Analysis of Effective Factors Involved in Improving Skill of Farmers Regarding to On-Farm Water Management (OFWM)

International studies have shown that farmers lacking the management skills to manage their farm water systems properly. Iran is water scarce country with a mean annual precipitation of 250 mm (30 % of global mean). Also Iran is concerned with wheat yield stability and ability because wheat is its main source of food. Therefore, increasing water use efficiency in agricultural sector through improve of farmers skill toward farm water management can help the country increase agricultural products. The main purpose of this study was to analyzing of effective factors involved in improving skill of wheat farmers regarding to on-farm water management. The research design for this study was a descriptive survey method. The questionnaire was used for data collection. Wheat farmers (N=15365) in the Nahavand township from Iran were the target population for this study. The population frame was obtained from Nahavand agricultural organization. The sample obtained through proportional stratified sampling (n=375) the researchers developed the survey instrument. Content and face validity were established by a panel of experts consisting of faculty members in irrigation, agronomy and extension and education at the Tarbiat Modares University. A reliability analysis, conducted and alpha value were reported 84%. A response rate of 0/88 was achieved. The result indicated that the majority of wheat farmers’ skill toward OFWM is classified “mediate and good” range. This indicates that the wheat farmers have a great potential to succeed in fulfillment the goals of OFWM. The results of the study showed that there is a significant relationship between wheat farmers’ skill regarding to farm water management with its age, literacy, experience cultivating wheat and rate of farm land, rate of social participation, rate of communication canals and rate of extension contacts.

Keywords:

Skill , On-Farm Water Management (OFWM) , Wheat Farmers , Nahavand Township