Village and Development

Village and Development

Analyzing and Explaining the Experiences of Agricultural Specialists and Expert Farmers in Identifying and Prioritizing Information Sources for Farmers in the Field of Investment Development in the Agricultural Sector

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
hossein kohestani 1
hoshang mohamadi 2
hossein yadavar 3
Fatemeh Kazemiyeh 4
Ali Kianirad 5
1 Associate Professor, Department of Rural Extension and Development, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
2 PhD Student, Department of Rural Extension and Development, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
3 Associate Professor, Department of Rural Extension and Development , Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
4 Associate Professor in the Department of Rural Extension and Development at the University of Tabriz, Tabriz,Iran
5 Associate Professor, Agricultural Planning, Economics and Rural Development Research Institute (APERDRI), Tehran, Iran.
10.30490/rvt.2025.367433.1667
Abstract
Introduction
Access to appropriate information resources is a key factor in sustainable agricultural and rural development. Information enhances farmers’ awareness, improves decision-making, and supports agricultural investment. In developing countries such as Iran, limited access to reliable and timely information, along with weak communication between farmers and experts, has reduced productivity and hindered rural development. Identifying and prioritizing the information-seeking resources used by farmers is therefore essential for improving extension services and investment-oriented agricultural policies.
Materials and Methods
This study employed a qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach conducted in 2024 among agricultural experts and experienced farmers involved in agricultural development. Using purposive sampling, 80 semi-structured face-to-face interviews (40 experts and 40 farmers) were conducted until data saturation was achieved. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method to extract key themes. To prioritize the identified information resources, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was applied through pairwise comparisons, and consistency ratios were calculated to ensure reliability.
Results and Discussion
Data analysis resulted in four main categories of information-seeking resources: educational–knowledge resources, media resources, information and global network resources, and spatial (social and cultural) resources. The AHP findings showed acceptable consistency (CR < 0.1). Training and extension courses were ranked as the most important resource (weight = 0.137), indicating the strong influence of face-to-face and experiential learning. In contrast, websites and email received the lowest priority (weight = 0.0062), reflecting infrastructural and digital literacy limitations. Overall, educational and interpersonal information channels were prioritized over digital resources.
Conclusions
The findings emphasize the central role of educational and extension-based resources in supporting agricultural investment and rural development. Despite the growth of digital technologies, farmers continue to rely on traditional and trusted information channels. Strengthening extension services, mass media programs, and rural information centers, alongside gradual improvement of digital capacity, can enhance access to information and promote sustainable agricultural development.
Keywords
Information Resources
Specialists
Farmers
Investment
Subjects
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