List of articles (by subject) Education and training

    • Open Access Article

      1 - The Entrepreneurial Spirit of Rural Women: An Example from Iran
      مهدی نوری پور آذر اسکندری زینب شریفی
      This study aimed to investigate the personality characteristics related to entrepreneurial spirit of rural women. The statistical population of the study included rural women in the central district of Nimrooz County in Sistan and Baluchistan Province (N=406). Krejcie a More
      This study aimed to investigate the personality characteristics related to entrepreneurial spirit of rural women. The statistical population of the study included rural women in the central district of Nimrooz County in Sistan and Baluchistan Province (N=406). Krejcie and Morgan Table was used to determine the sample size. To this end, 186 participants were selected through stratified random sampling with proportional allocation. Data were collected by a questionnaire that validity was confirmed via face validity procedure and its reliability was measured by calculating a Cronbach's alpha coefficient. SPSS software was used to analyze data. The results showed that more than 50 % of rural women were strong in terms of balanced risk taking, internal locus of control, need for achievement, mental fluency, tolerance for ambiguity, daydreaming, and innovation. Yet, around 30 % of rural women were weak in terms of balanced risk taking, mental fluency, independence, and innovation. Furthermore, 17 % were weak in terms of daydreaming and challenging. The results of one sample t-test also indicated that 10 dimensions of rural women's entrepreneurial spirit were significantly higher than the average. Therefore, in order to increase rural women’s entrepreneurial spirit, it seems necessary to strengthen such characteristics as balanced risk taking, innovation, independence, mental fluency, challenging, and daydreaming. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      2 - Talent Management in Agricultural Higher Education System in Iran: Based on Grounded Theory
      سیدمحمدجواد سبحانی Mohammad Chizari Hassan Sadighi امیر علم بیگی
      This study provides a framework and definition to the notion of talent management process and describes how it fits the human resources architecture of agricultural higher education system in Iran. This qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews fo More
      This study provides a framework and definition to the notion of talent management process and describes how it fits the human resources architecture of agricultural higher education system in Iran. This qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews for data collection and systematic grounded theory methods for data analysis. For this study, we selected and interviewed 15 experts of agricultural extension and education and human resources management by snowball sampling. Furthermore, we transcribed and analyzed the interviews and literature using the MAXQDA software. Using the systematic Grounded Theory Method, our findings suggest that equal treatment with talents and other staff was the main concern of the experts. Based on the results, organizational factors and human factors were involved to resolve this concern. In addition, with regard to the contextual and individual factors, the talent management process can play an important role in improving workforce and the organizational performance in agricultural higher education system. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      3 - Identifying Barriers of E-learning Implementation by M.Sc. Students in Agricultural Faculty of Islamic Azad University, Ilam Branch
      زهرا شیرخانی مرجان واحدی محمد باقر آرایش
      Getting advanced in communication and information technologies and their impact on all aspects of human life, the world is experiencing a new phenomenon named information society. Therefore, e-learning is a necessity to develop the quality of learning in this kind of so More
      Getting advanced in communication and information technologies and their impact on all aspects of human life, the world is experiencing a new phenomenon named information society. Therefore, e-learning is a necessity to develop the quality of learning in this kind of society. The purpose of this study was to identify the barriers of e-learning implementation by M.Sc. Students in agricultural faculty of Islamic Azad University, Ilam branch. This research was applied and a descriptive survey method was used. The population of this study included 153 M.Sc. students in the agricultural faculty of Islamic Azad University (Ilam branch) that were studied by census method. Instrument of data gathering was questionnaire that its content validity confirmed by an expert panel. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to evaluate the reliability of the questionnaire and its value was equal to 0.96. Findings of factor analyses showed that the barriers of e-learning included five categories such as: infrastructure barriers, attitudinal barriers, technical, professional barriers, human barriers and educational-skill barriers that these barriers explained 52.53% of the total variance. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      4 - Effectiveness of Entrepreneurship Training Courses in Ilam Province, Iran
      همایون مرادنژادی
      Given entrepreneurs’ special role in the economic growth and development, many developed and developing countries are attempting to motivate more number of people who have entrepreneurial characteristics towards entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial activities. The More
      Given entrepreneurs’ special role in the economic growth and development, many developed and developing countries are attempting to motivate more number of people who have entrepreneurial characteristics towards entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial activities. The purpose of this research was to study the effectiveness of entrepreneurship training courses in Ilam Province, Iran. In this research a descriptive survey method was used. The statistical population consisted of 830 people that based on Cochran’s formula and by using proportionate stratified random sampling method 130 people were selected as the sample. The research tool was a questionnaire which its validity was confirmed by a panel of experts’ and its reliability was estimated using Cronbach’s alpha as to be 0.83 proving its high reliability. Data were analyzed by SPSS Software Package. It was found that participants’ inclination towards self-employment and entrepreneurship was increased after attending the courses. Also, significant differences were observed in participants’ readiness to start a business, their familiarity with entrepreneurship concepts and their ability to make a business plan before and after attending the courses. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      5 - The Relationship between Extension Educational and Psychological Factors and Participation of Agricultural Co-operatives' Members (Case of Shirvan Chardavol County, Ilam, Iran)
      محمد باقر آرایش
      The forty-year history of agricultural production co-operatives in Iran shows that this type of exploitation system has faced with many challenges during this period. First, despite the help and support by the government, the co-operative sector has not been able to pla More
      The forty-year history of agricultural production co-operatives in Iran shows that this type of exploitation system has faced with many challenges during this period. First, despite the help and support by the government, the co-operative sector has not been able to play a major role in the development of the country, and its share has not exceeded 3% of the development program. The Purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between extension educational, psychological factors and the participation of members of agricultural co-operative in the Ilam Province. A researcher made a questionnaire that was used as the main tool for gathering data. The face and content validity of the questionnaire were confirmed by a group of university professors as well as several experts of the co-operatives. In addition, the reliability of the questionnaire was ensured through calculating a Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α = 0.80). The statistical population of the study comprised 751 active members of Shirvan-Chardavol township’s agricultural cooperatives, from among whom 260 particionats were selected for the study using the stratified proportional random sampling method and with the aid of Morgan table. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS software. The correlation coefficient showed that there was a significant relationship between the extension educational, psychological features and level of participation of members of agricultural co-operative. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      6 - Factors Affecting the Professional Development of Faculty Members: A Case Study of Ilam Branch, Islamic Azad University, Iran
      رویا اشراقی
      Professional development is a continuous process of individual and experimental tests that must empower individual educators to make complex decisions; to identify and to solve problems; to connect theory and practice in learners’ output; and to enable educators t More
      Professional development is a continuous process of individual and experimental tests that must empower individual educators to make complex decisions; to identify and to solve problems; to connect theory and practice in learners’ output; and to enable educators to offer learning opportunities to students and prepare them in terms of provided world class standards and citizen responsibilities of adults inspired by these assumptions, the present study aimed to identify factors affecting the professional development of its faculty members. The statistical sample consisted of 902 individuals all of whom were faculty members of the Islamic Azad University, Ilam Branch, Ilam, Iran that were studied by a census method. The survey instrument was a research-made questionnaire whose content and face validity was confirmed by a panel of experts and its reliability coefficient turned out to be at a desirable level. SPSS21 software and factor analysis technique were employed to analyze the collected data. The results of the factor analysis showed that development services indicated that four components, that is, structural-service maturity, institutional-directorial maturity, personal and character maturity and network-social maturity were identified as factors affecting the professional development of faculty members which explained 50.89% of the total variance altogether. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      7 - Effectiveness Evaluation of Rural Extension Education Programs (The Case of Sheep Breeders in Pasargad Township, Iran)
      طاهر عزیزی‌خالخیلی مسعود بیژنی محمد‌رضا شاه‌پسند فرزاد فربود
      Since a lot of material and human expenditure are spent for implementing extension education programs for rural people, one of the most important aspects of these programs is “effectiveness evaluation” and the rate of accomplishing program objectives, as wel More
      Since a lot of material and human expenditure are spent for implementing extension education programs for rural people, one of the most important aspects of these programs is “effectiveness evaluation” and the rate of accomplishing program objectives, as well as determining program obstacles and solving them for future plans. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of rural extension education programs regarding sheep breeding. To achieve this purpose, the first phase of the present study analyzed effectiveness evaluation models using documentary studies. Then, an Effectiveness Evaluation of Extension Education Programs (EEEEP) model was designed and accomplished in the form of evaluating a rural education program. The second phase used an experimental research method in one-group pretest-posttest design. A purposeful sampling method was used for selecting research sample (n=32) from sheep breeders in Pasargad Township, Fars Province, Iran. The data gathering instrument was a questionnaire whose validity and reliability were confirmed with the Lincoln and Guba assessment method. The results revealed that participants’ satisfaction with the programs was higher than average in three dimensions. Also, these courses had a significant influence on the attitude and knowledge of the participants about the educated subjects. The participants’ main problem was the difficulty of attending the class. Finally, based on the findings, some executive recommendations have been provided. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      8 - The Effects of Educational, Extension, and Research Factors on the Development of Medicinal Plants in Markazi Province of Iran
      سید داود حاجی میررحیمی
      The main objective of this study was identifying the effects of educational, extension and research factors on the development of medicinal plants in Markazi Province of Iran. The statistical population included all managers, extension agents and experts involved in med More
      The main objective of this study was identifying the effects of educational, extension and research factors on the development of medicinal plants in Markazi Province of Iran. The statistical population included all managers, extension agents and experts involved in medicinal plants in Markazi Province in 2014 (N = 50), who were selected by the census sampling method (n=50). The research instrument was a questionnaire whose face and content validity were confirmed by a panel of experts and specialists of medicinal plants and also its reliability was estimated by Cronbach's alpha to be 0.78. Results showed that some factors such as informing and training the people about medicinal plants via television and training the physicians about medicinal plants benefits prove more effective in the development of this industry. On the other hand, from among five main factors which explained the variance of medicinal plants development factors, the following three factors have priority: training and extension of medicinal plants (Var. =16.54), educational standards of medicinal plants (Var. =13.18), and technical and vocational education (Var. =11.48). Also, the variables of education level, job experience in agriculture section, current attitude towards development of prescribing medicinal plants by physicians, current amount of using medicinal plants capacity in the province, and assessment of current attitudes toward medicinal plants production, have caused more significant difference in the view of statistical sample about the effect of some educational, extension and research factors on the medicinal plants industry development. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      9 - Effects of Community-Based Paid Extension on Reducing Vulnerability of Smallholder Dairy Farmers of Southwest Bangladesh
      Md. Ektear Uddin A K M Pervez Qijie Gao Md. Rahman Md. Islam
      The study investigated the effect of Community-Based Paid Extension (CPE) on vulnerability reduction of smallholder dairy farmers. Randomly sampled 255 farmers were interviewed together with 15 key informants’ interview. Both statistical analysis and thematic appr More
      The study investigated the effect of Community-Based Paid Extension (CPE) on vulnerability reduction of smallholder dairy farmers. Randomly sampled 255 farmers were interviewed together with 15 key informants’ interview. Both statistical analysis and thematic approach were employed to achieve triangulation. In about 68 % of cases, CPE reduced vulnerability to a degree experienced as ‘moderate’, whereas 20 % of them experienced a ‘high’ reduction in vulnerability. The CPE has addressed wide ranges of vulnerability of smallholder dairy system. The regression analysis confirmed the importance of sustainable and frequent paid extension service at community level. Others factors such as education level of the farmers, use of different interpersonal and mass extension media, as well as positive change in livelihood assets also significantly influence vulnerability reduction of the smallholder dairy farmers. CPE deserves dissemination throughout the country and seeks special dairy extension policy organized around it for rapid rural development. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      10 - Determinants of the Social Health of Rural Women in Ghale-Shahin Rural District in Kermanshah Province, Iran
      سمیه شهبازی علی اصغر میرک زاده Amirhossein Alibaygi
      Social health is essential to social development of rural communities, especially rural women, in order to promote their welfare as well as their human and social capital. The present research was applied in terms of objective, and it was implemented using different app More
      Social health is essential to social development of rural communities, especially rural women, in order to promote their welfare as well as their human and social capital. The present research was applied in terms of objective, and it was implemented using different approaches to examine the social health of rural women and its determinants in Kermanshah Province, Iran. The research method was descriptive-correlational conducted based on documentary and field method (questionnaire was used as the research instrument). The statistical society consisted of rural women (N=209) of Ghale Shahin County, which is located in the west of Kermanshah Province, out of which 209 women were selected by multistage sampling method. 209 questionnaires were distributed among the study population, and 187 complete questionnaires were analyzed. Return rate of the questionnaires was equal to 89%. The results showed that the majority of women had a moderate level of social health, communication skills, and social support. It was also found that there was a positive significant correlation between TV watching, the amount of leisure time, the level of communication, and social health of rural women. Results also showed that leisure time, TV watching, and communication skills altogether explained 49 percent of the social health variance of the rural women in the study area. As communication skills and social health of rural women were at the moderate level, and considering the results of the study, it is recommended that organizations in charge of social health of the rural women, such as rural women's social health bases, national youth organization, social affairs deputy of municipality and/or rural development agents as social worker, develop educational content of social health promotion courses with participation of rural women. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      11 - SWOT Analysis of Strategies for Agricultural Entrepreneurs Empowerment
      شهره کرمی حسین آگهی
      The purpose of this study was to identify strategies for Agricultural Entrepreneurs Empowerment in Javanrod, Salasebabajani, Ravansar and Paveh counties of Kermanshah Province. The structural impact obtained was based on different qualitative techniques and was analysed More
      The purpose of this study was to identify strategies for Agricultural Entrepreneurs Empowerment in Javanrod, Salasebabajani, Ravansar and Paveh counties of Kermanshah Province. The structural impact obtained was based on different qualitative techniques and was analysed based on the SWOT model. The finding suggested that the most effective strengths were: adoption of social responsibilities increasing with weighted score "0.305", knowledge, attitudes and values increasing in the agricultural entrepreneurs with weighted score "0.300"; the most effective weaknesses were: Lack of enough capital with weighted score "0.260", lack of entrepreneurial culture with weighted score "0.208"; the most effective opportunities were: supporting ideas and projects with weighted score "0.330", entrepreneurial skills trading (the capacity to identify opportunities, problems and solutions) with weighted score "0.315", and the most effective threats were: lack of economic security "0.265" and suitable market lack for products "0.250". The results suggested that by aggressive strategies such as training and entrepreneurial skills development and technical, knowing the sources of ideas, using new technologies, increasing access to training and funds, access to commercial networks, creating exhibitions and conferences application; adaptive strategy promoting use of banking facilities; contingency strategies such as reducing the threat of being able to create diverse career opportunities, reducing administrative bureaucracy, difficulty in getting a licence and infrastructure to create suitable market production; defence strategy including reduction of threats such as economic insecurity can be used as background empowerment entrepreneurs for agricultural entrepreneurs empowerment. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      12 - Socioeconomic Determinants Influencing the Willingness of Agriculture Undergraduates to Participate in Agripreneurship in Northwest Nigeria
      Aliyu Akilu Barau Gbolagade Adesiji
      The study analyzed the socioeconomic determinants influencing the willingness of the agriculture undergraduates to participate in agripreneurship in Northwest, Nigeria. The study employed a questionnaire to obtain primary data. A multistage sampling technique was used t More
      The study analyzed the socioeconomic determinants influencing the willingness of the agriculture undergraduates to participate in agripreneurship in Northwest, Nigeria. The study employed a questionnaire to obtain primary data. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 150 respondents from the universities under study. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Results show that a majority of the participants were male (68.7%), single (90%), within 21-25 years of age (52.6%), and had no any other tangible occupation (57.3%) besides study. Willingness to participate in agripreneurship was found to be positive among the respondents but not as primary occupation. Family economic status (ranked first) was the major socioeconomic determinants influencing the willingness of agriculture undergraduates to participate in agripreneurship. Examination of the relationship between selected socioeconomic determinants and willingness to participate in agripreneurship revealed a positive significant relationship with gender, community background, family background, family economic status, as well as with ethnicity. This clearly suggests that a number of socioeconomic determinants have considerable influence over willingness of agriculture undergraduates to participate in agripreneurship. The study, then, carries the implication that university agriculture training should be streamlined with today’s realities so as to stimulate the willingness for agripreneurship. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      13 - Preferred Extension System for Sustainable Horticulture in Sari, Iran
      امیر احمدپور Hadi Moumenihelali
      Lack of understanding of the extension, education, and developmentpractitioners’ role and their contribution to sustainableagriculture is the main challenge of sustainabilityprojects in Iran. Accordingly, the aim of this study was toidentify the extension system t More
      Lack of understanding of the extension, education, and developmentpractitioners’ role and their contribution to sustainableagriculture is the main challenge of sustainabilityprojects in Iran. Accordingly, the aim of this study was toidentify the extension system that has been more successful insustainable horticulture. The population consisted of 22 pioneerfarmers that had used or are using the services and/or consultationsof both public and private extension experts in different ways.Based on census data, 20 farmers were studied. A questionnairewas used to collect the data. To determine the face and contentvalidity, a panel of experts and to assess the reliability, inconsistencyratio was used (IR=0.03). Based on the five sustainabilitycriteria, public extension system was identified as the superiorsystem in the improvement of the sustainability of horticultureactivities. Analytical hierarchy process based on the pair-wisecomparison and the combination of the relative weights ofsub-criteria and options showed that the public system ispreferred over the private system, especially in ecological,cultural, and social dimensions. Given the relative superiorityof the public extension system over the private extensionsystem, it is recommended to use private extension systemalong with the public system as a supplementary system so asto gradually pave the way for assigning the authorities and activitiesto the private sector. Then, we can hope for the full privatizationof agricultural education and extension system. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      14 - Promoting Entrepreneurial Behavior among Agricultural Students: A Two-Step Approach to Structural Equation Modeling
      نعمت اله شیری علی اصغر میرک زاده کیومرث زرافشانی
      Increasing rate of unemployment among the graduates ofIranian higher agricultural education system has beendeveloped into one of the major socio-economic problems ofthe nation. Entrepreneurship is one of the most importantfactors contributing to economic and social deve More
      Increasing rate of unemployment among the graduates ofIranian higher agricultural education system has beendeveloped into one of the major socio-economic problems ofthe nation. Entrepreneurship is one of the most importantfactors contributing to economic and social development, thatis, it is a main driver for employment creation. As such, manypolicy initiatives in Iran attempt to pull agricultural studentstoward an entrepreneurial career choice. In this regard,considering the importance of entrepreneurship, and applyingAjzen’s (1991) theory of planned behavior, the present studywas conducted to investigate the factors affecting entrepreneurialbehavior of agricultural students in Razi University. The populationof this study consisted of all senior agricultural studentsof Razi University in Iran (N=300), 169 of whom were selectedas the sample using the proportional stratified sampling method.Data were analyzed by SPSS and AMOS version23 softwarein two phases of descriptive and inferential statistics. Resultsof structural equation modeling revealed that personal attitudetoward entrepreneurship, perceived behavioral control, andsubjective norm were the main predictors of entrepreneurialintention (R2=0.46) and behavior (R2=0.45) among agriculturalstudents. The findings of this study can have practical implicationsconcerning the promotion of entrepreneurial intention and behavioramong agricultural students for higher agricultural educationmanagers, planners, and educators. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      15 - Role of Knowledge Management in Empowerment of Agriculture Organization’s Experts in Ilam Province, Iran
      Alireza Poursaeed هدی اکبری پور
      The purpose of this research was to determine knowledge management in the empowerment of the experts of Agricultural Organization in Ilam County of Iran. The statistical population was composed of all employees with the organizational positions of expert or higher in Ag More
      The purpose of this research was to determine knowledge management in the empowerment of the experts of Agricultural Organization in Ilam County of Iran. The statistical population was composed of all employees with the organizational positions of expert or higher in Agricultural Organization of Ilam (N=150). A self-designed questionnaire was used as data collection tool whose face and content validities were confirmed by a panel of experts and whose reliability was estimated to be 0.89 by Cronbach’s alpha. Data were analyzed by SPSS20 in two groups of descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variations) and inferential statistics (Spearman test of correlation and multiple regression analysis). Results of regression analysis showed positive, significant relationship of knowledge exchange, knowledge generation, and number of training courses with people’s empowerment so that they, together, accounted for 40% of the variations of dependent variable. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      16 - Seed Potato Management among Potato Growers in Freydunshahr County (Isfahan Province), Iran
      اصغر باقری مجتبی سوختانلو
      This study investigated the mechanisms of seed potato management by potato growers of Freydunshahr County in Isfahan province. Survey research method was used in this study. A sample of 250 potato growers (N=725) was selected for data collection. Stratified random sampl More
      This study investigated the mechanisms of seed potato management by potato growers of Freydunshahr County in Isfahan province. Survey research method was used in this study. A sample of 250 potato growers (N=725) was selected for data collection. Stratified random sampling method was used. The research instrument was a questionnaire that was validated for face validity by a panel of faculty members and agricultural experts of Agriculture Jihad Organization in Freydunshahr County. For determining the reliability, Cronbach's alpha was estimated which turned to be higher than 0.7. Results showed that "a part of tubers produced by farmers" was the first priority of farmers as seed tuber source. Results showed that 89.6 percent of potato growers store and keep seed tubers in inappropriate conditions. Majority of the farmers did not have sufficient information on seed potato management and there was a positive and significant relationship between the farmers’ education and potato yield per hectare, but a negative relationship was found for age. Based on logistic regression analysis, the predictive power of the model was 0.639 and the sensitivity of total model to determine the correct percentage was 86.0 percent. Among individual, professional and economic factors, variables of age, number of family labor, area of owned land, area of potato farming, potato yield per hectare, number of owned land parcels and knowledge and information level of respondents significantly impacted on the adoption and use of modern seed potato production systems. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      17 - Household Food Security: Case of Summer Crop Growers in Shoushtar Township, Iran
      آزاده نوراله نوری وندی
      associated with this condition among summer crop growers in Shoushtar Township, Khouzestan Province, Iran. This cross-sectional survey study was conducted from September 2015 to February 2017. The population consisted of summer crop farmers in the Shoushtar Township (N= More
      associated with this condition among summer crop growers in Shoushtar Township, Khouzestan Province, Iran. This cross-sectional survey study was conducted from September 2015 to February 2017. The population consisted of summer crop farmers in the Shoushtar Township (N=850). The sample size was determined based on Morgan table (n=150). For analyzing food security level, the 18-item USDA household food security questionnaire, which contains questions that underlie the 12-month food security scale in survey-instrument form, was used. The food security scale was developed based on responses to questions Q2 to Q16 (18 questions). These include both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the household's food supply as well as household members' psychological and behavioral responses. Based on the results, more than half of households (52.67%) experienced food insecurity and less than half (47.33%) indicating that they are food secure. Correlation coefficient results showed that there was significant relationship between the income, educational level, extension education activities, social participation, technical knowledge and food security. Based on regression analysis, income, educational level, extension education activities, technical knowledge and social participation may well explain for 75.43% changes (R2=0.7543) in level of food security. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      18 - How Students’ Views on Educational Factors Influence Their Achievement Motivation and Learning Approaches? Comparison of Perspectives
      مهتاب پورآتشی چانگ زو
      This comparative study was conducted to explore achievement motivation and learning approaches of agricultural students and to examine students’ views on educational factors influencing their achievement motivation and learning approaches. The statistical populati More
      This comparative study was conducted to explore achievement motivation and learning approaches of agricultural students and to examine students’ views on educational factors influencing their achievement motivation and learning approaches. The statistical population of this study comprised agricultural students of Tehran University (Tehran, Iran) and Ghent University (Belgium). A sample of 89 agricultural students from Tehran University and 85 agricultural students from Ghent University participated in this study, using the random sampling method. A questionnaire was used to obtain data on respondents’ demographic characteristics, viewpoints on educational factors, achievement motivation, and learning approaches of respondents. Validity and reliability coefficient of the instrument were determined through opinions of professors and application of coefficient alpha (more than 0.8 for different parts). Based on the results, there was no significant difference between the two groups (Iranian and Flemish students) on intrinsic motivation, while the two groups showed significant difference on extrinsic motivation. There were, also, differences between the two groups of students regarding deep approach to learning. This study implied that both similarities and differences can be observed on the factors influencing achievement motivation and learning approaches of agricultural students in different learning contexts. Based on the findings, conclusions were drawn and recommendations were put forth. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      19 - Developing an Appropriate Model for Entrepreneurial Faculty of Agriculture in Iran
      نگین فلاح‌حقیقی مسعود بیژنی احمد رضوانفر ناصر ولی‌زاده
      Nowadays, promoting entrepreneurship to train graduates endowed with entrepreneurial traits is considered as one of the new functions of the faculties of agriculture. In this regard, the purpose of this study was to design an appropriate model for entrepreneurial facult More
      Nowadays, promoting entrepreneurship to train graduates endowed with entrepreneurial traits is considered as one of the new functions of the faculties of agriculture. In this regard, the purpose of this study was to design an appropriate model for entrepreneurial faculty of agriculture in Iran. This study was of descriptive-correlational research type in which a survey method was employed for data collection. The study population comprised all students (N1=19973) and faculty members (N2=713) of all faculties of agriculture in Iran's state-run (public) universities of whom 403 students and 344 faculty members were sampled by multi-staged (three-stage) method. The sample size was determined by Krejcie and Morgan's sample size table. The research instrument was a self-designed questionnaire whose face and content validity were confirmed by a panel of experts. The diagnostic validity of the questionnaire in the case of its latent variables was also confirmed using the average variance extracted method (0.76≤AVE≤0.87). Furthermore, its internal consistency (0.81≤α≤0.93) and composite reliability (0.80≤Pc≤0.91) were confirmed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The collected data were also analyzed using SPSS22 and LISREL9.1. The results showed a significant relationship between structural, content, and contextual factors and entrepreneurship of faculties of agriculture. Meanwhile, content factors showed the greatest effect (path coefficient = 0.83) on the entrepreneurship of agricultural faculties. According to the findings, the final proposed model was developed with respect to the factors listed in three categories of education, research, and entrepreneurship for the establishment of entrepreneurial faculties of agriculture in Iran. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      20 - Promoting Organizational Innovation among Agricultural Extension Experts: The Role for Knowledge Management
      عبدالواحد کعبی کوروش روستا
      20.1001.1.21595852.2018.8.3.10.5
      Recently, innovation has become a very important issue, as it provides a strategic advantage for organizations to outperform competition and remain agile in the environment. Additionally, knowledge management is considered to be a strong support for innovation. However, More
      Recently, innovation has become a very important issue, as it provides a strategic advantage for organizations to outperform competition and remain agile in the environment. Additionally, knowledge management is considered to be a strong support for innovation. However, few studies examine the role of human resource management in fostering knowledge capability which leads more innovation in the organizations. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of knowledge management components in organizational innovation among agricultural extension experts in Khuzestan Province. The statistical population of this study consisted of all agricultural extension experts in Khuzestan Province (N=328). Using Bartlett’s et al. (2001) sampling table, 130 of them were selected as a sample using the proportionate stratified random sampling method (n=130). The instrument of gathering data was a questionnaire that validity was confirmed by the panel of experts and its reliability was established by Cronbach's Alpha coefficient (α>0.70). The results of multiple regression analysis revealed that knowledge management components (knowledge creation, knowledge acquisition, knowledge storage and knowledge sharing and application) had positive significant effect on organizational innovation among agricultural extension experts in Khuzestan Province. The results emphasize the importance of knowledge management components to the success of innovation process in agricultural extension system. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      21 - Export Barriers of Honey in Iran: The Application of the DEMATEL Method
      مهدی همایون فر سید محمد زرگر منصور صوفی سیده فرشته موسوی
      20.1001.1.21595852.2018.8.3.3.8
      The rapid world economic growth has driven the businessestowards involvement in international marketplaces due tolower business risks, lower commitment of resources, andhigher flexibility of these markets. However, evidence indicatesthat barriers to exportation vary acr More
      The rapid world economic growth has driven the businessestowards involvement in international marketplaces due tolower business risks, lower commitment of resources, andhigher flexibility of these markets. However, evidence indicatesthat barriers to exportation vary across different stages of internationalization.Therefore, this empirical study was carriedout to explore exportation barriers of agricultural commodities,especially honey, in Iran. Based on an explorative literaturereview, several factors were considered as export barriers ofagricultural commodities. These barriers were provided to a sample of 20 honey exporters in Ardabil province using aquestionnaire. After collecting and analyzing the data, 21 factors were identified as the important barriers to honeyexport. A graph theory-based technique (DEMATEL) withfeedback structure was used to explore the direct and indirecteffects of barriers on the other barriers and the whole system.The results indicate that adjusting export promotion activities,lack of home government assistance/incentives, shortage ofworking capital to finance exports, high tariff and nontariffbarriers, different foreign customer habits/attitudes are themost critical barriers in the order of importance. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      22 - Prediction of Food Security Levels in Rural Households Based on Socio-Economic Factors (The Case of Nahavand County, Iran)
      سعدی فتح الهی گلام بحری حسین شعبانعلی فمی علی اسدی
      20.1001.1.21595852.2018.8.3.2.7
      The role of nutrition in the health area, increasing efficiencyand its relationship with economic development has been approved through extensive research in the world using scientificfoundations and empirical evidence. Therefore, accessing tofood security is the basic More
      The role of nutrition in the health area, increasing efficiencyand its relationship with economic development has been approved through extensive research in the world using scientificfoundations and empirical evidence. Therefore, accessing tofood security is the basic pillar of development. The mainpurpose of this study was to investigate the role of socioeconomicfactors affecting the food security of rural households inNahavand County, Iran. The statistical population consisted of26599 rural households of Nahavand County that 255 peoplewere selected using Cochran formula and stratified randomsampling technique. A questionnaire was used to data collection,which its validity was confirmed by a panel of faculty membersin the University of Tehran and its reliability was confirmedby Cronbach's alpha which its range was 0.72 to 0.91 fordifferent sections of the questionnaire. Data analysis was performedin two parts of descriptive and inferential statisticsusing the software SPSS21. Results showed that the differencein various levels of household income in terms of food insecuritylevels was statistically significant at the 0.01 level. The resultsof logit regression (probit) analysis suggested that variables ofdecision-making ability, nutritional awareness of head of thehousehold and the household income have the greatest impacton rural households’ food security. Manuscript profile
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      23 - The Effect of Knowledge Management on Organizational Entrepreneurship among Agricultural Extension Experts in Kermanshah Province, Iran
      زهرا کرانی
      In today's turbulent business environment, organizations face the need to rapidly respond to demands, explore new opportunities, apply evolving technologies, and create novel competitive advantages. Knowledge Management (KM) and Organizational Entrepreneurship (OE) are More
      In today's turbulent business environment, organizations face the need to rapidly respond to demands, explore new opportunities, apply evolving technologies, and create novel competitive advantages. Knowledge Management (KM) and Organizational Entrepreneurship (OE) are two strategic tools through which companies can concurrently improve their competitive advantage while seeking new potential opportunities. Since KM and OE practically help to improve organizational performance through their own resources, they not only seem to be interrelated but they also influence each other. In this regard, the aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of KM on the OE among agricultural extension experts in Kermanshah Province, Iran. The population of this study consisted of all agricultural extension experts in Jihad-e-Agriculture management and centers of agricultural services in Kermanshah Province (N=536). Using Bartlett’s et al. (2001) sampling table, 155 extension experts were selected as the sample using the proportionate stratified sampling method (n=155). The main instrument used in this study was a questionnaire whose validity was confirmed by a panel of experts, and its reliability was established by a Cronbach's Alpha coefficient (α> 0.70). The results of multiple regression analysis revealed that KM components (knowledge creation, knowledge acquisition, knowledge organizing, knowledge storage, knowledge dissemination and knowledge application) had significant and positive effect on OE among agricultural extension experts in Kermanshah Province. Manuscript profile
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      24 - Factors Affecting Avoiding the Use of Pesticides to Greenhouse Vegetables in Bandar Abbas District (Iran)
      مسعود یزدان پناه فاطمه رحیمی فیض آباد خدیجه عباس زاده
      20.1001.1.21595852.2019.9.3.5.7
      Despite huge environmental, economic, health, and social costs of pesticides, evidence revealed that farmers in developing countries would continue to use pesticides. The root of the problem appears to be related to the way of farmers’ decision making. As such, it More
      Despite huge environmental, economic, health, and social costs of pesticides, evidence revealed that farmers in developing countries would continue to use pesticides. The root of the problem appears to be related to the way of farmers’ decision making. As such, it is crucial for policymakers to understand how farmers think and behave with regard to these inputs. Therefore, the aim of this research was to accrue empirical evidence about greenhouse owners’ attitudes and intention toward avoiding using pesticides in Bandar Abbas District using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). TPB was tested using a survey to understand greenhouse owners’ attitude and intention. The study sample consisted of 110 greenhouse owners selected through a random sampling method. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire to assess the central variables of the theory. The questionnaire’s internal reliability and validity were confirmed by a panel of experts. Results indicated that the greenhouse owners’ moral norm was the main predictor of their intention to avoid pesticide application followed by the variables of self-identity and attitude, respectively. Furthermore, adding moral norm and self-identity as additional constructs to the theory significantly improved the explanatory power of the standard model. Manuscript profile
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      25 - Perceived Effectiveness of Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica)-Rice Processing Technologies Utilization among Rice Processors in Kogi State, Nigeria
      Olufemi Bolarin Sijuade Adebayo Rebecca Akubo Sola Komolafe
      20.1001.1.21595852.2023.13.2.8.6
      In recent years, global rice consumption has seen a substantial increase, and consumption is expected to continue rising due to its significance in household diets worldwide. However, successful rice processing requires specific operations. This study assessed the effec More
      In recent years, global rice consumption has seen a substantial increase, and consumption is expected to continue rising due to its significance in household diets worldwide. However, successful rice processing requires specific operations. This study assessed the effectiveness of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Rice Processing Technologies Utilization among rice processors in Kogi State, Nigeria. A three-stage sampling technique was employed to select one hundred and eighty (180) rice processors for the study. Data collection utilized a questionnaire complemented with an interview schedule, and the analysis employed descriptive statistics (frequency counts, percentages, and mean). Results revealed that the majority (91.1%) of the respondents were female with a mean age of 47.6 years. Additionally, 86.7% were married, and 56.7% had primary education. It was also found that extension agents (72.2%) were the main sources of information on JICA rice processing technologies in the study area. Furthermore, the study found that all JICA initiatives were effective. However, the false bottom at parboiling for quality paddy rice (X̅ = 3.99) and the Ajifa mill for milling clean rice grains with a good appearance (X̅ = 3.98) were rated as the most effective JICA initiatives by the respondents. Consequently, the study recommends that the government should encourage and organize free adult literacy classes to increase processors' knowledge and orientation toward processing activities. Manuscript profile
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      26 - Academic Burnout and Achievement among Agricultural Students
      عبدالواحد کعبی نعمت اله شیری کوروش روستا
      20.1001.1.21595852.2021.11.3.5.1
      The aim of this study was to examine the effect of academic burnout components on academic achievement among agricultural students at Ramin Agriculture and Natural Resources University (RANRU), Khuzestan province, Iran. The statistical population consisted of all senior More
      The aim of this study was to examine the effect of academic burnout components on academic achievement among agricultural students at Ramin Agriculture and Natural Resources University (RANRU), Khuzestan province, Iran. The statistical population consisted of all senior agricultural students at RANRU (N=390) of whom 200 were selected by the stratified random sampling method (n=200). The main research instrument was a questionnaire whose validity was confirmed by a panel of experts, average variance extracted, and discriminant validity, and its reliability was established by Cronbach's alpha coefficient and composite reliability. Data were analyzed by SPSSWin23 and SmartPLS3 software. Results of structural equation modeling revealed that academic burnout components (emotional exhaustion, academic cynicism, and academic inefficacy) had significant and negative effects on academic achievement among agricultural students at RANRU. The study may be useful to teachers, counselors, managers, policy-makers, and parents who may be able to assist students to reduce burnout. It is recommended that programs be developed to create awareness and encourage students in order to reduce academic burnout. Manuscript profile
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      27 - Match and Mismatch between Learning and Teaching Style in the Agricultural Education Process
      خوشقدم خالدی محمد چیذری عنایت عباسی حسن صدیقی
      20.1001.1.21595852.2020.10.3.2.1
      Teaching and learning processes in universities have not achieved expected outcomes. The mismatch between learning and teaching styles is a challenge in the education process. Instructors should strive to incorporate their teaching style with students’ learning st More
      Teaching and learning processes in universities have not achieved expected outcomes. The mismatch between learning and teaching styles is a challenge in the education process. Instructors should strive to incorporate their teaching style with students’ learning styles in order to ensure effective teaching and learning process in higher education. The present descriptive-survey study aimed to explainthecompatibility of students’ learning styles using Witkin’s (1976) Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT) and teachers’ teaching style using van Tilburg and Hamilich’s (1990) test. The target population consisted of students and faculty members at the agricultural college at Razi University, Iran. Results revealed that the majority of males were field-independent and the majority of females were field-dependent learners. Concerning four teaching styles (expert, provider, facilitator and enabler), the instructors tended to use the enabler teaching style. Instructors should consider the characteristics and needs of both field-dependent and field-independent students and use different teaching methods. Recommendations about matching learning and teaching styles are provided based on the results. Manuscript profile
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      28 - Perceptions of Agricultural Experts towards Barriers to the Adoption of Precision Agriculture
      اصغر باقری نیر امامی
      20.1001.1.21595852.2023.13.2.1.9
      Precision agriculture holds significant potential for increasing crop yield, reducing costs, and ensuring environmental protection. However, the adoption of these technologies is impeded by certain barriers that need to be acknowledged. This survey aimed to investigate More
      Precision agriculture holds significant potential for increasing crop yield, reducing costs, and ensuring environmental protection. However, the adoption of these technologies is impeded by certain barriers that need to be acknowledged. This survey aimed to investigate the perceptions of agricultural experts (n=142) regarding the barriers to adopting precision agriculture in Ardabil province, Iran. Data were collected through a questionnaire administered to the participants. The research tool was validated by a group of university staff, and its reliability was confirmed through a pilot study involving 30 experts, which yielded a high alpha value. Due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation, data collection was conducted virtually. The findings indicated that the surveyed experts possessed a relatively good understanding of precision agriculture. Five factors, namely lack of knowledge, economic constraints, inadequate extension-farmer interactions, data security concerns, and limited accessibility, collectively accounted for 73.34 percent of the total variance in barriers to adopting precision agricultural technologies. Due to the lack of knowledge and poor farmer-extension interaction, extension courses are needed to improve farmers' knowledge and awareness of precision agriculture. Regarding the economic barriers, allocating the facilities and credits for developing and applying these technologies is necessary. Concerning the barriers to data security and lack of access, the government and related organizations should support farmers in solving internet access problems. Also, training and necessary facilities to maintain data security should be provided. Considering the effect of perception of usefulness on attitude, it is necessary to provide in-service training to improve experts' knowledge and perceptions about these technologies' usefulness. Precision agriculture demonstration farms in research stations or farmers' farms with the interaction of experts can be effective. Manuscript profile
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      29 - Trends in Iranian Agricultural Education Articles: A Five-Year Look (2013-2017)
      مهتاب پورآتشی
      20.1001.1.21595852.2020.10.3.1.0
      The purpose of this study was to analyze the trend of scientific articles in the field of agricultural education. The statistical population of the study consisted of all agricultural education articles published in three scientific journals from the years 2013 to 2017 More
      The purpose of this study was to analyze the trend of scientific articles in the field of agricultural education. The statistical population of the study consisted of all agricultural education articles published in three scientific journals from the years 2013 to 2017 (N = 198). SPSS and EXCEL software used to analyze the data. The findings showed that the journals upgraded during the studied years, which indicated improvement of the journals. In terms of publication the agricultural education article versus other fields of study, the results indicated that the articles, with the exception of growth in the year 2015, had a decreasing trend. Articles with three authors had the most frequency. According to the findings: The most used software was SPSS, the most used method was quantitative research, the most tool for collecting data was questionnaire, and the most source for gathering data was student. Also, the most relevant subject was quality of education, teaching and learning. Finally, based on the findings, it is recommended that the needs of labor market, industry and society be considered for conducting applied and developmental researches. Manuscript profile
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      30 - Assessment of the Quality of Academic Services at Yasouj University: Application of SERVQUAL Model
      مهدی نوری پور زینب شریفی
      20.1001.1.21595852.2020.10.4.3.4
      The qualitative expansion of the higher education system, regardless of quality development, will have inappropriate outcomes. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the quality of academic services at Yasouj University using the SERVQUAL model. The statis More
      The qualitative expansion of the higher education system, regardless of quality development, will have inappropriate outcomes. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the quality of academic services at Yasouj University using the SERVQUAL model. The statistical population consisted of 508 senior undergraduates at Yasouj University in 2018-2019. According to the Krejcie and Morgan formula, 220 individuals were selected as the sample through stratified random sampling in terms of their field of study. Data were collected through a two-part questionnaire including students' perceptions and expectations about the quality of educational, research, and welfare services. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by using the opinions of the relevant field experts after revising, and its reliability was estimated by calculating the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. The results showed that students had the lowest and highest satisfaction with the current status in terms of welfare services and educational services, respectively. Also, the greatest service gap was in welfare, research, and educational services, respectively. The results of the means comparison test revealed that the students' expectations of educational, research, and welfare services were significantly higher than their perceptions. Therefore, better provision of educational, research, and welfare services should be taken into consideration by the relevant authorities. Manuscript profile
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      31 - Designing a Model for Professional Competencies of Greenhouse Production Unit Managers in South Khorasan, Iran
      محمد معتمدی کوروش روستا اسدالله زمانی پور ملیحه فلکی
      20.1001.1.21595852.2021.11.2.9.3
      The present study aimed to design a model for the professional competencies of greenhouse production unit managers in South Khorasan, Iran. The research was of applied type in terms of purpose and descriptive-correlational in terms of data collection, which was conducte More
      The present study aimed to design a model for the professional competencies of greenhouse production unit managers in South Khorasan, Iran. The research was of applied type in terms of purpose and descriptive-correlational in terms of data collection, which was conducted by survey method. The statistical population consisted of 117 managers of greenhouse production units, who were surveyed through census because of their limited population. A questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. SPSS and Smart PLS software were employed for data analysis. For all competencies, Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability were estimated to be greater than 0.7. The analysis of structural equations with partial least squares (PLS) supported all hypotheses. Finally, the model of professional competencies was identified with seven competencies including managerial, individual, business environment, theological-ethical, technical and professional, academic, and general agriculture competencies, among which the managerial and individual competencies were the most important ones from managers' viewpoints. It is, therefore, suggested that managers need to continually update and modify their management skills and information in order to make right decisions in dealing with new and different issues and reach the ultimate goal of production. Manuscript profile
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      32 - Solutions to Reduce the Vulnerability of Farmers and Beneficiaries of Agricultural Sector to Climate Change
      عبدالواحد کعبی کوروش روستا سعید محمدزاده رضا برادران
      Climate change in the Middle East and Iran, as well as the decline in agricultural products and crop lands in Iran over the past 10 years, has attracted the attention of many researchers. Numerous researches have considered economic, environmental, psychological-social, More
      Climate change in the Middle East and Iran, as well as the decline in agricultural products and crop lands in Iran over the past 10 years, has attracted the attention of many researchers. Numerous researches have considered economic, environmental, psychological-social, and technical-agricultural damages as a result of climate change in the agricultural sector.Solutions to reduce the vulnerability of farmers and beneficiaries to climate change in Khuzestan province will be discussed.The present study was performed in three stages of qualitative study and one stage of quantitative study. The statistical population of the qualitative section consisted of 83 highly experienced farmers and those suffering from climate change, 18 exemplary farmers introduced by the Jihad Agricultural Organization of Khuzestan province, 33 Ph.D. and 237 master students in agriculture from various universities in the province as well as 100 agricultural experts from the Agricultural Jihad Organization. The research variables were also categorized into six solutions and three barriers (challenges) in the third stage of the qualitative investigation, and introduced for a quantitative stage. The fourth stage of the study was a quantitative stage in which the statistical population consisted of 384 farmers and farming beneficiaries in Khuzestan province. The tool for data collection in the quantitative stage of the questionnaire was based on a Likert scale. As well, the sample in the quantitative and qualitative stages was selected via the convenience method.Economic losses have been affected by various such solutions as economic-financial-support by the government, as well as training-promotional, technical-agricultural, and social issues. Also, environmental damages have been affected by economic-financial as well as supportive solutions by the government, training- promotional and institutional-infrastructure issues, and finally, psychological-social ills and technical-agricultural damages have been affected by managerial and technical-agricultural solutions, respectively. The solutions stated in the practical dimension face barriers or challenges. Manuscript profile
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      33 - Faculty Members’ Development in Agricultural Higher Education: Does the University Size Matter?
      مرتضی اکبری افسانه باقری عایت عباسی
      20.1001.1.21595852.2020.10.1.2.7
      Higher education has recently faced new challenges and responsibilities such as higher expectations to contribute to national and regional developments, considerable cuts in public funds, and the highly competitive educational markets. Previous research has suggested a More
      Higher education has recently faced new challenges and responsibilities such as higher expectations to contribute to national and regional developments, considerable cuts in public funds, and the highly competitive educational markets. Previous research has suggested a positive association between the development of human capital and capacity to deal with these challenges in higher education institutions. Yet, there are few empirical studies on the factors that constitute faculty members’ development. The main purpose of this study was to investigate faculty members’ development components in Agricultural Higher Education in Iran. Specifically, it aimed to explore the differences among faculties of agriculture on the components of their faculty members’ development and analyzed academics’ perceptions toward the current and desirable status of their development. Furthermore, this research examined the faculty members’ perceptions of the most influential component of their development. The population was 1837 faculty members and 280 of them were selected using the stratified random sampling method. The results showed that the faculty members perceived their individual development as higher than and equal to average. There was also a significant difference between universities on the components of their faculty members’ development based on their size except for their individual development. The analysis also suggested wide gaps between the status quo and desirable situations of each component of development as perceived by the faculty members. Furthermore, the faculty members perceived their professional development as the most influential component of their development. Recommendations are made to improve faculty members’ development in agricultural higher education particularly in Iran. Manuscript profile
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      34 - The Requirements of Establishing Innovative Rural Organizations to Improve Food Security from Rice Grower's Perspective
      مریم زمانی علایی سید جمال فرج اله حسینی سیدمهدی میردامادی فرهاد لشگرآرا
      20.1001.1.21595852.2020.10.1.3.8
      Rural innovative producing organizations can increase farmers' incomes and improve food security by providing services to farmers. The specific objectives of this paper were to identify the economic, social-cultural, infrastructural, political, educational, and technica More
      Rural innovative producing organizations can increase farmers' incomes and improve food security by providing services to farmers. The specific objectives of this paper were to identify the economic, social-cultural, infrastructural, political, educational, and technical requirements for innovations in rural institutions to improve food security of farmers in Mazandaran Province, Iran. The total population of this study was 113,141 farmers in Mazandaran Province and by using Cochran formula 216 were selected through cluster random sampling method. The Delphi method was used for qualitative part of analysis, which was done in a three-phase distribution of questionnaires and interviews with rice experts. For each of the requirements, items of interest were added and removed, and a table of items including the most points (to a maximum of70%) was extracted. A Bayesian analysis was used for by using AMOS16and SPSS16 software. Based on the results of Bayesian analysis the economic requirements had the greatest impact on establishing innovative rural institutions to improve food security of rice growers. It was also found out that socio-cultural, political, infrastructural, educational, and technical requirements, respectively could play an important role in helping rural institutions to enhance food security in rural areas. Manuscript profile
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      35 - Impact Assessment of Self-directness and Meta-cognitive Skills on Agricultural Students’ Academic Achievement in Iran
      مسعود بیژنی علی‌اکبر رئیسی ناصر ولی‌زاده نگین فلاح‌حقیقی مریم نیسی
      20.1001.1.21595852.2021.11.1.2.4
      Students' academic achievement is one of main indicators in evaluating higher agricultural education. One of the most effective strategies in terms of academic achievement is to reinforce self-directness and meta-cognitive skills. The main objective of this study was to More
      Students' academic achievement is one of main indicators in evaluating higher agricultural education. One of the most effective strategies in terms of academic achievement is to reinforce self-directness and meta-cognitive skills. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of elf-directness and meta-cognitive skills on the academic achievement of agriculture students in Iran. This research was a descriptive-correlational study using a survey technique. The instrument adopted in this study was a questionnaire which validity was confirmed by a group of curriculum developers and educational planning specialists in the higher agricultural education system. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were used to determine the reliability of this scale. Cronbach's alpha values ​​for different variables showed the acceptable reliability of this instrument (0.74≤α≤0.96). The statistical population of the study consisted of the agriculture students in Iran (N=236973). The sample size was estimated to be 150 persons by using Cochran statistics and two-stage sampling method (cluster sampling and proportional stratified random sampling). The results showed that the variables self-directness, metacognitive skills, and social conditions had a positive and significant effect on the academic achievement among these students. In total, they could predict a significant percentage (68.1%) of variance for the variables academic achievement. Manuscript profile
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      36 - Knowledge Commercialization in Agricultural Higher Education: A Two-Step Approach to Structural Equation Modeling
      مسعود احمدی نژاد
      20.1001.1.21595852.2020.10.2.3.0
      The purpose of this study was to analyze knowledge commercialization in agricultural higher education of Khuzestan province. To end it a survey research method was applied. Faculty members of agricultural colleges of Khuzestan province, Iran including Shahid Chamran Uni More
      The purpose of this study was to analyze knowledge commercialization in agricultural higher education of Khuzestan province. To end it a survey research method was applied. Faculty members of agricultural colleges of Khuzestan province, Iran including Shahid Chamran University, Ramin Agricultural and Natural Resources University, Islamic Azad University are considered as statistical of population of study (N=417). The main instrument of research was questionnaire which validity was determined by a panel of experts and also Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient was used for determining of reliability (α=0.86). Based on regression analysis, effective researchers, effective relationship of university with industry and society, material and spiritual support of knowledge commercialization, government services, rules and regulation and parks and centers of science and technology development may well explain for 61.4 percent variations (R2=0.614) in level of knowledge commercialization in agricultural higher education. The SEM indicated that the predictive positive effect of external factors (EF) and internal factors (IF) to knowledge commercialization (KC). Also government services (GS), economic stimulus (ES), rules and regulation (RR) and Parks and Centers of science and technology development (PC) have a significant impact on EF. The findings indicated effective researchers (ER), effective relationship of university with industry and society (ERU), material and spiritual support of knowledge commercialization in universities (MS), use of specialized consultants in the field of knowledge commercialization (SC) and research quality (RQ) also have a significant impact on IF. The findings showed that these nine construct (GS, ES, RR, PC, ER, ERU, MS, SC and RQ) determinants accounts for 73 percent of the variance in the KC. The results showed that mistrust between industry and university has first priority of barriers to knowledge commercialization in agricultural higher education. Manuscript profile
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      37 - Entrepreneurial Competencies of Managers in Hamedan's Rural Women Cooperatives (RWC)
      رضا موحدی سارا جلیلیان
      20.1001.1.21595852.2020.10.2.5.2
      The main purpose of the study was to analyze the entrepreneurial competencies of the managers of rural women cooperative (RWC) in Hamedan province. The study used a survey method with a questionnaire as the main instrument. Data were collected from a sample of 105 manag More
      The main purpose of the study was to analyze the entrepreneurial competencies of the managers of rural women cooperative (RWC) in Hamedan province. The study used a survey method with a questionnaire as the main instrument. Data were collected from a sample of 105 managers. The validity of the questionnaire was verified by a panel of experts and its reliability was measured using Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α=0.94). Entrepreneurial competencies of managers were classified into eight factors, including “having strategic goals”, “ability to monitor and organize subordinates”, “risk-taking”, “ability to motivate and trust people”, “having a positive attitude and criticism”, “ability to identify and understand the needs of customers”, “public relation ability”, and “acquiring and applying skills and energy”. Structural equation modeling (SEM) by LISREL8.8 software was used to estimate a model for the entrepreneurial competencies of RWC managers. Results of SEM showed a good fit of the model with eight factors described before. The fit indices were placed in three main groups including goodness of fit index, comparative fit index, and parsimonious goodness of fit index. The results showed an excellent fit of the indices selected to measure the entrepreneurial competencies of RWC managers with observed variables in Hamedan province. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      38 - Potato Growers' Attitudes and Perceptions towards Precision Irrigation Technologies in Ardabil County, Iran
      اصغر باقری سحر پیرمؤدن
      This study aimed to investigate potato growers’ attitudes towards and perceptions of the drivers and barriers of precision irrigation technologies (PIT). A survey research method was employed for data collection from a sample of 240 potato growers of Ardabil Count More
      This study aimed to investigate potato growers’ attitudes towards and perceptions of the drivers and barriers of precision irrigation technologies (PIT). A survey research method was employed for data collection from a sample of 240 potato growers of Ardabil County. A questionnaire was used as the research instrument. It was validated by a panel of experts. Cronbach’s alpha was calculated to be 0.813, 0.870, and 0.766, implying the high reliability of the instrument for attitudes, drivers, and barriers, respectively. Results showed that the respondents were in middle age with good farming experiences. The majority of them were lowly literate. Their knowledge was low on working with PIT. More than half of them had moderate to high negative attitudes, while the attitudes of the rest were somewhat very positive. Attitudes showed a significant and positive correlation with level of education, income, and knowledge of PIT. However, age, farming experience, and cultivated areas showed a negative correlation with attitudes. Based on regression analysis, the variables of level of education, knowledge of PIT, and information sources accounted for 46.5 percent of the variance in farmers’ attitudes. The sample was divided into two subgroups of 120 farmers, one for responding to the items of drivers and the other for responding to the items of the barriers. Factor analysis extracted three factors with eigenvalues of greater than one, namely water efficiency, easy farming practices, and financial benefit, which accounted for 63.18 percent of the variance in drivers, and the five factors of knowledge, technical, skill, managerial, and logistic barriers accounted for 63.12percent of the variance in barriers. Manuscript profile
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      39 - How Are Students’ Pro-environmental Behaviors Formed? A Qualitative Content Analysis
      لاله صالحی فیض الله منوری فرد
      20.1001.1.21595852.2022.12.2.3.4
      Universities play an undeniable role in directing and explaining behavior patterns. This raises expectations from universities to institutionalize pro-environmental behaviors in their structure. It is so of crucial importance to identify factors affecting students&rsquo More
      Universities play an undeniable role in directing and explaining behavior patterns. This raises expectations from universities to institutionalize pro-environmental behaviors in their structure. It is so of crucial importance to identify factors affecting students’ pro-environmental behaviors as the most important human resources at universities. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify factors affecting students’ pro-environmental behaviors. The statistical population of this qualitative study was composed of agricultural students at Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran. According to the the research aim, the PRISMA flow-chart were used to refine and select the appropriate data. Data were analyzed by using NVivo10 software. Results show that students’ pro-environmental behavior is affected by 10 factors, the most important ones being values and norms, experiences, social capital, knowledge and awareness, university infrastructure, organizational culture, curriculum contents, self-efficacy, and concerns over environmental degradation. Cluster analysis shows that organizational culture and individual values influence all other factors that underpin students’ pro-environmental behaviors. Manuscript profile
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      40 - Designing a Model for Empowering Agriculture Students to Reduce Academic Burnout
      دنیا منافی سید حمید موحد محمدی احمد رضوان فر
      20.1001.1.21595852.2022.12.3.4.7
      The purpose of this study was to design a model for student empowerment to reduce academic burnout in the agricultural higher education system in Iran. The statistical population was composed of 10 higher education experts in the qualitative phase. In the quantitative p More
      The purpose of this study was to design a model for student empowerment to reduce academic burnout in the agricultural higher education system in Iran. The statistical population was composed of 10 higher education experts in the qualitative phase. In the quantitative phase, 200 students were selected by the Krejci-Morgan table. The sampling method was purposive in the qualitative phase and random in the quantitative phase. The experts (participants) mentioned seven indices as the main factors for model evaluation. Furthermore, the relative coefficient value of each index was determined by the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Model fitting results showed that RMSEA was equal to 0.096, and as this value was less than 0.1, it indicated that the mean squared error of the model was applicable and the initial model was acceptable. Likewise, FIGFI, CFI, and NFI were more than 0.9, indicating that the measurement model of the indices was propitious. The model evaluation and the assessment of the difference between the means of indices illustrated that empowering students would have a significant impact on reducing academic burnout in the agricultural higher education system in Iran. The significance level was estimated at less than 0.01. The impact was B=0.46 for future orientation, B=0.51 for the level of access to information, B=0.52 for emotional exhaustion, and B=0.57 for depersonalization. Manuscript profile
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      41 - Designing a Model for Internship Course in Higher Agricultural Education System Using the Delphi Technique: Combining Academicians and Practitioner Viewpoints
      زهرا کرانی کیومرث زرافشانی امیرحسین علی بیگی سیده مریم حسینی
      Experts believe that a solution to avoid the inefficiency of university graduates, especially graduates in Agriculture, is to revise the practical courses, especially internships, and transform and amend them. Taking this point into account, this study aimed to design a More
      Experts believe that a solution to avoid the inefficiency of university graduates, especially graduates in Agriculture, is to revise the practical courses, especially internships, and transform and amend them. Taking this point into account, this study aimed to design a model for the internship course in the Iranian Agriculture Higher Education using the Delphi technique. The mental basis of this study was Akker’s ten-phase model. The panel was composed of the university professors supervising agriculture internship courses (N=34) and the employers to whom the students referred for passing the course (N=63). The results from the perspective of employers and the university professors, after three Delphi rounds, determined items for ten components of internship courses, i.e., logic, objectives and goals, content, learning activities, the role of trainer, materials, and resources, classification, location, time, evaluation and appraisal, which were used as the basis for the development of an internship model. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      42 - An Extension of the Technology Acceptance Model: Understanding Farmers’ Behavioral Intention towards Using Agricultural E-commerce
      رها زارعی غلامحسین زمانی حمید کریمی اریک مایکلز
      20.1001.1.21595852.2022.12.1.3.2
      The emergence of agricultural e‐commerce can solve the challenges of agricultural marketing especially in developing countries such as Iran. The aim of this study was to extend the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) through adding the variables social influence and facil More
      The emergence of agricultural e‐commerce can solve the challenges of agricultural marketing especially in developing countries such as Iran. The aim of this study was to extend the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) through adding the variables social influence and facilitating conditions to understand farmers’ behavioral intention towards using agricultural e-commerce. This descriptive-correlational research was conducted through a cross-sectional survey. The statistical population of the study was Jahrom citrus growers, Iran, (N=3566). The stratified random sampling method was used and 360 respondents selected in the survey. The research instrument was a structured questionnaire, who’s the research instrument was a structured questionnaire, whose face, convergent, and discriminant validity of the questionnaire were confirmed. Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability were obtained using SPSS24 and AMOS24 software, respectively to examine the reliability of research tool (0.75< α< 0.85). The results showed that the extended form of TAM constructs was significant in explaining farmers’ behavioral intention. This means that attitude, perceived usefulness, facilitating conditions, social influence and perceived ease of use explained 50.3% of the variance in behavioral intention. The hypotheses of the extended TAM constructs showed that social influence and facilitating conditions have a positive and significant effect on intention towards using agricultural e-commerce. In this context, the government and agricultural e-commerce planners need to raise the awareness of all social influence groups about the benefits of using agricultural e-commerce through all media. In addition, providing technical and educational e-commerce facilities for farmers is recommended. Manuscript profile
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      43 - Microfinance Paths and Economic Empowerment of Women Borrowers: Evidence from Iran­
      مرضیه فراشی مهدی رحیمیان سعید غلامرضایی
      20.1001.1.21595852.2022.12.1.2.1
      The relationship between women's empowerment and microfinance has been studied in many countries, including Iran. But, few studies have examined the impact of women's microfinance consumption path on their empowerment. Therefore, this study aims to answer the important More
      The relationship between women's empowerment and microfinance has been studied in many countries, including Iran. But, few studies have examined the impact of women's microfinance consumption path on their empowerment. Therefore, this study aims to answer the important question of what effect the path of microcredit consumption has on women's empowerment. Given the importance of the type of loan used in women’s economic empowerment, 13 ways of spending by women were identified. These routes can be divided into three general paths: (1) starting a small business, (2) indirectly investing with the possibility of return, and (3) spending the loan without the possibility of its return. The main question was how much women are empowered if they choose each of these paths. The statistical population consisted of 800 women in Nahavand Township. The sample size was determined to be 260 people according to Krejcie and Morgan’s table taken by the stratified sampling technique with the proportional assignment. The questionnaire's reliability and validity were confirmed by computing Cronbach's alpha coefficient (more than 0.7) and content validity, respectively. Data were analyzed by SPSS20 software. The results showed that women in the first path became more empowered than the other two groups. The other two paths did not make a significant difference in the empowerment level although the second path slightly outperformed the third path in empowering the women. Credit-paying institutions must exercise greater control over how women use their credit by fundamentally reviewing payment laws. Manuscript profile
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      44 - Factors Affecting Tomato Farmers' Tendency to Use Iran Good Agricultural Practices (Iran GAPs) in Ardabil Province
      مجتبی سوختانلو فیاض عصمت سحر پیرموذن
      20.1001.1.21595852.2022.12.2.2.3
      The implementation of Iran GAPs standards in tomato production can have a very important impact on reducing harmful contaminants to achieve a healthy and safe product. The present study investigates the factors affecting farmers' tendency to use Iran GAPs during tomato More
      The implementation of Iran GAPs standards in tomato production can have a very important impact on reducing harmful contaminants to achieve a healthy and safe product. The present study investigates the factors affecting farmers' tendency to use Iran GAPs during tomato production operation in Ardabil province, Iran. So, based on Bartlett et al. (2001), 310 tomato farmers were selected from three counties of Parsabad, Kowsar, and Bilesvar using the multi-stage random sampling method. Iran GAPs standards were collected according to the list of standards of the National Standards Organization of Iran for tomatoes. The results show that the majority of farmers (61.3%) are at a low level of the tendency to apply Iran GAPs standards in the tomato production operation. In this regard, the activities of “using minimal chemical pesticides”, “using personal protective equipment”, and “not using empty cans and tanks of pesticides and fertilizers and their safe disposal” were among the last priorities for farmers. Also, the most important factors differentiating farmer groups are observability (0.271), GAPs training courses (0.269), complexity (0.219), farm size (0.198), and relative advantage (0.178), respectively. Establishing a marketing and sales unit in the agricultural centers of the studied counties, holding "farm day" programs and farmers' visits to successful farms, and creating a "Seed Bank" for tomatoes can increase the tendency of farmers to use Iran GAPs. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      45 - Management of Date Palm Leaf Waste Consumption in Animal Feeding: The Case of Ranchers in the South of Kerman Province
      محسن عادلی ساردویی محمد خداوردیزاده امید علی اسماعیلی پور
      20.1001.1.21595852.2021.11.4.10.8
      The present research aimed to use the concept of willingness to use and the ordinal logit model to evaluate the factors influencing the adoption of date palm leaf waste (PLW) by ranchers in the south of Kerman province in 2020. Data were collected by filling in 202 ques More
      The present research aimed to use the concept of willingness to use and the ordinal logit model to evaluate the factors influencing the adoption of date palm leaf waste (PLW) by ranchers in the south of Kerman province in 2020. Data were collected by filling in 202 questionnaires by ranchers randomly selected at the study site. Based on the results, about 51 percent of the ranchers in the study site are reluctant to use PLW so that only 46 ranchers in the studied sample expressed their willingness to use it. The results of the ordinal logit model show that the willingness to use PLW in animal feeding increases with increasing the rancher’s ranching history, providing his/her with information for awareness enhancement, decreasing his/her concerns over the feedback of using PLW in animal feeding, and finally, membership in a cooperative. Also, the likelihood of PLW use in animal feeding is higher in large-sized animal farms than in small-sized ones (sheep and goats). Based on the results, to extend the use of PLW in animal feeding, it is necessary to take promoting actions among the ranchers in the study site to ensure them about the health of this feed for their animals. In addition, PLW suppliers can be provided with some facilities to supply their product in the market, and demonstration farms where this product is consumed can be used to reduce the wastage of this commercially capable product. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      46 - Evaluation of Urban Agriculture Training Courses Using Kirkpatrick’s Model
      Soraya Porjavid Alireza Poursaeed Seyed Mehdi Mirdamadi
      20.1001.1.21595852.2021.11.3.7.3
      The aim of the present study was to evaluate urban agricultural education effectiveness based on the Kirkpatrick model in Tehran, Iran. The study participants of this research were included all citizens participated in educational and counselling centers focused on flow More
      The aim of the present study was to evaluate urban agricultural education effectiveness based on the Kirkpatrick model in Tehran, Iran. The study participants of this research were included all citizens participated in educational and counselling centers focused on flowers and plants in district two of Tehran municipality during 2016. The study participants consisted of 160 individuals, including 80 in the case group and 80 in the control group. The case group participated in urban agriculture training courses and the control group did not receive any training courses. The result showed a significant difference between the knowledge status of citizens before and after attending educational courses (p < 0.01). Also, more than 86% of the citizens perceived the courses' effectiveness at moderate to high levels. In addition, there was a significant difference between the case and control groups in terms of reaction and behavior levels (p < 0.01). The present study found that the urban agriculture training courses for citizens exhibited considerable effectiveness in the measurement results of the three levels of the Kirkpatrick model and that overall, the course had received positive evaluations. Therefore, these training courses can be recommended to enhance the knowledge of citizens about urban agriculture. Manuscript profile
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      47 - A Study on the Factors Underpinning the Sales Effectiveness by Grounded Theory: The Case of Food Industry
      محمد جوان بخت ابراهیم چیرانی سید محمود شبگو منصف
      20.1001.1.21595852.2021.11.4.11.9
      AbstractToday, companies are well aware of the significance of sales and attempt to stabilize and/or improve their status in the competitive climate of the markets by increasing their sales. The present qualitative research aims to enumerate the factors influencing sale More
      AbstractToday, companies are well aware of the significance of sales and attempt to stabilize and/or improve their status in the competitive climate of the markets by increasing their sales. The present qualitative research aims to enumerate the factors influencing sales effectiveness using grounded theory to identify the categories underpinning the sales effectiveness of companies. The research data were collected from 10 experts in the food industry in Guilan province, Iran. The collected data were analyzed by coding in the MAXQDA software. Results show that 287 concepts (in terms of repetition) were extracted from the interviews at the first step (open coding). By considering the relationship of the concepts at the axial coding level (the second step), they were narrowed to 26 categories, and finally, six themes were identified at the third step (selective coding). These themes, i.e., the factors underpinning organizational sales effectiveness, include the firms' strategic orientations, marketing capabilities, sales control management, salesforce performance, and environmental factors. As well, sales effectiveness was decomposed into the categories of investment, profitability, market share, and customer satisfaction. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      48 - Explaining the Strategic Position of Iran’s Agricultural and Natural Resources University in Using Virtual Social Networks in Teaching and Learning Process
      میثم رافع بهمن خسروی پور عفر یعقوبی
      20.1001.1.21595852.2022.12.3.3.6
      Virtual social networking (VSN) is an important new technology that can redesign the structure of society and help create a learning community on campuses. This research aimed to explain the strategic position of universities in the implementation of VSN and formulate a More
      Virtual social networking (VSN) is an important new technology that can redesign the structure of society and help create a learning community on campuses. This research aimed to explain the strategic position of universities in the implementation of VSN and formulate appropriate strategies for its effective implementation. SWOT analysis, along with the construction of multilevel matrices, was used to achieve this goal. The statistical population was composed of the faculty members of Iran’s agriculture sciences and natural resources universities, 28 of whom were selected as a statistical sample using the "special cases" sampling method. Data were analyzed using SPSS and MS-Excel software. In the qualitative phase, verifiably was confirmed by the following steps: 1) self-review of the research committee during the process of data collection and analysis; 2) use of special coding procedures in the analysis stage; 3) carrying out research steps by testing items such as raw data, data summarization products, and the noting process; 4) interview with faculty member separately and comparing their answers, and 5) using a steering committee to evaluate and conduct interviews. The validity and reliability of the research instrument were confirmed by the universities’ faculty members and Cronbach's alpha calculation (0.83-0.92). Findings from the SWOT matrix showed that the studied universities were in a reformation (ST) position in using VSN. By using the SWOT matrix, we developed four strategies to implement VSN in the studied universities, which included attack strategies (SO), diversification (WO), reformation (ST), and defense (WT). Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      49 - A Model for Slow Food Extension; Based on Grounded Theory
      حسن نظیفی محمدصادق صبوری محمدصادق اللهیاری مهرداد نیکنامی الهام دانایی
      20.1001.1.21595852.2022.12.2.6.7
      The present study aimed to determine extension requirements for slow food (SF) and to provide a model for SF extension in Iran condition. The study employed the systematic approach of grounded theory for model development. The statistical population was composed of all More
      The present study aimed to determine extension requirements for slow food (SF) and to provide a model for SF extension in Iran condition. The study employed the systematic approach of grounded theory for model development. The statistical population was composed of all key experts of SF extension of which 15 individuals were selected as the sample by the purposive sampling technique. Data were collected by semi-structured interview method and analyzed by the systematic approach of grounded theory through the three stages of open, axial, and selective coding. The reliability of the findings was checked by members matching and peer review. For members matching, four participants of the final report reviewed the first stage of analysis and the derived categories. The results of the analysis showed that 169 initial codes derived at the first stage of open coding were narrowed to 37 codes and were finally grouped into six categories. It was tried in the research to use SF extension experts’ views to answer the question as to how a model can be presented for SF extension by grounded theory. This model is based on a rational pattern that includes the causes and factors underpinning SF, contexts, supporting conditions in the SF model, strategies, and consequences of people’s lack of tendency towards developing an SF-based lifestyle. People’s awareness and knowledge were emphasized by both previous research and the experts interviewed here. The results show that people’s participation in decision-making has a significant impact on the SF model and all individual citizens should be covered by the training programs to reach sustainable food diets. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      50 - Determinants of Safety and Health Behaviors of Wheat Farmers towards the Use of Chemical Pesticides in Qorveh County
      بهرام ایمانی عبدالمحمد بندری امید جمشیدی
      20.1001.1.21595852.2023.13.2.3.1
      The poisoning of farm workers with pesticides is a common job hazard caused by the application of pesticides, especially in developing countries. Agriculture is directly related to the environment including water resources, and farming behaviors can entail a plethora of More
      The poisoning of farm workers with pesticides is a common job hazard caused by the application of pesticides, especially in developing countries. Agriculture is directly related to the environment including water resources, and farming behaviors can entail a plethora of positive or negative effects on these vital resources. So, the present study aimed to explore the safety and health behaviors of wheat farmers towards the use of chemical pesticides in Qorveh County in Kurdistan province, Iran. The statistical population of this applied research consisted of all irrigated wheat farmers in the 2019-2020 crop year (N = 1700) in Qorveh County. The sample size was determined to be 170 people by Cochran’s formula, and the random multistage technique was adopted for data collection. The main research instrument was a questionnaire whose content validity was checked by a panel of experts and the average variance extracted (AVE) index. Also, its reliability was estimated by Cronbach’s alpha and the Cumulative Reliability (CR) coefficient. The results of the structural equation modeling (SEM) showed that the variables of the information source, attitude, and knowledge of chemical pesticide application accounted for 79 percent of the variance in the factors affecting the safety and health behaviors of wheat farmers as to the application of these pesticides. Considering the significant relationship that information source, attitude, and knowledge have with safety and health behaviors, it is recommended to hold training courses to familiarize wheat farmers with the hazards of conventional farming practices and the benefits of IPM practices by the organizations in charge, e.g. Agricultural Jihad Organization. This will foster a positive attitude among the farmers to adopt safety and healthy behaviors. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      51 - Analysis of Scientific–Executive Capability and Up-to-date of Iran's Parliament Approvals in Drought Crisis Management
      جلال محمودزاده محمدصادق صبوری مهرداد نیکنامی الهام دانایی
      20.1001.1.21595852.2022.12.3.6.9
      Drought is one of the most complex and at the same time most underrated phenomena compared to other natural disasters, yet it has had drastic, and sometimes catastrophic, effects on essential human activities across the world since ancient times. Drought is a slow-movin More
      Drought is one of the most complex and at the same time most underrated phenomena compared to other natural disasters, yet it has had drastic, and sometimes catastrophic, effects on essential human activities across the world since ancient times. Drought is a slow-moving hazard with negative social and environmental consequences. Crisis management is part of the drought management cycle. In Iran, crisis management is the primary strategy adopted against this crisis, and consists of a spectrum of related regulations that codify the responsibilities of every organization, institution, and people from all walks of life against drought. One of the main flaws in crisis management is the absence of suitable laws and regulations and their proper execution. This study aims to review drought crisis management focusing on parliament approvals. The study results showed that there are no comprehensive and exclusive regulations against drought in Iran. There were also certain challenges associated with the implementation of these laws. This study can help reduce vulnerabilities and improve coordination in the management of drought crisis. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      52 - Challenges of Leadership in Transforming Farmers Training Center Services in South Nation Nationalities and Peoples Region, South Omo Zone North Aari woreda, Ethiopia
      Argachew Elisi
      20.1001.1.21595852.2023.13.3.2.2
      Abstract North Aari woreda farmers’ training center service lacks an effective leadership role. It is expectable that leaders need to effectively organize human efforts and material resources by aligning them with organizational objectives to achieve higher produc More
      Abstract North Aari woreda farmers’ training center service lacks an effective leadership role. It is expectable that leaders need to effectively organize human efforts and material resources by aligning them with organizational objectives to achieve higher productivity than mere preaching unpractical words.This study assessed the challenges of leadership in transforming FTC services in North Aari woreda. The study employed a descriptive research design. For the quantitative study, 92 sample respondents were involved by stratified simple random, and qualitative data were gathered by interview and FGD with 12 leaders and SMSs who were purposively selected. Descriptive analysis was employed for the quantitative data by using SPSS software (version 23). Accordingly, the finding of this study revealed that weak capacity building, inconsistency of leaders’ actions with their words, and unable to manage the perception of their followers were found as major challenges that impeded leaders from transforming FTC services in the North Aari community. Moreover, adequate DAs, local leaders, and free extension services for farmers were prospects for leaders. Finally, the researcher recommends; short- and long-term capacity building, changing the mindset of leaders, DAs, and farmers, allocating budgets for FTCs, and strengthening agricultural extension linkages between FTCs, research centers, and farmers. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      53 - Effect of the Olive Value Chain on the Assets of Olive Orchard Owners in Rudbar County: the Application of Sustainable Livelihood Approach
      Shahaboldin Shokri Yazdan Habibi Seyyed Mehdi Mirdamadi
      This descriptive-analytical research aimed to investigate the effects of the olive value chain on the assets of olive orchard owners in Rudbar County with the sustainable livelihood approach by the library and field method using a questionnaire. The content and face val More
      This descriptive-analytical research aimed to investigate the effects of the olive value chain on the assets of olive orchard owners in Rudbar County with the sustainable livelihood approach by the library and field method using a questionnaire. The content and face validity of the questionnaire were confirmed by a panel of experts after revision, and its general reliability was estimated at 0.97 by Cronbach’s alpha. The study site was Rudbar County. The statistical population was composed of 5053 olive orchard owners out of whom 604 people were sampled based on Bartlett’s table. Data were analyzed using the SPSS and LISREL software packages. According to the applied LISREL, the main findings were as follows: P-VALUE =0.000001, NNFI=0.907, CFI=0.910, RMSEA=0.036 and X^2/df =1.51, IFI =0.910 and PGFI =0.768. Results revealed that out of these five resources, social capital was the strongest one affecting respondents’ livelihoods in the study area (λ=1.02). The results revealed that the fit of the measurement model is appropriate and acceptable. Also, it can be said that capital assets influence livelihood outcomes significantly and positively, so the livelihood level will increase with increasing capital assets. Manuscript profile
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      54 - A Mixed-Method Approach to Designing an Entrepreneurial Behavior Development Model in Agricultural Cooperatives of Kermanshah Province, Iran
      سعیده نوری کوروش روستا نادر نادری
      20.1001.1.21595852.2023.13.2.7.5
      The present study aimed to design a model for developing entrepreneurial behavior in agricultural cooperatives in Kermanshah province, employing an exploratory mixed-method approach. In the qualitative phase of the study, the participant team included all key individual More
      The present study aimed to design a model for developing entrepreneurial behavior in agricultural cooperatives in Kermanshah province, employing an exploratory mixed-method approach. In the qualitative phase of the study, the participant team included all key individuals well-informed about entrepreneurship within the cooperatives of Kermanshah province. Thirty participants were selected using a snowball purposive sampling method. The statistical population for the quantitative phase included 530 managers and members of active agricultural cooperatives in Kermanshah province. Among them, 223 were selected using the stratified sampling method and Krejcie and Morgan's table. Data collected during the qualitative phase were analyzed using Nvivo8 software, resulting in the development of a grounded theory in the form of a conceptual model. During model analysis, research hypotheses were initially compiled and then assessed using the path analysis method in SPSS 23 and SmartPLS3 software. The findings from the qualitative phase, based on the grounded theory model, were categorized into six groups: Causative conditions (e.g., economic profits, personal incentives, etc.)Contextual conditions (e.g., cultural factors, diverse working areas, etc.)Intervening conditions (e.g., sanctions, market fluctuations, etc.)Phenomena (e.g., entrepreneurial behavior such as innovation, initiative in job tasks, etc.)Strategies (e.g., educational-promotional activities, keeping cooperatives up to date, etc.)Consequences (e.g., self-sufficiency in production, preventing cooperatives from depression, etc.).In the quantitative phase, the model emerging from the qualitative part was tested and ultimately approved. Based on the results, it is recommended that to foster entrepreneurial behavior in agricultural cooperatives, the research model be presented to cooperative members through training classes. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      55 - Rice Farmers’ Behaviors and Attitudes toward Agricultural Extension Programs in Healthy Food Production (Case of Lahijan and Amlash Counties, Northern Iran)
      فاطمه عسکری بزایه فتح الله کشاورزشال زهرا مجیب حققدم پریسا شاهین رخسار
      This study aimed to explain thebehavior and attitudes of farmersin the adoption ofIntegrated Pest Management (IPM) technologiesinrice fields. The main instrument ofresearch was a questionnaire whose validitywas confirmed bya panel of professorsandexecutive experts, an More
      This study aimed to explain thebehavior and attitudes of farmersin the adoption ofIntegrated Pest Management (IPM) technologiesinrice fields. The main instrument ofresearch was a questionnaire whose validitywas confirmed bya panel of professorsandexecutive experts, and its reliabilitywas confirmed by apreliminarytest.The sample employed inthe research study comprisedfarmers who were participating in extensionprograms of integrated pest managementheld in Lahijanand Amlash during2012-2014.The findings showed that the predominant activity of farmers wasthe use of combinedmethods (chemical and non-chemical), leaving crop residue on the field, and using biological control, with the rank average of 9.27, 9.25, and 9.12from the total average of 6.5, respectively.In addition to,private extension cooperatives, rice supervisors, agricultural extension staff,educators, and TV programswith the average of 11.14, 10.87, 10.80, and 10.71 of the total average of 7.49 had the highest share in informing the farmers. Based on such findings, some suggestions were also given,such as concentration on special aspects of integrated pest management, attention to the education of rural women, and employingyoung and educated members of farmers’ familiesas arms of agriculture extension in transferring innovation of integrated pest management to families. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      56 - Human Resource Development: A Model for Agricultural Faculty Members in Iran
      مرتضی اکبری سید محمود حسینی بابک ضیایی
      Nowadays, there is an agreement among organizations that reinforcing of education leads to the improvement of organizational performance. The emphasis on the human capital in organizations reflects the view that market values depend less on tangible resources, but more More
      Nowadays, there is an agreement among organizations that reinforcing of education leads to the improvement of organizational performance. The emphasis on the human capital in organizations reflects the view that market values depend less on tangible resources, but more on intangible ones, particularly human resources. The main purpose of this study was to design a model for faculty members in public Agricultural Higher Education in Iran. A survey method was used to collect data from nine Public Agricultural Faculties in Iran. Samples were collected from faculty members using a simple random sampling method (n=284) and a questionnaire was used as the main research instrument to collect data. Reliability and validity were calculated using Structural Equation Modeling through LISREL software, version 8.54 (above 0.7). Finally, a model was developed and tested for faculty members in Agricultural Higher Education System in Iran. The findings showed that contextual variables (i.e. personal, organizational, social, educational, and professional development) had direct impacts on the process of Human Resource Development (HRD). Furthermore, personal and organizational development had direct and indirect impacts on HRD (R2=0.70). Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      57 - Analysis of Effective Components of Educational Transformation in Agricultural Higher Education System in Iran
      ندا علیزاده حسن صدیقی رضا پزشکی راد حسن علیپور
      The purpose of the present study was to analyze the effective components of educational transformation in agricultural higher education system in Iran by a mixed study method. The statistical population includes all faculty members (N=361) teaching in agricultural colle More
      The purpose of the present study was to analyze the effective components of educational transformation in agricultural higher education system in Iran by a mixed study method. The statistical population includes all faculty members (N=361) teaching in agricultural college of Tehran, Tarbiat Modares and Shiraz University, and a sample of 186 faculty members (n=186) were selected by stratified random sampling method and finally 166 questionnaires were returned and analyzed. Data collection in this research was done in two general sections. Section one was a meta-synthesis method. In this method, effective components of educational transformation were identified according to investigation objectives, method of sampling, methodology, content analysis, and research results of 25 selected studies. The results of this analysis identified fivemain factors influencing educational transformation. These components included learning, education and teaching, competence, quality of education, and leadership. Section two was done in order to examine the hypotheses by using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The Results of this section showed that new learning models, leadership styles and educational competence had significant effects on educational transformation. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      58 - Analyzing the Role of Self-Esteem Dimensions in Student’s Achievement Motivation (A Case of M.Sc. Students of Agriculture in Tehran University)
      دنیا منافی حمید موحد یوسف حجازی
      The main purpose of this study was to analyze the role of self-esteem dimensions on student’s achievement motivation. The statistical population consisted of MSc students in College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran (N=712). According to C More
      The main purpose of this study was to analyze the role of self-esteem dimensions on student’s achievement motivation. The statistical population consisted of MSc students in College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran (N=712). According to Cochran formula, 175 students were selected through quota sampling method. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire which its validity was confirmed by a panel of experts. Its reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha coefficients (α ≥0.7). The results of descriptive statistics showed that the amount of achievement motivation, global self-esteem, family self-esteem and social self-esteem found to be at a moderate level, whereas their educational self-esteem was found to be at a low level. The results of ANOVA showed that there are significant differences among students based on their levels of self-esteem and achievement motivation. Students with higher levels of self-esteem had achievement motivation more than others. Moreover, the results of logistic regression demonstrated that different aspects of self-esteem (including global self-esteem, social self-esteem and educational self-esteem) has a great ability to predict levels of students’ development. These factors explained 69.10 percent of the total variance. Manuscript profile
    • Open Access Article

      59 - An Investigation of the Factors Influencing Entrepreneurial Intention of Senior Agricultural Students at Shiraz University
      احسان معصومی ناصر زمانی خدیجه بذرافکن محمدرضا بذرافکن
      The increasing number of students graduating in agricultural majors and the limited employment opportunities supplied by the government suggest the importance of developing students’ entrepreneurship competencies and improving their entrepreneurial intentions. The More
      The increasing number of students graduating in agricultural majors and the limited employment opportunities supplied by the government suggest the importance of developing students’ entrepreneurship competencies and improving their entrepreneurial intentions. Therefore, it is necessary to identify factors influencing students’ entrepreneurial intentions. The purpose of this survey was to determine the extent of entrepreneurial intention among senior agricultural students and to identify the main factors influencing their intentions. Research population comprised all senior agricultural students who were studying at Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran. A sample of 196 students was selected through stratified random sampling. A questionnaire was developed to gather data. Face validity was verified by agricultural extension and education experts. Cronbach’s alphas ranged from 0.66 to 0.87 indicating good reliability. SPSSwin19 was employed to analyze the data. Results revealed that subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and attitude toward entrepreneurship strongly correlated with students’ entrepreneurial intentions. Regression results indicated that students’ attitude toward entrepreneurship could explain 40 percent of changes in their entrepreneurial intentions. In the end, suggestions and possible solutions were provided based on the research findings Manuscript profile

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