Agricultural extension responsibility in reinforcing farmers' participatory behavior toward conservation of surface water resources

The purpose of this research was to investigate agricultural extension responsibility in reinforcing farmers' participatory behavior toward conservation of surface water resources (FPBCSWR) that was carried out in Urmia catchment area. The statistical population of interest consisted of farmers in study site (N= 23750) that 378 people were selected as a sample by using Krejcie and Morgan sample size table and stratified random sampling method. Furthermore, the data were collected through face-to-face questionnaire which were developed through a literature review, pilot study and field observation. Findings revealed that there is a positive and significant relationship between extension quality services (EQS) and FPBCSWR. The findings of simple regression demonstrated that the effect of EQS on FPBCSWR is significant. On the other hand, the results showed that extension workers and authorities can converge water beneficiaries' attitude toward that water is valuable and limited material and also can enter into policy making dimensions to reflect farming societies' problems in water management programs. Extension services could also enhance farmers' participation, educate and encourage them to conservation of water resources in water scarcity condition. In addition, agricultural extension could support adapting strategies by increasing awareness of farmers and their utility for reducing water scarcity impacts and helping farmers to develop the knowledge and skills needed to adopt and apply them effectively. Finally, extension can present and introduce environmental and conservation values to make efficient changes into water beneficiaries' beliefs, norms and behaviors.

کلیدواژه ها:

Agricultural extension ، Participatory behavior ، Surface water resources ، Farmers ، Urmia Lake