Document Type : Research Article
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Abstract
The purpose of this integrative (quantitative-qualitative) descriptive survey study was to determine factors influencing farmers’ attitude toward sprinkler irrigation systems. A researcher made questionnaire was used to collect data. A sample of 274 farmers who were equipped with sprinkler irrigation systems during the past three years participated in the study. The face validity of the questionnaire was tested using experts in Department of Irrigation Improvement in Water and Soil Division in Ministry of Agricultural Jihad as well as experts in Agricultural College. Corrections were made in the research instrument as needed. The reliability was tested using a pilot study with 50 farmers outside the population. An Alpha Coefficient of 0.75 proved to be reliable. Results revealed that 80% of farmers held positive attitude toward their irrigation systems. Moreover, farmers’ level of education, experience with the systems, cost if installation, training, changes in income, and land holdings explained 64% of variance in farmers’ attitude toward irrigation systems. The qualitative results revealed some problems and issues perceived by farmers. Long process in filling application, lack of expertise among engineering firms, ineffective training classes, low quality spare parts, lack of water resources, and inefficiency in allocating resources were challenges by most farmers. Since attitude is predicts behavior, the result of this study can assist sprinkler irrigation policy makers to develop irrigation development in the region.
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