Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Agricultural Extension & Education, Faculty of crop sciences, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran
2
Department of Agricultural Extension & Education, Faculty of crop sciences, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran
10.30490/rvt.2024.364400.1568
Abstract
Introduction
This study aims to identify the driving and inhibiting factors influencing the development of rapeseed cultivation in the eastern region of Mazandaran province.
Materials and Methods
This study utilized a mixed-method paradigm, incorporating descriptive-exploratory research. Data collection occurred in two phases and underwent analysis using MAXQDA Analytics Pro 2020 and SPSSv26 software. In the qualitative phase, crucial factors affecting rapeseed cultivation were gathered through interviews with 14 experts, researchers, and leading farmers in Mazandaran province, selected through purposive and snowball sampling. In the quantitative phase, a questionnaire was designed to assess the significance of identified factors from the perspective of rapeseed growers. The sample consisted of 3637 active rapeseed farmers in the east of Mazandaran province. The sample size in this section was determined using Daniel's formula and the samples were selected based on stratified random sampling with proportional assignment; In this way, 231 rapeseed growers were studied.
Results and Discussion
The quantitative findings revealed that approximately 53.5% of the variance in factors promoting rapeseed cultivation development was explained by extension-educational and economic factors, advantageous-technical factors, input-support factors, and cultivation-facilitating factors. Furthermore, about 54.5% of the variance in inhibiting factors was attributed to physiological characteristics, logistical and sales problems, financial-economic and marketing issues, inappropriate farm management, weak resources and infrastructure, and extension-educational factors.
Conclusions
Based on the results, this study proposes implementing targeted extension-educational activities, effective farm and production unit management, and supportive policies, including financial assistance, to foster the development of rapeseed cultivation in Mazandaran province
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