Designing a paradigm model for extension of GAP standard in the rice fields of Mazandaran province

This research was carried out with the general purpose of designing and explaining the optimal model for extension GAP standard in the rice fields of Mazandaran province. The research was qualitative. Data analysis was done with the method of qualitative content analysis of scientific and semi-structured interviews by extracting codes, concepts and categorizing categories, during a three-step process of open coding, central coding and selective coding through Maxqda software. The statistical population of the research was 18 experts and specialists of the Agricultural Jihad Organization and rice farmers' cooperatives of Mazandaran province and the academic staff of Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, who were selected by purposeful sampling. Analysis of semi-structured interviews was done through the technique of qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach. The interviews were studied line by line. the content analysis of the conceptualization process was done to explain the model. In the first stage of coding, 56 contents among 260 conceptual codes were identified, and after refining and merging, the codes were classified into 19 subcategories. Coding of categories was determined with coherence and logical order and accurate connection with axial coding. And it led to the paradigm model of explaining the pattern of extension and development of GAP standard in rice fields of Mazandaran province. The obtained pattern of causal conditions (exploitation system, psychological behavior and effective drivers), It shows strategies (system of group certificates, development of government GAP programs and development of private GAP standard), intervening conditions (supporting and facilitating factors, motivating and stimulating factors, limiting and inhibiting factors), background conditions (legal, institutional and political requirements and technological and innovative capabilities) and consequences (environmental, social and economic sustainable development) for the promotion and development of GAP standard in the rice fields of Mazandaran province. The obtained pattern of causal conditions (exploitation system, psychological behavior and effective drivers), It shows strategies (system of group certificates, development of government GAP programs and development of private GAP standard), intervening conditions (supporting and facilitating factors, motivating and stimulating factors, limiting and inhibiting factors), background conditions (legal, institutional and political requirements and technological and innovative capabilities) and consequences (environmental, social and economic sustainable development) for the promotion and development of GAP standard in the rice fields of Mazandaran province.