Role of Extension and Education Programs in Development of Organic Farming in Lorestan Province, Iran

One of the most important environmental hazards that has created many challenges in recent years is the development of inorganic farming and the excessive use of chemical inputs in the agricultural sector. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the role of extension and educational programs in the development of Organic Farming (OF) in vegetable and summer crops in Lorestan Province, Iran. This research was quantitative in nature and applied research in terms of purpose. The population consisted of vegetable and summer crop farmers in Lorestan (N= ۳,۵۰۰). The sample size was determined based on Morgan table (n= ۳۸۴). In order to determine the validity and reliability of the questionnaire, a panel of experts and a Ө coefficient of ۰.۸۵ were used. According to the results, the dimensions of OF were not optimal. From the ecological, health, fairness, care, social-cultural and production-economic aspects, there was a significant difference (P< ۱%) between the current and the desired conditions. Farmers who participated in the programs of extension and educational class, field day, extension exhibitions, farmer field school, scientific seminars and demonstration farms had a significant difference (P< ۱%) in all aspects of OF with those who did not participate. The most important factors affecting the development of OF dimensions included: (۱) Development of technical knowledge and empowerment of farmers in OF, (۲) Government support for OF methods and development of its dimensions, (۳) Application of legal instruments for the development of OF, and (۴) Changing consumers' views towards the use of organic foods.

کلیدواژه ها:

Agricultural Development ، Environmental hazards ، Organic Matters ، Sustainability.