Study of farmers’ knowledge about organic farming (Case study: Vegetable growers in Bavi city, Khuzestan province)

Subject Areas : Food Security

Marzieh mousavi ¹ , Bahman khosravipour ²

1 - MSc of Agricultural Extension and Education, Ramin University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Khozestan, Iran. * (Corresponding Author)
2 - Associate Professor Ramin University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Khozestan, Iran.

Received: 2016-05-17 Accepted : 2016-11-02 Published : 2019-06-22

Keywords: Food security, Organic farming, Knowledge,

Abstract :

Background and Objective: In recent decades, the problem of food security and health issues among the populations worldwide jave been one of the main challenges for human societies. In this regard, the necessity of converting the conventional farming to organic farming was raised. Method: This study was done to investigate the farmers’ knowledge about organic farming in Bavi city, Khuzestan province. The statistical population consisted vegetable growers in Bavi city (N=140) and the statistical sample was determined using the Morgan’s table (n=104). The statistical sample was chosen through simple random sampling technique. The data were collected using a questionnaire whose validity was confirmed by a panel of Agricultural extension and Education experts. Moreover, its reliability was confirmed using the Cronbachs alpha (α=0/96). Finally, the data were analyzed by SPSSwin16. Findings: The results showed that the knowledge of over 62% of the respondents about organic farming is low. There was a significant difference (p=0/01) between farming experience and knowledge about organic farming. Moreover, there was a significant difference (p=0/05) between the size of farmland and the education level and knowledge about organic farming. Results of regression analyses indicates that farming experience and size of farmland were the only variables explaining 24/2% knowledge changes. Discussion and Conclusion: The results showed that farmers' knowledge regarding organic agriculture is low. Althougf the importance of knowledge in adoption and development of a new technology is obvious, lack of information and knowledge has been raised as a limitation and a great obstacle for the development of organic farming.

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