nigeria
Mafimisebi Taiwo Ejiola Okunmadewa Foluso YinkaThe bias against mangrove areas in siting fish farms prompted a comparison of the cost structure and yield performance in upland and mangrove locations. Tools utilized included descriptive statistics, budgetary and cash flow analyses and profitability ratios. Empirical MoreThe bias against mangrove areas in siting fish farms prompted a comparison of the cost structure and yield performance in upland and mangrove locations. Tools utilized included descriptive statistics, budgetary and cash flow analyses and profitability ratios. Empirical results revealed that substantial revenue could be realized from both farms. While the upland farms yielded average gross revenue per hectare per year of $9, 183.53, the mangrove farms made $8, 135.93 revealing a slight difference. Results of combined cash flow and sensitivity analysis buttressed that of budgetary analysis. NPVs were $10, 888.11 and $10, 375.84, B/Cs was 1.28 and 1.29 and IRR were 48.55% and 48.51% for the upland and mangrove farms, respectively. Profitability ratios were also comparable but slightly higher in the upland farms. The conclusion is that there was little or no difference in yield performance. However, the high risk of investment loss in years of excessive flood should prompt investors in mangrove farms to compulsorily insure their farms. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
185 - Study of the Effects of Globalization on Iranian Caviar Export
Abolghasem Barghandan Kamran Barghandan Mohammadreza Naeemi Abdolghafoor MohammadzadehGlobalization is integration of national economies in global economy and infers on increasing the flow of goods and services. In this study the consequences of globalization were studied through the analysis of Level of International Trade index (LIT) in the caviar expo MoreGlobalization is integration of national economies in global economy and infers on increasing the flow of goods and services. In this study the consequences of globalization were studied through the analysis of Level of International Trade index (LIT) in the caviar export equation. The required data were gathered from Statistical Yearbook of Foreign Trade, Statistical Yearbook of fisheries, Statistical Yearbook of the International Monetary Fund, United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and different issues of Central Bank of Iran over 1974-2007. The results showed that domestic production of caviar have significant and positive effects on its export. In addition, sign of level of international trade variable in the estimated model is positive and indicates trade restrictions remove lead to increase in caviar export. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
186 - Fighting Hunger Together: A Case of Women Farmers’ Participation in Women Groups in Mwala Division, Kenya
Rebecca Njoki Karaya Christopher Assa Onyango David Mulama AmudaviFood security remains a major challenge for most rural households in Kenya especially those in arid and semi arid areas. Women play a crucial role as primary food producers and custodians of household food security. They however face many constraints in their endeavor t MoreFood security remains a major challenge for most rural households in Kenya especially those in arid and semi arid areas. Women play a crucial role as primary food producers and custodians of household food security. They however face many constraints in their endeavor to secure food for their households. Women, lack access to extension education, land and credit and these challenges are exacerbated by effects of climatic variability, especially drought. In response to the difficulties facing them, women in Mwala have formed organizations (women groups) as safety-nets to help them face these challenges collectively rather than as individuals. This study research was designed to investigate how women's participation in the groups influences them to overcome constraints related to their household food security. The study used a cross sectional survey design. A sample of 156 respondents was selected through simple random sampling, with 94 women farmers being group members and 62 non group members. Ten key informants were purposively sampled from group leaders of the most active women groups influenced in agricultural activities to participate in a focus group discussion. The data was analysed using SPSS package version 17 and presented using frequencies, percentages, multiple regression, and Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficient. The study revealed that household food security is significantly and positively influenced by participation of women farmers in women groups (F=9.980, p<0.001), that the level of intensity of participation in group activities did not significantly influence household food security (x2=.112) and that linking with outside agencies was positively and significantly correlated to group performance measured in terms of benefits availed to the members through their groups. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
187 - Investigation of Socio-Economic and Environmental Effects of Taleghan Dam Using Structural Equation Modeling
Vali Borimnejad Fatemeh SalimianToday water supply issue in large cities seems to be a big problem. This becomes more important with population growth and urbanization extension. To cope with this problem lots of irrigation and drainage projects have been implemented and operated that subsequently man MoreToday water supply issue in large cities seems to be a big problem. This becomes more important with population growth and urbanization extension. To cope with this problem lots of irrigation and drainage projects have been implemented and operated that subsequently many socio- economic and cultural effects have been brought to the areas . The objective of the present study is to survey the socio - economic and environmental effects of Taleghan dam to compare the two periods before and after the dam construction. The needed data have been gathered by use of a questionnaire and by interviewing 400 samples in the irrigation and drainage network’s region of Taleghan Dam, and encoded questions and outcome data have been analyzed in spss and lisrel software. The results showed an economic development in the region, but some factors like, lack of trust, lack of economic advantages and deficiency of facilities, decrease villagers’ willingness to invest. 63.3% of region’s environmental pollution has been increased mainly by the tourists. Not only is there no increase in Water sources but also they have been decreased. 98% of individuals declared that the people were not questioned in construction projects. About the coefficient of dam’s effect on region’s socio- economic and environmental development, the villagers have declared that the dam construction had no positive effect on region’s development. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
188 - Sustainable Management of Saravan Sylvan Park Using Stochastic Dynamic Programming
Somayeh Shirzadi Mahmood Sabouhi Reza Esfanjari KenariThe present study sustainable management of Guilan Saravan Sylvan Park was planned. The used method in the form of decision support model in three10-year period was studied for parks of various states and with considering the economic, ecological and social criteria dur MoreThe present study sustainable management of Guilan Saravan Sylvan Park was planned. The used method in the form of decision support model in three10-year period was studied for parks of various states and with considering the economic, ecological and social criteria during the years 2008 to 2038. By using hierarchical fuzzy analysis method, the reaching to an optimal level of economic, ecological and social simultaneously and as their combined utility values in various periods, decisions and different states of park is obtained. The results showed that in order to reach to an optimal level of purposes simultaneously, at the beginning of the first 10-year period implementation of ecological decision, at the beginning of the second 10 years period in three considered states for the Sylvan Park implementation of social, ecological and ecological decisions give the most combined utility value of purposes respectively. Results of stochastic dynamic programming showed that implementing the ecological decisions at the beginning of the first 10-year period, implementing the ecological decision by considering the second designed state of park at the beginning of the second 10-year period, and by applying the first designed state of park at the beginning of third 10-year-old period, the implementation of social decisions is desirable to achieve sustainable management in Saravan Sylvan Park. According to the findings, the implementation of these determined decisions can be useful and maximum of desirable use from Park potentials in the economic, social - recreational and conservation and sustainability of indigenous species problems, and reposit the park to the next generation with the best condition. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
189 - Determining Comparative Advantages of Corn in Optimal Cultivation Pattern
Samaneh Abedi Gholam Reza Peykani Mohammad Kavoosi KalashamiThe purpose of this study is to investigate comparative advantages of corn in comparison with other competitor crops. To do so, Linear Programming, to 2004-2005 data related to classic index (DRC) in Kermanshah province was applied. Results showed that corn has comparat MoreThe purpose of this study is to investigate comparative advantages of corn in comparison with other competitor crops. To do so, Linear Programming, to 2004-2005 data related to classic index (DRC) in Kermanshah province was applied. Results showed that corn has comparative advantages in all regions of Kermanshah province while in optimal cultivation pattern of 37.5 percentages of regions in existence of rotation and 50 percentages of regions in lack of rotation, corn acreage has been increased. In addition, comparing optimal cultivation pattern resulted from linear programming models with crops ranking based on comparative advantage indices indicated that, resources availability and limitations, tradable and non-tradable inputs costs and yield will lead to shift in production’s comparative advantage from one crop to another. Factors such as supporting policies and rotation might also have effects on comparative advantages and optimal cultivating pattern. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
190 - Effectiveness of Extension Services in Enhancing Outgrowers’ Credit System: A Case of Smallholder Sugarcane Farmers in Kisumu County, Kenya
Abura Odilla Gilbert Barchok Kipngeno Hillary Onyango Christopher AsherThe purpose of this study was to investigate the role of extension services in enhancing effectiveness of out growers’ credit system in Kisumu County, Kenya. The study specifically sought to determine whether public and private extension services play a significan MoreThe purpose of this study was to investigate the role of extension services in enhancing effectiveness of out growers’ credit system in Kisumu County, Kenya. The study specifically sought to determine whether public and private extension services play a significant role in enhancing effectiveness of out-growers’ credit system among smallholder sugarcane farmers. A total of 110 small scale farmers were randomly selected for the study. A closed ended questionnaire was used to collect data from farmers. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The findings indicated that both public and private extension services were insignificant in enhancing effectiveness of out growers’ credit system. Further, the findings indicated that there was no significant difference between public and private sector in provision of extension services. The findings suggest that for out growers’ credit system to be effective in terms of creation of awareness about credit, accessibility, timely supply of credit, supervision of credit and provision of extension advice on credit utilization, both public and private extension services should be intensified and coordinated to avoid duplication. The results also suggest that sugarcane factory extension division should be strengthened just like in the coffee and tea sub-sectors. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
191 - An Economic Evaluation of Iranian Horticultural Research and Extension Policy: The Case Study of Almond Late Flowering Cultivars
Seyed Safdar Hosseini Ali ShahnavaziThis paper examines the economic effects of investment in developing and introducing Almond Late Flowering Cultivars (ALFC) in a period of 52 years from 1968 to 2020, developed in Sahand Horticultural Research Station (SHRS), using the economic surplus model and field s MoreThis paper examines the economic effects of investment in developing and introducing Almond Late Flowering Cultivars (ALFC) in a period of 52 years from 1968 to 2020, developed in Sahand Horticultural Research Station (SHRS), using the economic surplus model and field survey data. ALFC make almond supply curve move less to the left when there is a chilling case, thus affect the economic surplus of producers and consumers. Results showed that because of ALFC, economic surplus of producers and consumers had been increased about 0.4 and 0.6 million US Dollars, respectively that the share of consumers from benefits was 58 percent. The social net present value of ALFC regarding to the cost of research and extension was about 0.1 million US Dollars. It was identified that the internal rate of return in developing and introducing of ALFC had been about 11%. The findings expressed that if the research investment in ALFC could keep the position of almond supply curve unchanged unless the weather conditions, then the economic surplus of producers and consumers would decreased 3 and 4.2 million US Dollars less annually, respectively and internal rate of return in almond research would be 33%. Comparing the results showed that the introduction of late flowering cultivars could reduce the loss only 4% per hectare. The results illustrated that investment in R& E of almond could make supply curve shift less in chilling situation because of decrease in cultivation cost, but it is necessary to enhance almond yield too. The findings identify that the efficiency of current system of R & E for almond is low. So it is a necessity to find ways for make better the R & E performance in Iran. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
192 - Innovation in the Agro-Food Sector: from Technical Innovation-Centred Approaches to Sustainability Transition Processes
حمید البیلالیInnovation is a complex phenomenon and process involving translation of knowledge into new techniques, products, services. It is considered crucial for sustainable agriculture development and achievement of long-term food security. The review describes the diversity of MoreInnovation is a complex phenomenon and process involving translation of knowledge into new techniques, products, services. It is considered crucial for sustainable agriculture development and achievement of long-term food security. The review describes the diversity of innovation and relates it to agro-food sector. It also sheds light on different innovation models and explores their contribution to framing agro-food sustainability transitions. There are many variations in the use of the term ‘innovation’. Typical distinctions encountered in the literature are incremental vs. radical innovation and product vs. process vs. organizational innovation. A significant feature of the development of modern innovation thinking has been a gradual broadening of innovation scope as well as more attention to sustainability. The scope of innovation was broadened to include soft (social/organisation) innovations besides hard/technical ones. In fact, the interest has shifted from technological innovation to disruptive niche innovations fundamental for socio-technical transitions. Moreover, as a recognition of system complexity, frameworks such as the Innovation systems and the Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) were developed and promoted. However, despite positive innovation benefits, relationship between innovation and sustainability in the agro-food arena is far from straightforward. Therefore, focus is gradually moving from innovation process to its impacts in terms of sustainability and its contribution to sustainability transitions in agriculture and food systems. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
193 - Comparative Advantage, Self-sufficiency and Food Security in Iran: Case Study of Wheat Commodity
Mahmood Haji-RahimiFood security has a dynamic notion during the time and may be affected by various domestic and global factors.Nevertheless, Iranian policy makers consider food security as same as self-sufficiency in agricultural food products, particularly wheat production. However, se MoreFood security has a dynamic notion during the time and may be affected by various domestic and global factors.Nevertheless, Iranian policy makers consider food security as same as self-sufficiency in agricultural food products, particularly wheat production. However, self-sufficiency can contribute to food security only if it is in coincidences with comparative advantage and sustainable resource management. The present study aims to investigate the coincidences of self-sufficiency and comparative advantage and the real impact of selfsufficiency on net social benefit as a measure of food security; by developing a Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM) to analyze the trend of comparative advantage and self-sufficiency measures for the past decade. The data for wheat input-output quantities and their domestic prices during the period of study were obtained from production and cost system of agricultural products, and other relevant information collected from World Bank statistics and FAO database. The results showed that the self-sufficiency policy through price supports, inputs and credit subsidies and research and extension programs, has increased the physical productivity of wheat farms as well as increased the area under cultivation. However, the net social profit of wheat production was negative during the period of study, indicating a negative effect of self-sufficiency policy on the food security. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
194 - Implication of Micronutrients in Agriculture and Health with Special Reference to Iron and Zinc
M. Govindaraj P. Kannan P. ArunachalamThe green revolution fulfilled the food demand of crowded millions. From the time of green revolution to till date high yielding and fertilizer responsive varieties have evolved to increase the production per unit area. To improve the productivity only major nutrients a MoreThe green revolution fulfilled the food demand of crowded millions. From the time of green revolution to till date high yielding and fertilizer responsive varieties have evolved to increase the production per unit area. To improve the productivity only major nutrients are concentrated almost in all crops. Though the importance of micronutrient realized during past decades in most of the crops but it is not effectively materialized in general crop cultivation practices. The micronutrient deficiencies in soil are not only hamper crop productivity but also deteriorating the produce quality. World health organization (WHO) has estimated that over 3 billion people in the globe suffer from the micronutrient malnutrition and about 2 billion people of these have iron deficiency. Iron is one of the 16 essential elements needed for plant growth. Iron is used for the synthesis of chlorophyll and is essential for the function of chloroplasts. Zinc is involved in membrane integrity, enzyme activation, and gene expression. Rice, sorghum and corn are Zn sensitive and sorghum, sugarcane, groundnut, soyabean, beans, grapes, vegetables and citrus are highly Fe sensitive crops. To overcome these problems foliar spray is being recommended but it is not crop specific or soil specific recommendation. Keeping these problems in the view, recently development of micronutrient efficient genotypes, creating awareness of micronutrient dose, crop specific micronutrient uptake and accumulation are vital to improve productivity and to address human health problems. In this paper we discussed the importance of iron and zinc in agriculture and their role in crop plants and ways to improve the crop productivity as well as human health. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
195 - A Measure of Pastoralist Women’s Vulnerability to the Impact of Seasonality: Evidence from Nigeria
S. A. Aderinoye-Abdulwahab J. J. Chimgonda-NkhomaThis paper examines factors that predispose pastoralist women to social and environmental vulnerability and how the women cope with their livelihoods when their husbands relocate with cattle during dry season. The paper adopts a case study research design to select Kwar MoreThis paper examines factors that predispose pastoralist women to social and environmental vulnerability and how the women cope with their livelihoods when their husbands relocate with cattle during dry season. The paper adopts a case study research design to select Kwara State of Nigeria where focus groups discussions and interviews were held to elicit information. It was found that food insecurity, low incomes, seasonal changes, conflict, and culture deter women from sustaining a well-being. The study recommends that organisations and policy makers should capitalise on indigenous knowledge when designing measures to reduce people’s vulnerability as this would enhance their livelihood sustainability. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
196 - Applying CVM for Economic Valuation of Drinking Water in Iran
Morteza Tahami Pour Mohammad Kavoosi KalashamiEconomic valuation of water is useful in the administration and management of water. Population growth and urbanization caused municipal water demand increase in Iran. Limited water resource supply and urban water network capacity raised complexity in water resources ma MoreEconomic valuation of water is useful in the administration and management of water. Population growth and urbanization caused municipal water demand increase in Iran. Limited water resource supply and urban water network capacity raised complexity in water resources management. Present condition suggests using economic value of water as a criterion for allocating policies and feasibility study of urban water supply projects. This study use contingent valuation method for determining economic value of drinking water in Kohkiloye & Boyerahmad province. Required data set were obtained from 177 questionnaires by applying stratified random sampling in 2011 year. From 136 investigated urban households 111 ones are willing to pay more for qualified drinking water. Also, from 41 investigated rural households only 3 ones are willing to pay more for qualified drinking water. Results indicated that economic value of drinking water is 6877 Rial per cubic meter. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
197 - Social Factors Influencing Adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Technologies by Paddy Farmers
Fatemeh Razzaghi Borkhani Ahmad Rezvanfar Hossein Shabanali Fami Mahtab PouratashiThis study aimed to identify the factors influencing adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) technologies by paddy farmers in Sari County of Iran. A sample of 260 farmers who selected randomly, participated in this study through a survey questionnaire. Findings of MoreThis study aimed to identify the factors influencing adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) technologies by paddy farmers in Sari County of Iran. A sample of 260 farmers who selected randomly, participated in this study through a survey questionnaire. Findings of the study revealed a statistically significant positive correlation between adoption of IPM technologies and farmers’ participation in extension activities, Farmers’ Field School, local associations, and influence of opinion leaders. Regression analysis indicated that nearly 43% of variation in the IPM technologies adoption could be explained by participation in extension activities, local associations, and influence of opinion leaders. Findings have implications for designing extension programs that can encourage adoption of IPM technologies by farmers. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
198 - Comparative –Analytical Study of Economic Productivity of Water between Smallholding and Rural Production Cooperative Utilization System
Mohammad Reza Bakhshi Behnaz Nejati Mofid ShateriIn recent years, farming section of South Khorasan Province faces different limitations such as increasing shortage of water resources and continuous reduction of weather showers.Considering consecutive droughts and water crisis in agricultural plain of the province, it MoreIn recent years, farming section of South Khorasan Province faces different limitations such as increasing shortage of water resources and continuous reduction of weather showers.Considering consecutive droughts and water crisis in agricultural plain of the province, it is necessary to use water resources optimally and increase productivity of water shortage input. Comparison of water productivity among the available utilization systems in agricultural section of the province can cause recognition of suitable and efficient utilization system for optimal use of water shortage input and increase water productivity in production of crops. In the present research, different indices of water productivity for production of crops in two small holding utilization system and Rural Production Cooperative in Khosef County have been calculated and compared. The required data have been collected with a sample of 247 farmers and with two-staged cluster sampling and with questionnaire. To calculate and compare water productivity, Benefit Per Drop, Crop Per Drop and Net Benefit Per Drop indices have been used. Results showed that the said indices were different for similar products in two utilization systems and in most crops, the said indices in rural production cooperative system were higher than small holding system. Therefore,gathering of smallholder’s farmers as rural production cooperative can lead to more desirable utilization of water resources and reduction of drought effects and water crisis. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
199 - The Effect of Forest Road Construction on Soil Organic Carbon Stock in Mountainous Catchment in Northern Iran
کاظم نصرتی سعید جلالیThe main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of forest road construction on the Soil Organic Carbon Stock (SOCS) in Ziarat Catchment. Therefore, soil samples were collected from five land use types including road construction, cultivated area, channel MoreThe main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of forest road construction on the Soil Organic Carbon Stock (SOCS) in Ziarat Catchment. Therefore, soil samples were collected from five land use types including road construction, cultivated area, channel bank, pasture and forest land and soil organic carbon concentration and bulk density were measured in the samples and SOCS were calculated. The results showed that the forest road construction reduce SOCS. SOC stock was greatest in the forest land use and the total SOC stock under different land uses varied in order forest, pasture, cultivate, channel bank and road construction with 143, 136, 128, 36 and 29 Mgha−1, respectively (p<0.001). Therefore, these results can be useful as a scientific basis for selecting the proper soil erosion control methods as a simple and low-cost approach to mitigate the SOC loss. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
200 - Perceptions of Constraints Affecting Adoption of Women-in-Agriculture Programme Technologies in the Niger Delta, Nigeria
A. Akpabio Iniobong A. Etim Nsikak Abasi Sunday OkonThe study focused on constraints affecting the adoption of innovative agricultural technologies disseminated by the Women-in-Agriculture (WIA) unit of the Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP) to its women clientele. The study also ascertained the awaren MoreThe study focused on constraints affecting the adoption of innovative agricultural technologies disseminated by the Women-in-Agriculture (WIA) unit of the Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP) to its women clientele. The study also ascertained the awareness and adoption levels of such introduced technologies. Findings revealed that respondents were aware of 61.9% of introduced technologies, while only 33.3% were fully adopted. The study also identified seven factors responsible for the non-adoption of women farmers’ related technologies. The three highest ranking constraining factors were revealed as; high cost of inputs, low income level of women farmers and lack of regular contact with WIA extension agents. Reasons have been proffered for the relatively low technologies’ adoption levels. Recommendations have also been made to enhance the technology adoption level. These include the necessity to introduce only socio- economically and culturally compatible technologies to WIA clientele, a wholesale focus on follow-up activities after initial group based technology introduction activities, and the attachment of a credit scheme to the WIA program. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
201 - On-farm Energy Use (Case of Dire County, Kermanshah Province)
نشمیل افشارزاده عبدالحمید پاپ زدن سهراب دل انگیزان مهدی اشجعیThis paper focuses on the amount of diesel consumption as one of the non-renewable energy sources consumed by the agricultural machinery and water pumps in wheat and corn farms in Dire County,Kermanshah Province, Iran. The population of the study was determined by Bartl MoreThis paper focuses on the amount of diesel consumption as one of the non-renewable energy sources consumed by the agricultural machinery and water pumps in wheat and corn farms in Dire County,Kermanshah Province, Iran. The population of the study was determined by Bartlett table. Stratified random sampling method and census was used for the selection of respondents. The sample was composed of 247 wheat growers, 235 corn growers, and 57 tractor drivers selected by Bartlett’s table. Combine drivers as well as farm irrigation diesel owners were selected by census (N=15, N=48, respectively). The data collection tool was a questionnaire and the data were analyzed by SPSS software package. The findings revealed that in wheat farms, soil preparation had the highest consumption of diesel by 49% and in corn farms inter culturing had the highest diesel consumption by 38%. Moreover, the amount of diesel consumed in 3600 ha wheat and a corn farm in Dire County was 403,852.6 lit/year equivalent to 15,346,399 MJ. Burning this amount of diesel produces about 1, 058,094 kg CO2/year. Overall, farm machinery, water pumping and irrigation for two major crops in the county are extremely reliant on nonrenewable fossil fuel resulting in large amount of CO2 emission. Hence, an aggressive and innovative policy is required to restructure and redesign energy system in agriculture sector at national and local levels. Finally, it seems that paradigm shift to sustainable agriculture and development of clean and renewable energy in Iran's agricultural sector is unavoidable. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
202 - Investigating Market Integration and Price Transmission of Different Rice Qualities in Iran
Amir Hossein Chizari Masoud Fehresti Sani Mohammad Kavoosi KalashamiRice production in most of Asian countries has been increased more rapidly than population and this has been led to increase in supply and proportionately decrease in the real price of rice in world and domestic markets. Furthermore, together with growth in production a MoreRice production in most of Asian countries has been increased more rapidly than population and this has been led to increase in supply and proportionately decrease in the real price of rice in world and domestic markets. Furthermore, together with growth in production and national gross income of the country per-capita income has been increased and also demand for rice at national and international level quality has been increased. In this case studying the market conditions of different qualities of rice including marketing margins, causative relations among the prices, market integrations in long term and finally price transferring and market integration in short term is the important consequence that can help policymakers and planners in their decision makings on research, production, distribution and marketing of rice strategic product. So, using the statistics from Jihad Agriculture Organization of Guilan Province in case of the price of rice qualities (items) including Sadri momtaz (S1), Sadri darge yek (S2), Sadri mamooli (S3) and Khazar (K1) during 1999-2009 market conditions of different qualities of rice was studied. Results show that impulses in wholesale prices in Khazar rice rapidly influence on-farm prices, however, in case of other rice qualities the rate and speed of this influence is low. But in wholesale-retail market for Sadri quality rice impulses influence strongly in wholesale price and this shows intense integration of these two rice markets in Iran. It is suggested that according to the different quality of rice verities, support policy design and decision making process assigned separately Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
203 - Sustainability Test of Iran’s Agricultural Balance Trade
Mohsen Salehi Komroudi Esmaeil Pishbahar Hossein RaheliFrom the perspective of new growth models and new international trade theories, both exports and imports play an important role in a dynamic economy. Economically, we cannot merely emphasize on a positive trade balance and we ignore the benefits of imports, and also we MoreFrom the perspective of new growth models and new international trade theories, both exports and imports play an important role in a dynamic economy. Economically, we cannot merely emphasize on a positive trade balance and we ignore the benefits of imports, and also we cannot advise negative trade balance. But the main concern of policy makers about international trade should be making stability and equilibrium of trade balance in the long run. Especially, deficit agricultural trade balance can be a great danger for food security. Hence, the main objective of this study was to test the sustainability of Iran's agricultural trade balance during the period 1961-2011 (1340-1390). For this purpose, After confirming the existence of cointegration by Gregory-Hansen Test, Hasted and Arize models was estimated with OLS, FMOLS and DOLS methods and it released we can verify sustainability of agricultural trade balance during the period of the study. Also, the estimation of error correction model showed that there is a bidirectional causality relationship between import and export in long-run while in short-run export only cause import in agriculture sector. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
204 - Achieving Consensus Deal with Methodological Issues in the Delphi Technique
زهرا گودرزی عنایت عباسی همایون فرهادیانDelphi is a powerful technique used to seek answers to appropriate questions. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the Delphi technique as a research method. This paper discusses the scientific merit of the Delphi technique by investigating on 41 studi MoreDelphi is a powerful technique used to seek answers to appropriate questions. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the Delphi technique as a research method. This paper discusses the scientific merit of the Delphi technique by investigating on 41 studies of Journal of Agricultural Education from 1981 to 2013, and 2 studies of Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology. The results showed that there is no general agreement on using indexes in different rounds of Delphi technique; however, according to the frequencies of using indexes in different studies, the following suggestions are presented. The favourable number of panel of experts is between 10 to 20. Purposive sampling method is used for selecting the panel members. Usually a three rounds of Delphi method is used. One question is designed in round one. Mean and standard deviation indexes are used for passing from round two to round three and agreement level of 70 present is used for achieving expert's consensus in round three. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
205 - Integration of Natural Resource Management in the Primary Education Curriculum in Kenya
Michael G. Kanyi Tom Vandenbosch Fredrick U. Ngesa Joash K. Kibett George MuthaaThe Farmers of the Future (FoF) initiative implemented a programme of integrating natural resources management in the basic education curriculum. The purpose of the study was to document activities and determine the effects of FoF programme on primary school learners&rs MoreThe Farmers of the Future (FoF) initiative implemented a programme of integrating natural resources management in the basic education curriculum. The purpose of the study was to document activities and determine the effects of FoF programme on primary school learners’ perceptions towards natural resources management by comparing learners involved in the FoF programme and those not involved. Further, comparison of perceptions by gender among learners involved in the FoF was done. The study employed an ex-post-facto design. The location of the study was the western region of Kenya. The sample was composed of 120 learners and 6 teachers, making a total of 126 respondents. This was in accordance with recommendations by Kathuri and Pals (1993). The data were collected using questionnaires and analysed using t-test at alpha=0.05. The instruments were validated by two experts in the Department of Agricultural Education and Extension at Egerton University and one expert from ICRAF. Reliability was tested through pilot testing and indicated a reliability coefficient of 0.72 The findings indicated that the FoF programme had a significant influence on learners’ positive perceptions towards natural resources management thus the programme forms an integral part in sustainable agriculture. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
206 - Encouraging and Discouraging Factors in Application of Information and Communication Technologies in Agricultural Extension in Isfahan Province of Iran
Gholamreza Pezeshki Rad Zahra Haji Hashemi Mohhamad ChizariThe benefits of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for agricultural extension purposes and activities are obvious. The main objective of this article is to identify encouraging and discouraging factors in application of ICTs in agricultural extension in I MoreThe benefits of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for agricultural extension purposes and activities are obvious. The main objective of this article is to identify encouraging and discouraging factors in application of ICTs in agricultural extension in Isfahan province of Iran. This study investigated areas of ICTs application by Extension Workers (EWs), too. The research design was a descriptive method. The population includes 320 Isfahan province EWs that 200 person were choose by census and stratified sampling methods. In our contribution we focused on finding. Face and content validity of the questionnaire was established using a panel of experts consisting of faculty members in the Departments of Agricultural Education and Extension, Tarbiat Modares University and extension officers in the Isfahan Province Agricultural Jihad Organization. Cronbach's Alpha to estimate the reliability of the instrument was among 82.6 - 87.8. On the ranking of principal areas of applying ICTs by EWs in extension “typing letters/report”, and “prepare and protect file on process basic agricultural and rural information”, and “access to the latest agricultural news and information”, had most usage. The main result of the study revealed that the EWs in the study approximately use ICT quite a bit. For EWs ICT Encouraging Items Principal Factor Analysis extracted four factors which accounted for 76.24% of the total variance. And Factor analysis for EWs ICT discouraging Items extracted six factors which accounted for 62.84% of the total variance Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
207 - A Logistic Regression Analysis: Agro-Technical Factors Impressible from Fish Farming in Rice Fields, North of Iran
Seyyed Ali Noorhosseini-Niyaki Mohammad Sadegh AllahyariThis study was carried out to identify Technical-Agronomic Factors Impressible from Fish Farming in Rice Fields. This investigation carried out by descriptive survey during July-August 2009. Studied cities including Talesh, Rezvanshahr and Masal set in Tavalesh region n MoreThis study was carried out to identify Technical-Agronomic Factors Impressible from Fish Farming in Rice Fields. This investigation carried out by descriptive survey during July-August 2009. Studied cities including Talesh, Rezvanshahr and Masal set in Tavalesh region near to Caspian Sea, North of Iran. The questionnaire validity and reliability were determined to enhance the dependability of the results. Data were collected from 184 respondents (61 adopters and 123 non-adopters) randomly sampled from selected villages and analyzed using logistic regression analysis. Results showed that there was a significant positive relationship (p<0.05) between biological control of pests in rice fields and the fish farming in rice fields. Also, there was a significant negative relationship (p<0.10) between the fish farming in rice fields and variables of quantity using pesticide of Diazinon in rice fields and number of plows in rice fields. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
208 - Effects of Climate Change on Food Expenditures of Rural Households in Iran
علیرضا کرباسی چیمن صیادیThis study examined the effects of climate change on food expenditure in rural household of Iran. Food expenditure is investigated as a function of average income of rural households, retail food price index and food expenditure for rural households, agricultural sown a MoreThis study examined the effects of climate change on food expenditure in rural household of Iran. Food expenditure is investigated as a function of average income of rural households, retail food price index and food expenditure for rural households, agricultural sown area and climate change. Here, the Stata11 software is used and data are from 26 provinces of the country for 10 years. Precipitation, temperature and relative humidity are considered as indicators for climate variables. The results indicated a positive and significant effect of average income of rural households, retail food prices, food expenditure of rural households with a lag and precipitation on the food expenditure of rural households. Agricultural sown area and relative humidity had no effect on the food expenditure of rural households and temperature had a significant and negative effect on the food expenditure of rural households. In the end, due to the impact that each of these variables explicitly have on food expenditure of rural households and implicitly on food security of rural households, suggestions for maintaining and improving food security of rural households is presented. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
209 - Investigating Effect of Development of Agricutural,Industrial, Service and Oil Revenue to ICOR of Agricultural Sector
Zakiyeh Sadeghi Mojtaba Nikzad Mojtaba Bagheri TodshekiIn this study, considering the importance of incremental capital output ratio (ICOR) in agriculture Investment capital and self-sufficiency in this sector in order to grow and being influenced by the past and previous relationships strong agricultural sector productivit MoreIn this study, considering the importance of incremental capital output ratio (ICOR) in agriculture Investment capital and self-sufficiency in this sector in order to grow and being influenced by the past and previous relationships strong agricultural sector productivity growth in other sectors of the economy, especially the effect of oil revenues, was trying to, long-term relationships as well as their adjustment process described by the Autoregressive-Distributed Lag model (ARDL) to investigate.The results also confirm the long-run relationship between the variables of the model show that oil revenues in appropriate path to growth agricultural productivity have beentoo much attention to the industry and imports of agricultural products decreased investment in agricultural productivity.However,the service sector growth by improving marketing activities and financing farmers to improve venture capital productivity in the agricultural sector operates. In the long run, adjusting the intersection, the model indicates improved productivity in the agricultural sector is of capital. Shown the necessary support to the agricultural sector in the short term. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
210 - Drought Risk Vulnerability Parameters among Wheat Farmers in Mashhad County, Iran
Mojtaba Sookhtanlo Hesamedin Gholami Seyyed Reza Es’haghiIdentification and analysis of farmers’ vulnerability associated with their risk aversion degree is one of the necessary requirements for planning and reducing impacts of drought in Iran. So, this study was investigated three risk vulnerability parameters (economi MoreIdentification and analysis of farmers’ vulnerability associated with their risk aversion degree is one of the necessary requirements for planning and reducing impacts of drought in Iran. So, this study was investigated three risk vulnerability parameters (economic, social and technical) among wheat farmers categorized in accordance with their risk aversion degree in the Mashhad County (Iran) between drought years of 2009-2011. Vulnerability parameters were determined by Delphi technique. For measuring vulnerability and risk aversion degree, formula of Me-Bar and Valdes and method of Safety First Rule were applied respectively. Findings revealed that in social vulnerability indicators; education level, collaboratively farming activities and dependency on government and in technical vulnerability; irrigation method, cultivation method and type of cultivation; risk averse farmers have had the highest vulnerability level under drought conditions. While respecting economic vulnerability, risk neutral farmers (in insuring for crops, sale prices of crops and the type of land ownership), have had the highest vulnerability level. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
211 - Assessment of Small Scale Farmers’ Skills Regarding Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in District Sargodha Pakistan
Ejaz Ashraf Abu Bakar Muhammad Raza Samiullah Muhammad YounisAsurvey study was conducted to assess the knowledge/awareness level in IPM technology among farmers. Four villages were randomly selected from Sargodha district for data collection. Thirteen farmers from each village were selected randomly and sample size was 52 respond MoreAsurvey study was conducted to assess the knowledge/awareness level in IPM technology among farmers. Four villages were randomly selected from Sargodha district for data collection. Thirteen farmers from each village were selected randomly and sample size was 52 respondents. More than 92% of respondents have no advisory services either from public or private sector. The findings imply that respondents need knowledge for all levels of competence in IPM technology. They need to get high-level of competence for application of this technology in the field. In addition, they have little exposure to long-term training opportunities due to low education level for applications of this technology. More than 77% of respondents think that government agricultural policies and no access to information sources regarding integrated pest management at grass-root level are main constraints. The findings from correlation and regression analyses indicate that age and knowledge/awareness level are negatively correlated. It may be concluded that elder respondents have less adaptability to new ideas and techniques as compared to young respondents. However, training and information, education, and experience play a significant role in enhancing the knowledge/awareness level of respondents in IPM technology. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
212 - Family Income and Cash Flow of Rural Households in South East Nigeria: A Comparative and Gender – Based Analysis
Olajide O. Adeola W. DopplerThis study focused on the income generating capacity of farm family’s own resources and examined the vulnerability to financial risk among the remote and peri-urban farming systems of Imo state. Primary data was collected using the farming and rural systems approa MoreThis study focused on the income generating capacity of farm family’s own resources and examined the vulnerability to financial risk among the remote and peri-urban farming systems of Imo state. Primary data was collected using the farming and rural systems approach to randomly select and interview 120 households. Descriptive statistics and Mann whitney test were used in assessing between group differences while regression analysis was used to test the determinants of family income spread within the households. The results showed that the farming systems differed significantly in terms of rewards to resource use and efficiency. It also showed that remotely located households were more likely to be vulnerable to financial risks. A comparison of Male and Female Headed Households showed that the households had similar income generating potentials but with the cash flow analysis a safe conclusion may be reached that Female Headed Household were more financially unhealthy. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
213 - Cropping Pattern and Comparative Advantage of Agricultural Products in Ilam Province
Roya Eshraghi Samani Alireza PoursaeedIn this study, the comparative advantage of main agricultural products and its relation to cropping pattern was studied in Ilam Province. For data analyzing the comparative advantage and government policies effects indices, Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM) were used. The ob MoreIn this study, the comparative advantage of main agricultural products and its relation to cropping pattern was studied in Ilam Province. For data analyzing the comparative advantage and government policies effects indices, Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM) were used. The obtained results for the comparative advantage indices of Domestic Resource Cost (DRC), Social Cost Benefit (SCB) and Net Social Profitability (NSP) show that production of irrigated wheat, dry-farming wheat and dry-farming barely has not comparative advantage in Ilam Province but the production of irrigated barely, corn, dry-farming pea, dry-farming lentil, watermelon, cucumber and tomato have comparative advantage in Ilam Province. In addition, the obtained results for NPIC index show the Nominal Government Protection of inputs in all products. Also, Nominal Protection Coefficient index indicated that nominal market protection of products like wheat (irrigated and dry-farming) and barely (irrigated and dry-farming) was positive and those of other products were negative and the Effective Protection Coefficient for wheat and barley had the highest values. The results showed that the existing cropping pattern was not allotted with comparative advantage but is related to the effective protection coefficient. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
214 - Investigating Consumers' Willingness to Pay for Organic Green Chicken in Iran (Case Study: Rasht City)
Mohammad Kavoosi Kalashami Morteza Heydari Houman KazeraniHealth and safety are important factors in today’s life. Most of studies show that consuming the chicken that has anti biotic caused different diseases like digestive vessel cancer. Attention to controlled use of antibiotics can play a key role in society health w MoreHealth and safety are important factors in today’s life. Most of studies show that consuming the chicken that has anti biotic caused different diseases like digestive vessel cancer. Attention to controlled use of antibiotics can play a key role in society health which considered in the production of green chicken. Planning for increasing the production of mentioned chicken needs the investigation of consumers’ WTP. So, using double bound contingent valuation method and logit model, present study estimates consumers’ WTP for green chicken in Rasht city. Among the explanatory variables applied in logit model, income and education level had positive and significant effects on WTP for green chicken. Results revealed that average WTP for a kg of green chicken equals to 37279 Rials, and because this WTP does not compensate the production costs, government protection such as Green subsidy should be considered in order to expand green products consumption in Iran. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
215 - Investigating the Effects of Financial Repression on Private Investment in Agriculture Sector
Abdolmajid Jalaee Sima Shafei Mina JavadiniaOne of the present phenomena that virtually explain weaknesses in financial systems of different countries is financial repression. Financial repression encompasses the different interferences of governments in financial markets through determining the ceiling interest MoreOne of the present phenomena that virtually explain weaknesses in financial systems of different countries is financial repression. Financial repression encompasses the different interferences of governments in financial markets through determining the ceiling interest on bank deposits, high rates of legal reserves, and the government’s interference in distribution of bank credits,which prevents the efficient performance of financial market for better allocating resources and funds. On the other hand, investment in agricultural sector enjoys a significant importance due to the growth of production and employment in this sector and rooting for the same notions in other economic sectors. Regarding the fact that the subject matter of the current paper is of utmost importance, it tries to investigate the impacts of financial repression on investments in agricultural sector. In order to realize this objective, measures such as the size of the government in economy, the measure for financial intermediation of banks, and the ratio of savings to GDP (Gross Domestic Product) were utilized as the factors for financial repression. The regression results of ARDL showed that the effects from the measures of government size in economy and financial intermediation of banks had a negative and significant impact on private investment in agricultural sector. This means that the bigger the size of government in economy the less the willingness of the private sector for investing in agriculture. Moreover, regarding the fact that the majority of banks in Iran are governmental, the measure for financial intermediation of banks had a negative and significant impact on private investment of agricultural sector. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
216 - Livestock Farming Systems and Cattle Production Orientation in Eastern High Plains of Algeria, Cattle Farming System in Algerian Semi-Arid Region
Lounis Semara Charefeddine Mouffok Toufik MadaniThis study was an attempt to devise productive orientations of cattle herds in eastern high plains of Algeria. In this regard, 165 farms randomly identified were investigated. The selection of breeders was based to existence of cattle on the farm, and the farmer propose MoreThis study was an attempt to devise productive orientations of cattle herds in eastern high plains of Algeria. In this regard, 165 farms randomly identified were investigated. The selection of breeders was based to existence of cattle on the farm, and the farmer proposed to investigation must have at least two cows. The approach taken was to identify all systems adopted by farmers in a region through the analysis of the relationship between the maintenance of different types of cattle and preferred marketing policies. The model has been emerged as a result of functional typology established using the procedure categorical principal components analysis (CATPCA) of optimal coding in SPSS [19.2010]. Following this approach, five types of cattle productive orientation have been identified, the balanced mixed system (dairy-beef), beef mixed system, dairy mixed system, dairy system and beef system. These results showed that the breeders were oriented towards specialization (dairy or beef) in less than 20% of situations. Farmers in our context prefer mixed systems when beef mixed system was the model type frequently encountered in the region (over than 50% of farms). Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
217 - Investigating Agricultural Productivity Growth and Convergence in Iran and Eastern African Countries
Maryam Shokoohi Mohammad Kavoosi Kalashami Farzad SerajzadehThe issue of convergence or divergence of productivity has important policy for regional poverty reduction and increasing standards of living. If productivity converges to a common level without intervention, there is little need for explicit policies in lagging regions MoreThe issue of convergence or divergence of productivity has important policy for regional poverty reduction and increasing standards of living. If productivity converges to a common level without intervention, there is little need for explicit policies in lagging regions to promote catch up. On the other hand, productivity has divergence trend, then explicit policies would be needed to prevent further lagging of TFP and standard of living. Therefore, with regard to importance subject, this paper in finding out whether Iran and Eastern African countries in agriculture have managed to narrow their productivity gap? The results show that the range changes of average TFP growth lies between -4.9 percent in Rwanda countries and 1.1 percent in Iran and Somalia. The results of convergence test indicate that, from among 9 countries under consideration only five countries, be converging to the mean. Therefore, these countries managed to make better use of new available technologies, thus reaching far greater productivity levels than others. On the opposite, convergence can not be accepted for the rest countries. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
218 - Price Transmission Analysis in Iran Chicken Market
Seyed Safdar Hosseini Afsaneh Nikoukar Arash DourandishOver the past three decades vertical price transmission analysis has been the subject of considerable attention in applied agricultural conomics. It has been argued that the existence of asymmetric price transmission generates rents for marketing and processing agents. MoreOver the past three decades vertical price transmission analysis has been the subject of considerable attention in applied agricultural conomics. It has been argued that the existence of asymmetric price transmission generates rents for marketing and processing agents. Retail prices allegedly move faster upwards than downwards in response to farm level pricemovements. This is an important issue for many agricultural markets, including the Iranian chicken market. Chicken is an important source of nutrition in Iranian society and many rural households depend on this commodity market as a source of in-come. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the extent, if any, of symmetric price transmission in Iran chicken market using the Houck, Error Correction and Threshold models. The analysis is based on weekly chicken price data at farm and retail levels over the period October 2002 to March 2006. The results of tests on all three models show that price transmission in Iranian chicken market is long-run symmetric, but short-run asymmetric. Increases in the farm price transmit mmediately to the retail level, while decreases in farm price transmit relatively more slowly to the retail level. We conjecture the asymmetric price transmission in this market is the result of high inflation rates that lead the consumers to expect continual price increases and a different adjustment costs in the upwards direction compared to the downwards direction for the marketing agents and a non- competitive laughtering industry and that looking for ways to make this sector of the chicken supply chain more competitive will foster greater price ransmission symmetry and lead to welfare gains for both consumers and agricultural producers. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
219 - Factor Analysis of Agricultural Development Indicators from Iranian Agriculture Experts’ Viewpoints
Mohammad Sadegh Sabouri Meysam soloukiAgriculture and its development is the foundation of development in Iran as a developing country. So, it can be regarded as the foundation for economical and social development.The capabilities of agriculture sector are limited and its efficiency is trivial because of n MoreAgriculture and its development is the foundation of development in Iran as a developing country. So, it can be regarded as the foundation for economical and social development.The capabilities of agriculture sector are limited and its efficiency is trivial because of neglecting agricultural development and keeping its support just as a slogan. The transformation of agriculture to a developed, dynamic, efficient environment depends not only on appropriate climate and natural resources but also on human resource development in the relevant sector. The main purpose of the present research was to study and recognize agricultural development indicators from agriculture experts’ viewpoints (including researchers, trainers and extension experts) in six provinces in Iran on the basis of Adjacent Provinces Plan. The study was designed with three phases of theoretical foundations, field operations and data analysis. The statistical population was 863 experts, out of which 198 experts were selected by stratified sampling. The validity and reliability of measurement tool (questionnaire) was analyzed by SPSS software package. The study was a correlation-descriptive study in which factor analysis statistics was used in addition to descriptive statistics. Experts grouped indicators of future agricultural development in nine groups (access to inputs, application of technologies for the development of human resource and sustainability; reduction of losses; economical development; improvement of infrastructures; agricultural mechanization; social status; improvement of marketing; land reform; yield increase). Results about the difference in respondents’ viewpoints revealed significant differences in experts’ viewpoints in six studied province about relevant variables and in their viewpoints about the components of agricultural development (infrastructure improvement, marketing, optimum management and sustainability, human resource development and economical development). Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
220 - Studying of the Role of Social Capital in the Motivation of Students for Job Creation (Case Study: Students of Islamic Azad University of Karaj)
Saadi Fathollahi Galambahri Ebrahim Meykhosh Jamshid EghbaliThe main purpose of this study was to investigate the role of social capital in the motivation of students for job creation. The statistical population of this study included all students of Islamic Azad University of Karaj (N=3200) that 178 cases of these students were MoreThe main purpose of this study was to investigate the role of social capital in the motivation of students for job creation. The statistical population of this study included all students of Islamic Azad University of Karaj (N=3200) that 178 cases of these students were selected as research samples according to the Cochran formula. Data were collected by using a regulated questionnaire whose content validity was approved by faculty members of Agricultural development and management of University of Tehran. Social capital was measured in the form of four components including social confidence, social coherence, social communication and social participation. In addition, five items were used to measure students' motivation for job creation. To determine the reliability of measuring instruments after the pretest (30 people), Cronbach's alpha coefficient was determined that its rate for variables of job creation motivation, social coherence, social participation, social communication and social confidence was 0.73, 0.76, 0.69, 0.71 and 0.72, respectively. Decision tree was used as the analysis techniques to study role of social capital in the motivation of job creation and results showed students who were more moderate in terms of social capital, had more motivation for job creation. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
221 - An Investigation into Credit Receipt and Enterprise Performance among Small Scale Agro Based Enterprises in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria
Ubon Asuquo Essien Chukwuemeka John Arene Noble Jackson NwezeThe study was designed to analyze credit receipt and enterprise performance by small scale agro based enterprises in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was adopted in selecting 264 agro based enterprises and 96 agro based enterprises that MoreThe study was designed to analyze credit receipt and enterprise performance by small scale agro based enterprises in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was adopted in selecting 264 agro based enterprises and 96 agro based enterprises that accessed informal and formal credit respectively. The Heckman model was used to examine the factors affecting amount of informal and formal credit received by the enterprises. Financial ratios such as the current ratio and return on capital employed ratio were used in addition to the t-test to examine the performance of enterprises that borrowed from informal and formal credit markets in the area. Analyses of informal credit amount received reveal that gender, age and social capital are significant for the first hurdle, whereas gender, size, income, guarantor and social capital are significant for the second hurdle. Similarly, gender, education, age, size, and collateral are significant for the first hurdle for formal credit, while the second hurdle reported significant results with age, size, income, collateral and social capital. Formal credit was less accessible than informal credit but enhanced greater performance. Formal credit should be made to be easily accessible and efficiently utilized. This will go a long way in complementing the amnesty programme of the federal government of Nigeria in the region. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
222 - Effect of Socio-economic Factors on Fish Catch in Lower Ogun River, Isheri-olofin and Ihsasi, Ogun State, Nigeria
Nafisat Bolatito Ikenweiwe Adekule Adedoyin Idowu Nathanael Akinsafe Bamidele Otubusin Samuel Eunice Oluremi FadipeThis study was undertaken to investigate the effect of socioeconomic factors on fish catch around the Lower Ogun River in Isheri-Olofin area (downstream) and Ishasi (upstream). Two hundred and fifty (250) respondents were randomly sampled. The data was analyzed using de MoreThis study was undertaken to investigate the effect of socioeconomic factors on fish catch around the Lower Ogun River in Isheri-Olofin area (downstream) and Ishasi (upstream). Two hundred and fifty (250) respondents were randomly sampled. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and chisquare. It was found that a large percentage (74.4%) owned personal fishing craft.18% of the respondents have not had any formal education, 38.4% had attended primary school, 42.4% had attended secondary school, and 1.2% had attended a tertiary institution. Majority (62%) of the respondents were married while 31.2 % were single. The result shows that 98.4% of the respondents constitutes male while the remaining 1.6% constitutes female.70.4 % of the respondents fall within the age bracket of 15–40 years while the remaining 29.6 % are elderly with age range of 41-66 years. It was also discovered that there is a significance decline in the abundance of catch in the downstream compared to the upstream. There is significant difference between the two stations in all socioeconomic factors evaluated. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
223 - Economic Pricing of Water in Pistachio Production of Sirjan
Nasrin Ohadi Jaleh Kurki NejadGiven the strategic remarkable rank of pistachio in non-oil exports, inputs’ management in its production is so important. As the scarcest input in agricultural sector, water is considered to be among the most important inputs of pistachio production.Water inadequ MoreGiven the strategic remarkable rank of pistachio in non-oil exports, inputs’ management in its production is so important. As the scarcest input in agricultural sector, water is considered to be among the most important inputs of pistachio production.Water inadequate supply and limate conditions increase water demand in pistachio growing areas. It is necessary to determine the real value or price of water for establishing a balance between its demand and supply. Therefore, this study has aimed at estimation of water economic value. The method used in this research is the production function approach. Requested data sets were obtained from the questionnaires was filled out for crop years of 2013-2014. The results show that the average economic value of irrigation water is 50360 RLS but the average price paid by farmers is 1771 RLS per cubic meter of water. Thus, there is a wide gap between water value and the price paid by farmers with which appropriate pricing of water based on its economic value can be eliminated. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
224 - Searching on a Model for Sustainable Agricultural Higher Education Center (SAHEC)
Reza MovahediThis research has used a mixed methodology with both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study population included three groups; the post-graduate students, professors and academic staff at two universities, Khouzestan Ramin Agriculture and Natural Resources Un MoreThis research has used a mixed methodology with both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study population included three groups; the post-graduate students, professors and academic staff at two universities, Khouzestan Ramin Agriculture and Natural Resources University and Bu-Ali Sina University. For collecting quantitative data among 320 students, 175 were selected using random sampling and based on the Morgan table. In order to collect qualitative data, 41 professors and academic staff of the two universities were selected based on a criterion purposeful sampling. Gathering tool in quantitative part was a questionnaire including three-parts. The questionnaire's reliability was tested by Cronbach's Alpha technique and the total mean reliability of scales was 84% (α=0.84). For collecting qualitative data, semi-structured interviews were used. A summarized content analysis was used in order to analyze the interviews' data. Quantitative data analysis was conducted in two parts: descriptive and analytical. Results showed that a sustainable agricultural higher education needs a series of factors, characteristics and conditions. These factors at economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions include: financial and credit, employment and entrepreneurship, the agricultural productivity, social issues, building culture, and environmental awareness.Results also indicated that a sustainable university should address four elements of education, research, management and planning, and outreach programs in a pool of two-way communication between these elements and the real needs of society and environment. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
225 - How should Rural Women's Enterprises Be Developed and Promoted?
Reza Movahedi Masoud Samian Khalil Mirzai Adel Esmaili SaloomahallehThis study was a qualitative research which was done by a case study approach. The samples were chosen from rural development experts of Hamedan Province during a snowball sampling process. The data were collected by the semistructured interviews. The data collection wa MoreThis study was a qualitative research which was done by a case study approach. The samples were chosen from rural development experts of Hamedan Province during a snowball sampling process. The data were collected by the semistructured interviews. The data collection was done by faceto- face interviews, after the interview questions guide was determined. The theoretical saturation was attained by interviewing 25 respondents and at this point the interview process was laid off. The qualitative analysis of interviews was done by a content analysis method. The results showed that in order to develop and promote the rural women enterprises not only financial, domestic, managerial, educational and cultural supports are needed but some approaches like culturalization and educational programs are vital too. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
226 - An Examination Some of Educational – Extension Factors Influencing Use of Transgenic Plants (Case Study: Ilam, Iran)
Mohammad Bagher ArayeshThe purpose of this study was to examine the effect of educational – extension factors on the use of transgenic plants. This study was conducted through a survey design. The research was an applied study type. The research method of this study is descriptive-corre MoreThe purpose of this study was to examine the effect of educational – extension factors on the use of transgenic plants. This study was conducted through a survey design. The research was an applied study type. The research method of this study is descriptive-correlation. Statistical population of the study consisted of all of biotechnology experts of Research Center of Agriculture of Ilam Province (N=63). Census method was used in this study. A questionnaire was the main tool which the Face and Content its validity was confirmed by Panel of University Experts. . Reliability Coefficient (Cronbach's alpha) of the questionnaire was 92%. Results showed that the use of media (radio and TV) was the most important factor in the use of transgenic plants. The result of Spearman correlation coefficients showed that, there was a significant relationship between the variables such as the use of communication media, communication with extension professionals, and scientific rank of professional with use of transgenic plants. Multiple regression analysis results showed that varriables like scientific rank, relationship with extension professionals and mass media have positive effect on the dependent variable of application of transgenic plants, describing 53.2% of the changes of the mentioned dependent variable. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
227 - Shocks and Coping Strategies of Rural Households: Evidence from Ogo-Oluwa Local Government, Oyo State, Nigeria
Seyi Olalekan Olawuyi Olapade-Ogunwole Fola Raufu Mufutau OyedapoRural households in Nigeria are vulnerable to shock because of their limited capacity to make informed decision on secured coping strategies which is further aggravated by some households’ specific socio-economic characteristics. Attempts were made to identify sho MoreRural households in Nigeria are vulnerable to shock because of their limited capacity to make informed decision on secured coping strategies which is further aggravated by some households’ specific socio-economic characteristics. Attempts were made to identify shocks being faced by households’ heads and coping strategies. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 80 respondents and well structured questionnaire was used to collect data through in-depth interview. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics to describe households’ socio-economic variables; Probit analysis was also used to determine the relationship between personal socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, shocks and choice of coping actions. The results revealed that a large share of households experience multidimensional shocks, which are mainly associated to ecological but also suffer from other economic, demographic and social factors. Majority of households undertake coping actions in response to shocks; coping strategies employed but not limited to include borrowing, distress sales of assets, remittances, adjustment in food intake, drawing on savings. Educational status, household size, per capita income, shocks type, coping strategies, among others are found to significantly affect the choice of coping actions and are likely to have implications for households’ future welfare status. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
228 - Investigation of the Potential Market and Estimation of WTP for Insurance of Pistachio Tree Trunk (Case Study Rafsanjan-Iran)
Mostafa Baniasadi Saeed Yazdani Habib Allah SalamiCapacity of garden productions in Iran is such that is accounted as a country that produces thirteen garden products in the world but despite excellent condition in Iran for producing garden products, natural disasters damage production of fruits in the country therefor MoreCapacity of garden productions in Iran is such that is accounted as a country that produces thirteen garden products in the world but despite excellent condition in Iran for producing garden products, natural disasters damage production of fruits in the country therefore farmers incur a loss. Pistachio tree has been in danger of destruction and dryness. Thus, in order to reduce loss incurred on trees, it is necessary to insure the tree. This study is aimed to investigate factors affecting willingness towards insurance of pistachio tree and to estimate willingness to pay premium for pistachio tree in Rafsanjan located in Kerman province. For this purpose, methods of contingent valuation and double bounded dichotomous have been used. Research data were obtained by field method and interview with 184 pistachio gardeners in 2012. Results suggest that willingness to pay premium of pistachio tree in central part, Anar and Kashkuieh has been estimated by 1953, 3255.8 and 1183.3 IRR per tree respectively. Considering results and high risk destruction of pistachio trees, it is suggested that premium of pistachio tree is offered to reduce risk and loss of pistachio gardeners. In order to determine premium in Rafsanjan, WTP calculated in this study can be used. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
229 - Effectiveness of Crop Advisory Services in Aurangabad District of Maharashtra in India
Bhaskar Pant Alpa Rathi Anshul RathiThe project was undertaken to study the evaluation of effectiveness of crop advisory services and suggested measures for filling the gap in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra in India. The survey was carried out in 2010. The data was collected with the help of a specifi MoreThe project was undertaken to study the evaluation of effectiveness of crop advisory services and suggested measures for filling the gap in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra in India. The survey was carried out in 2010. The data was collected with the help of a specifically designed and pre-tested questionnaire. The project carried out in catchment area of advisory services has given substantial insight on the current status of different dimensions of advisory services running in Aurangabad and also recommends strategies to make advisory services accessible to all. The farmer’s willingness to pay assumes a key role in determining the success of a cost-recovery strategy. During the study it was interesting to note that of all the 115 respondents 46.67% agreed that their critical need was supply of inputs followed by credit purchase on which the advisory services provider should focus. The dissemination channels were not utilized properly. The results of correlation study indicate that the recommendations by the advisory services and the results after advise have a positive correlation with increase in yield showing the effectiveness of these crop advisory services. The results of multivariate regression indicated that the cropping and harvesting method, credit access, input supply linkage, insurance, age, education and interaction with other farmers have the main role in showing the variations of attitude to adoption of the advisory services. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
230 - Determinants of Adoption of Mini-Tuber Seed Potato: A Case in Ardabil Province of Iran
Asghar BagheriThe aim of this study was to examine factors affecting adoption of mini-tuber seed potato. Survey research design was used in this study. A sample of 100 potato growers who were informed about mini-tuber was selected and divided into adopter and non-adopter groups. Ques MoreThe aim of this study was to examine factors affecting adoption of mini-tuber seed potato. Survey research design was used in this study. A sample of 100 potato growers who were informed about mini-tuber was selected and divided into adopter and non-adopter groups. Questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection and was validated by a panel of experts. A pilot study was conducted for reliability and Cronbach’s alphas obtained 0.77- 0.87. Results revealed that other farmers were the main source of information for respondents. Higher yield, healthy seeds, marketability and high quality of potato produced from mini-tuber seeds were the main important reasons of adoption. Non-adopters mentioned high cost of mini-tuber seed as the main factor for rejection. The result of t-test showed that adopters had used more farm machineries and equipments. Result further showed that among farming unit characteristics, the number of pieces of owned farmland had negative effect on the adoption. However, the adoption was positively affected by the extent of owned farmlands and extent of owned potato acreage. Among personal characteristics, education level, number of literate household members had positive effect while farmers’ age and farming experience had negative effect on the adoption, respectively. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
231 - The Economic and Welfare Effects of Different irrigation Water Pricing Methods, Case study of khomein Plain in Markazi Province of Iran
Gholamreza Zamanian Mehdi Jafari Shahram SaeedianThe scarcity of water resources and supply resources limitation, have caused an increasing gap between water supply and demand specially in recent decades in almost all regions of the globe. One of the best known solutions proposed by the economists is using the differe MoreThe scarcity of water resources and supply resources limitation, have caused an increasing gap between water supply and demand specially in recent decades in almost all regions of the globe. One of the best known solutions proposed by the economists is using the different water pricing approaches thereby obtaining the optimal allocation and social justice. To this purpose, this paper uses the positive Mathematical Programming (PMP) and Econometric Mathematical Programming (EMP) in a comparative analysis to study the economic and welfare impacts of alternative water pricing approaches in the agricultural sector during agricultural period 2011/2012 in Khomein plain of Markazi province in Iran. Results show that the EMP can be a better alternative approach instead of PMP to better analyze of agricultural policies. According to the final outcomes, it is suggested to apply the block tariff in place of volumetric pricing method to reach the optimal allocation and promoting the water efficiency in the price range of 198 to 853 Rials. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
232 - Estimating the Value of Improvement in Lake Urmia’s Environmental Situation Using Choice Experiment
Mina Salehnia Baballah Hayati Mohammad Ghahremanzadeh Morteza MolaeiThe Lake Urmia and its satellite wetlands have been selected as a demonstration site for the United Nations Development Program / Global Environment Facility / Department of Environment Conservation of Iranian Wetlands Project. This project aims to demonstrate reduction MoreThe Lake Urmia and its satellite wetlands have been selected as a demonstration site for the United Nations Development Program / Global Environment Facility / Department of Environment Conservation of Iranian Wetlands Project. This project aims to demonstrate reduction of the major threats of this wetland protected area coordinated through an integrated management plan. A choice experiment was developed to examine public preferences and elicit their willingness to pay on improvements in lake’s indicators toward good environmental status. A pilot choice experiment study was administered in Urmia municipality and the data were analyzed using a random parameter logit model. The results revealed that residents of this municipality might strongly prefer improvement in water quantity and were willing to pay significant amounts to promote current water level to the highest level. Furthermore, water quality, numbers of flamingos and Artemia stock were identified as the next important issues which warranted additional management attention. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
233 - The Effect of Drought Stress on Germination and Early Growth of Sesamum indicum Seedling’s Varieties under Laboratory Conditions
Mohammad Hossein Bijeh keshavarziEnvironmental stresses specially drought, play an important role in decreasing plant growth, particularly during germination in dry and semi dry area. To considering the effect of drought stress caused by polyethylene glycol on germination and characteristics of 2 spice MoreEnvironmental stresses specially drought, play an important role in decreasing plant growth, particularly during germination in dry and semi dry area. To considering the effect of drought stress caused by polyethylene glycol on germination and characteristics of 2 spices of Sesamum indicum, we had done factorial and complete accidental plot with 4 treatments and 3 times repetition. Experimental treatments included osmotic potential in 4 levels (0, -4, -6, -10 bar) which was produced by polyethylene glycol 6000 and 2 sesame species (Safi Abadi and Dezfol). All data had been analyzed by SAS software and comparison of means had been done by Duncan test at 5% probable level. The results showed that, percentage and speed of all spices’ germination decline by osmotic potential enhancement. Other measured parameters such as radicle and coleoptile length, dry and wet weight declined by increasing osmotic potential as well. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
234 - The Impact of Comparative Advantage of Agricultural Triple Industries and Export Diversification on the Value-Added Industries in Iran
افسانه شایسته همایون رنجبرDevelopmental plans of the country emphasize on the exports-focused growth strategy, and export diversification is one of the most appropriate policies in this area. Export diversification moves from primary goods to industrial goods. Yet, export diversification, accord MoreDevelopmental plans of the country emphasize on the exports-focused growth strategy, and export diversification is one of the most appropriate policies in this area. Export diversification moves from primary goods to industrial goods. Yet, export diversification, according to the principles of international trade, must be based on comparative advantage until to change value-added. Changes in the value-added of industrial activities can show manufacturing and export capabilities of a country and also production growth. Due to the importance and high value-added of the agricultural sector in developing countries, added value and influencing factors in triple industries of food, wood, and paper are studied. To this end, human capital and physical capital in agricultural triple industries is considered. The variable of weighted comparative advantage of agricultural triple industries and diversification in these industries are considered for the period of 1998 to 2013 by using panel data. The results of the model estimation indicated that, during the period under study, the wood and paper industries had the lack of comparative advantage in the production and export. This variable will have a negative effect on the growth of value-added. Exports diversification is only carried out in food industries; however, this variable had a positive impact on the growth of the value-added of agricultural sector industries. The human capital and physical capital have a high positive effect on value-added of the industries in the agricultural sector. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
235 - Use of Computer and Internet in Agricultural Extension as perceived by Extension Workers
Gholamreza Pezeshkirad Zahra Hajihashemi Mohhamad ChizariThe purpose of this study was to determine computer and Internet use in agricultural extension by Extension Workers (EWs). This study used a descriptive-correlational design.Population for the study consisted of all extension workers (N= 320) in Isfahan Province, Iran. MoreThe purpose of this study was to determine computer and Internet use in agricultural extension by Extension Workers (EWs). This study used a descriptive-correlational design.Population for the study consisted of all extension workers (N= 320) in Isfahan Province, Iran. A stratified sampling technique and census was used to select EWs (n = 200). Overall, findings indicate that EWs have access to computers both at work and home. On average, they use computers approximately 6 – 8 hours per week and majority of them use the Internet on average of 1 – 4 hours per week. A majority of them reported “fair to high level” of skills in computer usage. For example, writing CDs, word processing, using computers for file management, and basic computer skills. However, extension agent’s report “no to a low level” of skills relative to using excel, installing software, power point and micro soft access, Photoshop, statistical software, were the skills that EWs did not have. It was proved necessary to conduct a systematic assessment of training needs relative to computer and Internet use. Systematic training should be conducted in the areas that Extension Workers perceived to be less skill. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
236 - Employee Job Autonomy and Control in a Restructured Extension Organization
Mary S. Holz-Clause Vikram Swaroop Chandra Koundinya Nancy K. Franz Timothy O. BorichThis descriptive cross sectional census study identified the perceptions of Extension and Outreach employees of Iowa State University in the United States about job autonomy and control after two years of a major restructuring. Employees perceived autonomy and control o MoreThis descriptive cross sectional census study identified the perceptions of Extension and Outreach employees of Iowa State University in the United States about job autonomy and control after two years of a major restructuring. Employees perceived autonomy and control over expressing views and ideas about their work and spending time on the job but perceived little influence over budget allocations and shaping organizational strategies. They felt administrators and external funding sources influenced programming. They perceived contributing most to program implementation and marketing. The findings from this study have implications for operations and programming in Extension and other organizational settings. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
237 - Research Performance of Agriculture Faculty Members: A Comparative Study at West Part of Iran
Nematollah Shiri Nader Naderi Ahmad RezvanfarBased on personal and professional characteristics, the present study compares the research performance among faculty members of agricultural colleges in west part of Iran. The statistical population of this study consisted of all faculty members in the agricultural col MoreBased on personal and professional characteristics, the present study compares the research performance among faculty members of agricultural colleges in west part of Iran. The statistical population of this study consisted of all faculty members in the agricultural colleges of universities of Ilam, Razi and Kurdistan at Iran, which 116 faculty members were selected as the sample using the proportionate stratified random sampling method. The main instrument in this study was questionnaire which its validity was confirmed by the panel of experts. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSSWin20 software. Results showed that the present status of research performance among faculty members of agricultural colleges in west part of Iran was weak. Results of mean comparisons showed that there was significant difference between research performance based on age, work experience, academic degree, educational group and gender variables. Findings of this study can pave the way for formulating sound programs in higher agricultural education system to promote research performance among faculty members of agricultural colleges. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
238 - Estimation of Potential Evapotranspiration and Crop Coefficient of Maize at Rupandehi District of Nepal
Govinda BhandariThis study was conducted to determine the potential evapotranspiration (PET) of maize, the crop coefficient (Kc) under full water requirement as well as the cause of decrease in maize yield. It was determined that the seasonal PET of maize is about 486.6 mm. The Kc unde MoreThis study was conducted to determine the potential evapotranspiration (PET) of maize, the crop coefficient (Kc) under full water requirement as well as the cause of decrease in maize yield. It was determined that the seasonal PET of maize is about 486.6 mm. The Kc under full water supply was found to be: 0.11, 0.35, 1.51 and 0.34 for initial, development, midseason and the late season stages respectively. The study also revealed that maintenance of sufficient moisture need of maize has a significant effect on growth, development and fruiting of the crop. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
239 - inhibitors and Motivators of Adoption of Agricultural Insurance in Nigeria
فائوسیات اُلاجید-آددامولا لقمان آبیودون آکینبیلAgricultural risks constitute a fundamental challenge in Nigeria, hence the importance of agricultural insurance in managing farm risks cannot be underestimated. As the crop sub-sector contributes about 85% of the agricultural GDP in Nigeria, this study focussed on awar MoreAgricultural risks constitute a fundamental challenge in Nigeria, hence the importance of agricultural insurance in managing farm risks cannot be underestimated. As the crop sub-sector contributes about 85% of the agricultural GDP in Nigeria, this study focussed on awareness and factors that can enhance the adoption of crop insurance among crop farmers in Nigeria. Data collected from 310 randomly sampled crop farmers in three agro-ecological zones in Nigeria using interview schedule were analysed with frequency and percentage counts. Majority (82.7%) of the crop farmers who were aware of crop insurance did not adopt. Major inhibitors cited include; complicated procedures (70.2%), accessibility (64.9%), high premium (63.2%) and religious/ethical considerations (41.2%). Respondents identified major motivating factors as; increased local availability of agricultural insurance offices (88.4%); higher propensity in getting claims (87.1%) and low bureaucratic procedures (79.7%). The study concludes that awareness is not a major determining factor in adoption of agricultural insurance in Nigeria. The study recommends that procedures should be less complicated; while agricultural insurance offices should be locally accessible to crop farmers. Insurance procedures should also be redesigned to enhance the adoption of crop farmers who are hindered by religious/ethical considerations. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
240 - Socio-Economic Determinants of Supply and Demand for Convenience Foods (Okpa, Moimoi and Meat Pie) in Lafia Urban of Nasarawa State, Nigeria
E.G. Onuk C.N. Shailong B.A Beshi E.A. AdgidziThe study specifically described the socio-economic status of the people involved in the production, distribution and consumption of convenience foods in Lafia urban of Nasarawa State. It identified the factors that influence the entry into convenience food enterprise, MoreThe study specifically described the socio-economic status of the people involved in the production, distribution and consumption of convenience foods in Lafia urban of Nasarawa State. It identified the factors that influence the entry into convenience food enterprise, factors necessitating the demand and supply of the products and examined the costs and returns of three convenience foods. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, inferential statistics (multiple regression analysis), the four point’s likert type scale and the enterprise gross margin. The major findings indicated that female producers of convenience foods were more than male producers, the multiple regression result on the effects of socio-economic characteristics of consumers on the amount of money spent on consumer foods revealed that R value is 0.697. This implied that 69.7% of the total variation in output (Y) is explained by the combined influences of the independent variables in the model. The gross margin enterprise revealed that the sale of convenience foods in Lafia metropolis is profitable. The study concluded by advocating for provision of credit facilities amongst others to producers and distributors of convenience foods with limited income. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
241 - On the Effects of Tourism Development on Rural Areas (A Case Study of Giayn District, Nahvand County)
Omid Jamshidi Seyed Mohammad Javad Sobhani Seyed Davood Hajimirrahimi Abbas NouroziTourism plays a significant role in the development of the society at different levels and is seen as an important source of employment and income especially in rural areas. Considering its different potential impacts, the present study aims to explore the effects of to MoreTourism plays a significant role in the development of the society at different levels and is seen as an important source of employment and income especially in rural areas. Considering its different potential impacts, the present study aims to explore the effects of tourism development on the rural area of Giyan district. The target population comprised the residents of rural areas in the vicinity of Giyan tourism district (N=7500). Using the Cochran’s formula, the sample size was estimated to be 285, and a completely random sampling method was applied for data collection. A self-administered questionnaire was used as research instrument whose face validity was confirmed by a panel of experts. In order to estimate the reliability of the questionnaire, a Cronbach’s alpha was used for the pre-test. The reliability and validity of the factor analysis were estimated by Composite Reliability (CR) and Average Variance Extracted (AVE) for study components, respectively. In addition to the descriptive analysis, an Explanatory Factor Analysis and a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were employed to classify research variables. It was found that from the residents’ viewpoint, the major effects of tourism include ‘improved job opportunities’, ‘increased income’ and ‘decreased number of agricultural sector employees’ The results of factor analysis revealed that economic, socio-cultural, and environmental factors account for 63% of the total variance. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis showed that all the employed indices were acceptable to fit the model. Moreover, it was shown that the economic factor, with a coefficient of 0.93, had the highest share in explaining the latent variable of the effects of tourism development. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
242 - Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Adoption of Energy–Saving Technologies among Smallholder Farmers: The Case of West Pokot County, Kenya
Andiema Chesang Everlyne Nkurumwa Oywaya Agnes Amudavi Mulama DavidFuel wood provides the main source of energy for cooking and space heating for over 80 percent of households living in Kenya. The heavy reliance on the biomass energy has exerted an imbalance in demand and supply consequently resulting in adverse environmental effects i MoreFuel wood provides the main source of energy for cooking and space heating for over 80 percent of households living in Kenya. The heavy reliance on the biomass energy has exerted an imbalance in demand and supply consequently resulting in adverse environmental effects in Kenya. As part of innovation efforts, several energy-conserving technologies have been developed. A unique cook stove named Maendeleo was developed and promoted in Kenya and more so, West Pokot County, northern of Kenya, with the goal of reducing the quantity of wood households use for energy, and ultimately reduce pressure on local forests. However, despite the demonstrated technological multiple benefits and the institutional promotional efforts of the Maendeleo stove technology; the adoption level of this innovation has remained low. An important question investigated in this study was what makes potential users not utilize such valuable innovations? Socio-cultural, economic, political and institutional barriers are considered to contribute to low uptake of such innovations. This study therefore, sought to assess socio- economic factors influencing the adoption of the Maendeleo stove in the rural setting of Kapenguria Division. A survey research methodology with ex-post facto design was employed. The results showed that the age of the respondents had the highest influence on the non-adoption of the Maendeleo stove. Given the relatively low adoption level of Maendeleo stove in the county, and the projected increase in the number of people relying on biomass, this study recommends that the government and development partners put in place a programme for the promotion and dissemination of Maendeleo stove. There should be further investigation into the adoption behavior of the respondents on the reasons for non-adoption and discontinuance of use of the Maendeleo stove. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
243 - Identifying the Organizational Intelligence of Agriculture-Jihad Organization in Guilan Province, Iran
Hajar Eftekhari Mohammad Sadegh AllahyariIn the modern world, organizations are considered as intelligent systems. Increased Organizational Intelligence (OI) helps organizations to effectively analyze their data, store results, and use outcomes for making professional decisions. The purpose of this study was t MoreIn the modern world, organizations are considered as intelligent systems. Increased Organizational Intelligence (OI) helps organizations to effectively analyze their data, store results, and use outcomes for making professional decisions. The purpose of this study was to measure OI in Agriculture- Jihad Organization in Guilan. A sample of 201 out of personnel was selected from in Agriculture- Jihad Organization in Guilan (N=1296) through a proportional cluster sampling technique. The instrument of the study included 7 intelligence constructs measured against 49 items. Results indicated a medium level of OI in the Guilan Agricultural- Jihad Organization. Among the intelligence components, ‘shared fate’ received highest ratings and ‘appetite for change’ received the lowest ratings. The confirmatory factor analysis indicated that of the seven intelligence components, the ‘heart’ explained highest proportion of variance for describing OI. Findings have implication for designing policies and developing programs for enhancing the OI. It is recommended that Agriculture- Jihad Organization in Guilan should examine and measure their OI and identify strategies to achieve a high level of OI needed for professional success. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
244 - Factor Affecting the Sustainable Management of Agricultural Water
Masoud Samian Karim Naderi Mahdei Heshmatollah Saadi Hamid Balali Reza MovahediThe main purpose of the study was to investigate the factors affecting the sustainable management of agricultural water in Hamedan. The study population included all wheat farmers possessing irrigated farms in Hamedan city (N=1800). Of these farmers a sample of 317 peop MoreThe main purpose of the study was to investigate the factors affecting the sustainable management of agricultural water in Hamedan. The study population included all wheat farmers possessing irrigated farms in Hamedan city (N=1800). Of these farmers a sample of 317 people has been selected by using randomized multi-stage sampling method. The data were collected through a questionnaire's tool with help of the interview technique. Accuracy of the questions in the questionnaire was face validated by a panel of specialists. To test the reliability of the questionnaires, the questionnaires were first given to 30 farmers and Cronbach's Alpha was calculated (Alpha=0.92) then the questionnaire was finalized. Data analyzing methods such as Multiple Regression and the coefficient of variation (CV= standard deviation /mean) were used in this study. To determine the level of sustainability of the farms Bossel (1999) method proposed for classification and grading the fields was used. The results showed that variables agronomic factors, policy factors and institutional factors were able to explain 34 percent of the dependent variable's changes (sustainable management of agricultural water). According to the results, 95.3 percent of the farmers were categorized into unsustainable group, 4.1 percent into semi-sustainable and only 0.6 percent in sustainable group. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
245 - The Preparation of Updated Vegetation Maps by Processing Satellite Images: A Way in Sustainable Management of Agriculture
Ali Mohammadi Torkashvand Shahryar Sobhe ZahediAn important factor in sustainable agriculture and economic management is to calculate areas under different crops that the inputs of agriculture connect to this topic. Planning of agricultural mechanization, fertilizer and pesticide requirements, pests and diseases con MoreAn important factor in sustainable agriculture and economic management is to calculate areas under different crops that the inputs of agriculture connect to this topic. Planning of agricultural mechanization, fertilizer and pesticide requirements, pests and diseases control, estimates of agricultural production, income and tax and financial planning, all linked to the cultivated areas and estimation of agricultural products. One of the problems in the agricultural section of Iran is the lack of accurate statistics of cultivated crops areas that this is much higher for horticultural products. Over time, it varies the area of land under cultivated crop, and orchards and bare lands; consequently the estimation of yield is not done as well due to these changes caused some problems in planning and management. Land Surveying is time-consuming and expensive, while mapping farms and orchards lands through classified satellite images is a high speed and low cost way. Nowadays, the satellite image processing techniques have developed for the estimation of crops, pest control, agricultural macro planning and preparing updated maps. A principal problem is the interference of plants spectral reflections that different methods have been proposed by researchers to differentiate vegetation on satellite images. At this paper, remote sensing imagery in mapping vegetation or various plants are investigated. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
246 - The Nonlinear Relationship between Bank Credits and Agricultural Employment in Mazandaran Province
Alireza Keikha Farshid Alipour Hamid MohammadiMazandaran province is one of the most important agricultural areas in Iran. Researches findings show that the role of bank credits is really important due to the lack of available funds in agricultural sector. In this study, the relationship between allocation of Agric MoreMazandaran province is one of the most important agricultural areas in Iran. Researches findings show that the role of bank credits is really important due to the lack of available funds in agricultural sector. In this study, the relationship between allocation of Agricultural Bank credits of Iran as professional bank section and agricultural employment was studied in the Mazandaran province based on a threshold error correction model during 1981-2011. The results show that the impact of credits on agricultural employment has been significantly different in upper and lower level of estimated threshold. The estimated threshold is about 44 percent for bank credits. The impact of bank credits on agricultural employment will be significantly negative when they exceeds from the threshold point. The results confirm transfer of capital from agriculture to other sections, resulting in a lack of integrated management for credit allocation system. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
247 - Food Price Change and its Welfare Impact on Iranian Households
Mohammad Ghahremanzadeh Mohammad Bagher ZiaeiIran has experienced high food prices in recent years. This paper examines the welfare impacts of rising major food groups' prices on Iranian urban households using Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System (QUAIDS) approach. The elasticity coefficients derived from QUAIDS a MoreIran has experienced high food prices in recent years. This paper examines the welfare impacts of rising major food groups' prices on Iranian urban households using Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System (QUAIDS) approach. The elasticity coefficients derived from QUAIDS are used to estimate Compensated Variations (CV).The study uses Iranian Household Expenditure and Income Survey (HEIS) raw data, encompassing both low and high price periods. Prices of all food and agricultural products increased during the entire survey period of 2004 to 2012. Based on our estimates, the food groups of cereals, dairy products, vegetable and pulses, Potables and Spices are necessary goods, as their budget elasticity is positive and below one at the same time. Meat, edible oils, fruits and dried fruits and Sugary products are luxury goods, with income elasticity above one. We find that the remarkable increases in food prices resulted in severe erosion of purchasing power for the Iranian urban households and they need to be compensated on average about 48% of their initial income for the food price changes they faced during the 2004 and 2012. In addition the high share of cereals in year 2012 implies that urban households shift their consumption to cheaper calorie source. This figure is confirmed with the decline in the share of meat, dairy Products, fruits and dried fruits, vegetables and pulses and potables expenditure. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
248 - Extent of the Use of Drought Management Practices by Farmers in Tafresh County
Maryam Bagheri Mehrdad Nikanami Hossein Shabanali FamiThe extent of utilization of drought management practices by the farmers of Tafresh County was studied in a descriptive-correlational research. Statistical population consisted of all farmers in Tafresh County which summed up to around 9061 people out of which 300 farme MoreThe extent of utilization of drought management practices by the farmers of Tafresh County was studied in a descriptive-correlational research. Statistical population consisted of all farmers in Tafresh County which summed up to around 9061 people out of which 300 farmers were taken as the sample in accordance with Cochran’s formula. The main tool of the study was a questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by a panel of expert consisting of some faculty members of Islamic Azad University, GarmsarBranch and the University of Tehran, and the reliability of the questionnaire was estimated as to be 0.848 using Cronbach Alpha. The results of correlation test indicated a direct, significant relationship between the extent of utilization of drought management practices and the variables of agricultural activities experience and the level of farmers’ social capabilities at 0.01 level. Moreover, there was a negative significant relationship among age, farming experience and the application of drought management practices at 0.01 level. Finally, the results of multiple regression analysis showed that three variables, i.e. extent of farmers’ social capabilities, experience of agricultural activities and the age of the farmers, had the greatest influence on the extent of utilization of drought management practices. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
249 - Energy Efficiency Analysis and Modeling the Relationship between Energy Inputs and Wheat Yield in Iran
Fakher kardoni Majid Jami-Al Ahmadi Mohammad Reza BakhshiWheat is the dominant cereal crop constituting the first staple food in Iran. This paper studies the energy consumption patterns and the relationship between energy inputs and yield for Wheat production in Iranian agriculture during the period 1986 – 2008. The res MoreWheat is the dominant cereal crop constituting the first staple food in Iran. This paper studies the energy consumption patterns and the relationship between energy inputs and yield for Wheat production in Iranian agriculture during the period 1986 – 2008. The results indicated that total energy inputs in irrigated and dryland wheat production increased from 29.01 and 9.81 GJ ha-1 in 1986 to 44.67 and 12.35 GJ ha-1 in 2008, respectively. Similarly, total output energy rose from 28.87 and 10.43 GJ ha-1 in 1986 to 58.53 and 15.77 GJ ha-1 in 2008, in the same period. Energy efficiency indicators, input–output ratio, energy productivity, and net energy have improved over the examined period. The results also revealed that non-renewable, direct, and indirect energy forms had a positive impact on the output level. Moreover, the regression results showed the significant effect of irrigation water and seed energies in irrigated wheat and human labor and fertilizer in dryland wheat on crop yield. Results of this study indicated that improvement of fertilizer efficiency and reduction of fuel consumption by modifying tillage, harvest method, and other agronomic operations can significantly affect the energy efficiency of wheat production in Iran. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
250 - Factors Affecting Risk Management among Women Rice Farmers in Sari, Iran
Mehdi Charmchian LangerodiThe present study investigated factors affecting risk management by women rice farmers in the township of Sari in Iran. The statistical population comprised 1677 women who cultivate rice in Sari; 248 women were selected for the study using stratified random sampling. Th MoreThe present study investigated factors affecting risk management by women rice farmers in the township of Sari in Iran. The statistical population comprised 1677 women who cultivate rice in Sari; 248 women were selected for the study using stratified random sampling. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSSWin16 software. The Chronbach’s alpha was 0.84 and the ordinal theta was 0.89. It was found that the women rice farmers were more willing to consult with agricultural experts, were aware of appropriate planting and harvesting times and used collaborative rice farming, such as for planting, in their risk management. Risk management among women rice cultivators in Sari County was influenced by numerous factors. It was found that 29.3% of the variance in risk management by the women was determined by the extent of financial difficulty, their education levels and borrowing resources. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
251 - Estimation of Water Demand of Agriculture Sector by Water-Yield Function (Case Study: Sistan Province)
Zahra Ghaffari MoghadamIn this study, yield-water and profit function was used to obtain water demand function in agriculture sector. The results showed that the ratio of actual to potential Evapotranspiration had positive, significant effecton the ratio of actual to potential yield for wheat MoreIn this study, yield-water and profit function was used to obtain water demand function in agriculture sector. The results showed that the ratio of actual to potential Evapotranspiration had positive, significant effecton the ratio of actual to potential yield for wheat and barley. Also, square ratio of actual to potential Evapotranspiration had negative, significant relationship. After estimation of product function, water demand function for agriculture sector was obtained by profit function. Price elasticity of water demand for agriculture was -1.10 being less than -1 and showing that price policies can be an important factor in the control of non-optimum use of their valuable inputs. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
252 - The Effective Factors In Nutritional Management Knowledge And A Proper Educational Plan For Broiler Farmers, A Case Study in Garmsar Township
Ali Nouri Emamzadeh Mohammad Sadegh SabouriThe study was conducted to determine the effective factors in nutritional management knowledge and design a proper educational plan for broiler farmers in Garmsar Township. The used methodological approach was descriptive-correlation. Eighty-eight questionnaires were co MoreThe study was conducted to determine the effective factors in nutritional management knowledge and design a proper educational plan for broiler farmers in Garmsar Township. The used methodological approach was descriptive-correlation. Eighty-eight questionnaires were collected and analyzed of 98broiler farmers active in Garmsar. The content and face validity of the questionnaires and reliability of analysis were respectively specified and calculated according to guide, and Cronbach Alpha coefficient was calculated α=0.86 for the whole using SPSS software. Results indicated that role of extension methodsin increasing the knowledge was very low to very high between the different methods. The correlation analysis indicated significant and positive relationships for farm capacity, income level, exhibitive educational methods and survey of modern farms with thefarmers’ knowledge. Results of multiple regression analysis as step by step indicated that two variables of exhibitive and survey educational methods explain significantly 56.2 percentages of the total variance. Therefore, theregression equation was: the plan = 0.664 (Exhibitive method) + 0.292 (Survey method). In conclusion, best educational plan is education of appropriate literatures with emphasis on the priorities via best methods especially exhibitive and survey methods. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
253 - Factors Influencing the Policyholders’ Satisfaction with the Performance of Insurance Fund in the Field of Agricultural Products: the Case Study of Wheat Growers in Ilam
Esfandyar Mohammadi Roya EshraghiSince insuring agricultural products is one of the effective instruments for risk management in agricultural sector, it can reduce risk avoidance among farmers and increase their competence in using production factors and, consequently, increases their inclination towar MoreSince insuring agricultural products is one of the effective instruments for risk management in agricultural sector, it can reduce risk avoidance among farmers and increase their competence in using production factors and, consequently, increases their inclination towards investment in agricultural sectors. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the factors influencing policyholders’ satisfaction with the performance of insurance funds in the field of agricultural products. Statistical population consisted of all farmers (wheat growers) living in Ilam Province who had insured their products in 2014. The population for this search was policyholders of agricultural insurance fund in Ilam township that amounted to 250 out of which 158 ones were sampled by Morgan’s sampling table and simple random method of sampling. A questionnaire was utilized as a data collection instrument. The reliability and validity of this instrument was verified by the judgments of the experts of Islamic Azad University of Ilam and Cronbach alpha coefficients (estimated to be 0.80). The data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSSwin19 Software Package. It was found out that 68% of variations in policyholders’ satisfaction with the performance of insurance fund in the field of agricultural products were influenced by variables such as orientations towards insuring products, the performance of insurance fund, providing services and facilities by the insurance fund, and the promptness and skill of insurance fund employees. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
254 - Management Strategies of Perceived Risk Associated with Moringa Products by Consumers in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria
O.E. Ayinde K. F. Omotesho J.O. AnimashaunThis study focused on examining the management strategies of perceived risk associated with Moringa products by consumers in Ilorin metropolis with view to rank the perceived risk associated with Moringa product; assess the different strategies employed by consumers to MoreThis study focused on examining the management strategies of perceived risk associated with Moringa products by consumers in Ilorin metropolis with view to rank the perceived risk associated with Moringa product; assess the different strategies employed by consumers to manage or cope with the risk and to examine socio-economic determinants of consumers’ consumption behaviour in relation to the perceived risk. Primary data were collected with the aid of a well structured questionnaire from 116 sampled respondents in the study area. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Tobit regression model. The result shows that majority of the consumers consume Moringa powder while none of them consume Moringa oil. It was also discovered that most of the respondents do nothing about the risk associated with Moringa consumption, while some of them reduce the quantity consumed per dose or frequency consumption. Awareness of risk and consumption of Moringa powder were found to have significant effect on consumer attitude towards the perceived risk at (p=0.1). The study therefore recommends the need for more clinical trials that will ascertain the long term health implication of Moringa products consumption and the need for marketing agencies to take advantage of the relative ambivalence to Moringa consumption for more advertorial and promotional campaigns. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
255 - Analyzing the Role of Agricultural Beneficiaries in Sustainable Management of Natural Resources and Environment (Case of Hamadan County)
مسعود سامیان رضا موحدی الهام انصاری مسعود اسدیThe countries' economy is basically dependent on both human and the natural resources so that social development of each country depends on them directly or indirectly. Nonetheless, some problems including the rapid growth of the population, unsustainable and unplanned MoreThe countries' economy is basically dependent on both human and the natural resources so that social development of each country depends on them directly or indirectly. Nonetheless, some problems including the rapid growth of the population, unsustainable and unplanned exploitation, and lack of public awareness of development and reclamation rules have given an increase to the degradation process of these resources. So, one of the basic requirements to achieve the sustainable agriculture and rural development is sustainability in natural resource management and its protection. It should also be noted that public participation in natural resource management plays an important role in the prevention of this destructive process. The problem propels the aim of this research to determine the measure of agriculture beneficiaries’ role and importance in sustainable management. This research is an analytical - descriptive study which has a survey approach in collecting data. The statistical population consisted of 208 agriculture beneficiaries in villages around Hamadan city. Results showed that farmers could be classified into three groups: 34 percent in unsustainable group, 54 percent in moderately sustainable group and 12 percent in sustainable group. Also, multivariate regression showed that the variables of personal, extension and education, economics, policy and institutional and social activities could explain 79 percent (R2=0.791) of natural resources’ changes in agricultural sustainable management. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
256 - Perceived Effects of Poor Road Transportation Network on Crop Production in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, North Central Nigeria
لطیف لاوا آدفولا اولوواسوگو دیوید اولورونفمی لطیف کهینده اولاتینوو یوسف اولاتونجیThis paper examines the effect of the poor road transportation network on crop production in one of the rural agrarian local government of Kwara State, Nigeria. A well-structured interview schedule was conducted to elicit information from 120 crop farmers using a two-st MoreThis paper examines the effect of the poor road transportation network on crop production in one of the rural agrarian local government of Kwara State, Nigeria. A well-structured interview schedule was conducted to elicit information from 120 crop farmers using a two-stage sampling technique. Findings from the study revealed that the poor road transportation network in their area had led to a reduction in their income, longer time in transporting produce to more buoyant markets, as well as incurring high transportation costs. Chi-square analysis revealed that there was a significant relationship between age, educational level, years of farming experience, and the respondents’ perceived effects of poor road transportation network for their crop production. The study recommends an urgent intervention from government and stakeholders in terms of construction and rehabilitation of roads in these rural agrarian areas in an attempt to help improve the livelihoods of the farmers through enhancing transportation of produce to more buoyant markets in good condition and at less cost. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
257 - Role of Small Towns in Rural Development Using Concentration Index and Location Quotient (LQ) (Case Study: Roudbar)
Manouchehr Nasiri Moghadam تیمور آمار پرویز رضاییToday, inequality and spatial imbalance between rural and urban areas is mainly discussed by regional planners. To give balance and reduce inequalities in rural areas, it is essential to highlight the role small towns. This paper uses a descriptive-analytical methodolog MoreToday, inequality and spatial imbalance between rural and urban areas is mainly discussed by regional planners. To give balance and reduce inequalities in rural areas, it is essential to highlight the role small towns. This paper uses a descriptive-analytical methodology using quantitative methods and models, such as location quotient (LQ) and concentration index to analyze the function of towns existing in Roudbar County. The purpose of this study is to explain the relationship between function of urban areas in providing services to rural areas, to rank the provided services and to determine the development of villages. LQ of Roudbar County is >1 for agriculture and industry and export of manufactured products, while <1 for services, indicating a dependence on other towns. Based on the concentration index, levels of villages in Lowshan, Manjil, Rostamabad and Bareh Sar are regular, while the villages in Jirandeh and Tutkabon are irregular. In addition to administrative and political relationships which result in dependence of villages to cities, people of these towns are referred to other towns of the county for economic, social and cultural relations. Manuscript profile