Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research
Year:2011 | Volume:42-2 | Issue:1|Papers Count:12

The sources of output growth of Iranian agriculture over the years 1986-2001 has been examined, using a decomposition method within the input-output (IO) framework. The three comparable IO tables of 1986, 1991, and 2001 have been employed as the main data sources. Output changes from a demand side perspective, and decomposition of the growth of output into components attributable to consumption demand, investment demand, export, import substitution, as well as intermediate input use have been accounted for. Throughout the study, the economy of Iran has been divided into 20 sectors. Since the focus of the study is to identify the sources of output growth in agricultural sector, the sector is further divided into four sub-sectors with the relative prominence of sources of growth being determined for each of the sub-sectors. Results revealed that increase in intermediate input demand, increase in investment demand as well as increase in export for final goods are respectively, the main factors contributing to the output growth in farming, livestock, hunting and fishery, and forestry sectors over the 1986-91 period. As for 1991-2001 period, household demand for final products is the main source of output growth as regards the first three sectors. This factor in joint with government consumption explains the output growth in the forestry sector over the years 1991-2001. In addition, export expansion contributes to the growth of output in all the agricultural sub-sectors except for the livestock. In total, the share of contribution to output growth from intermediate demand has declined, while that from export and consumption increasing.

The main goal in carrying out this paper was to investigate the impacts of government’s support policies on income risk of egg producers in Iran during years 1989-2008. Index CCV, was employed to assess the variation in income of the producers. The results revealed that, market price support along with the overall support policies lead to a lowering of the percentage variations in income risk of egg producers. The risk decreasing effect of these polices was significant at a probability level of 5%, and meanwhile it was found that market price support and the overall support policies each lowered the income risk of egg producers by 10, and 2.92% respectively. In conclusion, the implementation of market adjustment policies, the choosing of optimal combinations of different support policies as well as variation in supports, depending upon the operational sector are fully emphasized.

This paper develops Positive Mathematical Programming (PMP) model to determine the optimum cropping pattern and water demand function in six regions of lower part lands of Shirindarre Dam in north Khorasan Province of Iran and then estimates the expected pay for water in each region. The quantity of water supplied from such different water resources as dams, wells, and rivers in different scenarios of wet, normal, and dry years has been calculated. Then The price equilibrium as well as the type of participation of farmers in the water market have been assessed by crossing the water supply and demand functions. The buyer and seller of water, volume of exchanges and exchange value have been calculated as based on a comparison of the expected pay for water and the equilibrium price in the water market. In this study the impact of water pricing on farmers, income, labor demand, consumption of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and as well on the government revenue have been investigated too. The results of the study indicate that the economic value of water has been estimated by 416 and 571 Rials per cubic meter in normal and drought scenarios respectively. These models have been solved through GAMS package under2007-2008  agricultural data.

The purpose followed in this study was to analyze barriers of agriculture biotechnology development in Iran. The research method was a descriptive and correlational one. The statistical population consisted of agricultural biotechnology specialists in the Tehran Province of whom N=108 were taken through census method to take part in the study. Finally 85 questionnaires (research instrument) were collected and analyzed. The instrument face and content validities were corrected and confirmed as based on the judgment of a panel of experts in agricultural extension and education and as well in biotechnology. Reliability confirmation of the questionnaire was achieved, through an Alpha value reported as 0.88. The results of factor analysis regarding variations in barriers of agricultural biotechnology development could finally be explained by four factors of: managerial (29.12%), extension and information barriers (23.88%), scientific- educational obstacles (14.06%), and finally legally imposed barriers (10.53%).

During the last decade, educational processes have undergone many changes. E-Learning, as an important tool for delivery, mutual interaction, and facilitation of both teaching and learning processes has changed teaching strategies and organizational structures of universities and it has even transformed learning itself. In this situation, educational institutions need to consider how to adapt to these changes. The present study was conducted with the aim of identifying polices needed for developing e-learning in agricultural higher education. The study was based on a survey research method with a questionnaire was developed to gather the data. The study population was constituted of faculty members of agricultural faculties, selected through random sampling technique. The sample size for faculty members was 80. Data were analyzed through SPSS/WIN software. Descriptive and inferential methods were employed for data analysis. The results indicated that three major factors explained 88.02% of the variances of policies needed for developing e-learning. These factors were the general policies, supportive ones, as well as executive policies.

Iran is among the countries suffering from high internal regional inequities, as regards the issue of development, in general, and agricultural development in particular. Such a situation exists between and also within provinces. So the main objective of this paper is to assess the level of agricultural development in Zanjan Province, and as well to analyze the gap among different regions of the province as regards agriculture development and the related inequities. For the purpose, the levels of agricultural development in 7 counties of this province with respect to population and as well to such agricultural subsectors as: agronomy, horticulture, livestock, water resources, agricultural mechanization as well as agricultural processing industries have been evaluated through utilization of 98 agricultural developmental indices, and use of the technique of "main indicators analysis". The general level of agricultural development is finally thus determined. Upon this basis and in terms of the total combined indices, the counties of Tarom and Zanjan benefited from the highest level of agricultural development, counties of Abhar and Khoramdarreh stood at the medium level, whilst the counties Ijrood, Mahneshan and Khodabandeh experienced the lowest level of development. A comparison of the coefficient of variation also indicated the existence of regional inequity in the agricultural development of Zanjan Province, The results reveal that, Zanjan Province suffers from the highest inequity in terms of processing industry indices whilst the least inequity in population as reflected by population indices.

The main purpose of this descriptive survey study was to evaluate "Facilitating Transfer of Research Findings Project" (FTRFP) from viewpoint of farmers, using the CIPP (Context, Input, Process, and Product) evaluation model. The statistical population for the study consisted of farmers who implemented FTRFP on their farms (N=72). The evaluation revealed that FTRFP was moderately effective. The level of effectiveness in Inputs (Mean= 3.85 form 5) was higher than those in the Context (Mean= 3.82 form 5), Product (Mean= 3.32 form 5), and Process (Mean= 3.28 form 5), respectively. The most important strength points of FTRFP were reported as the effective social and professional linkage among farmers, extension agents, and researchers, facilitating diffusion of appropriate research findings and suitable new technologies, increasing the level of participation and cooperation among farmers, and higher level of farm performance. Negligence of the indigenous knowledge of farmers and as well the increase in production expenses were observed as the most important points of weakness of FTRFP.

The purpose of this descriptive- correlational research was to investigate factors affecting use of Information and Communication Technology) ICT) by agricultural extension experts. The statistical population of the study consisted of the Agricultural Extension experts in the Khorasane Razavi Province out of whom 196 individuals were taken as sample, using Cochran Formula and Proportional Stratified Sampling Technique. A questionnaire was designed as the main tool of the study. The validity of the questionnaire was verified through the judgment of a panel of faculty members (University of Tehran), considered as experts in the field. To assess the reliability of the questionnaire, Cronbach Alpha coefficients were found out for the main scales of the questionnaire (0.87 to 0.95). The data were analyzed through SPSS-win software. The results of stepwise regression analysis indicated that English proficiency skill, knowledge of computer, application, age and years of job experience, respectively explained 54.1 percent of the variances in knowledge on Information and Communication Technology. Also, extent of knowledge in computer skills, as well as in Internet skills, and English proficiency, explained 68.8 percent of variances in use and application of Information and communication technology by agricultural extension experts.

The objective of this research is to consider the Ramin Agriculture and Natural Resources University graduate students' viewpoint as regards challenges and obstacles of higher education in training entrepreneurship oriented Graduates. The present research was carried out in the general framework of a survey study with the population being taken from among the Ramin Agriculture and Natural Resources University graduate students (135 persons), from whom 114 were sampled out through random sampling procedure. Data were collected through questionnaire, and were analyzed using SPSS. The results in the descriptive part indicated that from the viewpoints of a majority of the students, the main effecting factor in deciding to continue one's studies was the seeking for suitable job opportunities while not finding one, and the main reason behind choosing agriculture as one's field of study was getting accepted in the entrance examination related to this branch of education. As regards entrepreneurship the main effective factor in training Entrepreneurship oriented agricultural Graduates is the need for emphasis on practical work and increase in hours of practical field operations at universities. In this research, a lack of knowledge of the job market opportunities proportionate with the graduate's educational field, and the graduate's inadequate proficiency and practical knowledge as well as skills were the main obstacles in the way of agricultural graduates' entrepreneurship skills and Engagements. Also, Means Comparison Test revealed that there significant differences among students' perspectives of entrepreneurship, depending upon their sex, field of study exist kind of admission, as well as their year of entry into university.

The main purpose followed in this study was to analyze the factors influencing on rural women’s participation in post-harvest activities in Asara, Karaj. The statistical population included all the rural women who inhabit Asara and are over 15 years of age (N= 2810). A sample of 110 rural women was selected through stratified random sampling method. A questionnaire was designed to collect data. Content validity of the questionnaire was achieved through a panel of experts. Cronbach’s Alpha was employed to assess the reliability of the level of participation of women in post-harvest activities the figure for which was obtained as 0.94, indicating the mentioned variable benefits from high reliability. The findings revealed that, household size, income, membership in cooperatives and organizations as well as the frequency of participation in cooperatives and organizations, gatherings were in positive significant (p<0.05) correlation with the level of rural women’s participation in post-harvest activities. In addition, the level of one’s internal motivation, use of communication channels as well as taking part in extension and education courses have been positively and significantly (p<0.01) correlated with the level of rural women’s participation in post harvest activities. The results of multiple regressions revealed that, variables of: participation extension and education courses, as well as one’s frequency of use of communication channels could explain 66.5% of the variation in the extent of rural women’s participation in post-harvest activities.

The goal followed in this study was to determine the impact of in Technical- Vocational Education course participation (during years 2000-04) of the Ministry of Agricultural Jihad's staff members on their professional efficacy. Research method was a descriptive-correlational one and data gathering done through researcher-made questionnaire. The validity (based on expert opinion) as well as reliability (Cronbach's Alpha coefficient=92.20%) were established, following the design and preparation of the questionnaire. The research statistical population included 120 individuals of Jihad-e Agriculture Staff who participated in the relevant course in the Technical- Vocational Institute, all of whom were then selected and questionnaires sent to them to be filled up. One hundred and two filled questionnaires were later received back and analyzed. Based upon the rated mean results, and taking into consideration all aspects, it can be atated that all the training courses offered have had a positive role in any aspect of the participants' efficacy component at an optimal level. Factor analysis indicated four factors regarding Technical- Vocational education, namely: teaching skills of the instructors, establishment of connection between education and practical work, enhancement of creative faculty and self-learning in staff reinforcement of thinking, and participation with nearly 74% of variance, as features of the program. Regression results revealed the variables effective in efficacy enhancement as: encouragement of creative thinking; improving the faculty of analysis of the trainees; establishment of proper relationships between teachers and trainees; employment of the latest inventions and innovations; improving the faculty of problem solving in trainees; and finally the instructors' skills in proper transfer of knowledge.

The main objective of this research was to study the factors affecting the sustainability level of greenhouse cultivation system in Jiroft and Kohnuj Region The research method of the study was a Descriptive-Correlational one. The statistical population of the study consisted of all the greenhouse owners in Jiroft and Kohnuj region in six rural districts (N=1862). According to the Cochran's Formula, sample size was obtained as 154 which was increased to 180 persons to further improve the accuracy. Stratified Random sampling method was employed to get access to samples and to have the questionnaires filled up. Data were collected through a questionnaire which was developed as based upon literature review and research objectives. The validity of the questionnaire was established by a panel of participants, all experts in the research area. A pilot study (including 30 individuals, out of the main sample) was conducted to establish the reliability of the instrument. Cronbach's Alpha's coefficient for the main scales of the questionnaire was estimated as more than 0.75, indicating the adequate reliability of the questionnaire. The descriptive results revealed that about 11.31, 49.56 and 39.13% of the greenhouse cultivations were sustainable, relatively sustainable vs. unsustainable, respectively. The results of regression analysis indicated that 53.9% of the variances of the dependent variable (sustainability level of greenhouse cultivation) was explained by the five variables of: sustainable agricultural knowledge, level of education, attitudes towards sustainable agriculture, attendance of courses in education and extension as well as greenhouse cultivation.