Analysis of the Relationship between Irrigation System Operation Status and Knowledge and Skills of Farmers (Case Study: Qazvin Province)

Currently, Water scarcity is one of the problems of food production, and irrigated agriculture has a significant impact on food security. Improving the level of knowledge and skills of human resources is one of the crucial factors for improving the optimal use of water in agriculture. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between irrigation system status and knowledge and skills of farmers in Qazvin province. 18 qualitative indices and 88 educational items were identified. The survey tool was Delphi method and Pearson correlation test was used for correlation analysis. The results of this study showed that the status of operation of surface irrigation systems in terms of "farmers", "experts" and "trainers" were 3/38±1/15, 2/82±1/03 and 2/05±0/82 (out of 5 points), respectively for farmers, and 3/63±1/06, 2/17±0/94 and 2/19±0/93 for horticulturists. Status of operation of pressurized irrigation systems in terms of three proposed views were 3/74±1/16, 2/55±0/72 and 2/62±0/76 (out of 5 points), respectively for farmers and 4/07±1/06, 2/54±0/64 and 2/61±0/69 (out of 5 points), respectively for horticulturists. This indicates that the operation situation of the irrigation systems is medium to low in terms of experts and trainers. The Significant disagreement between farmers, experts and trainers indicates that the farmers have insufficient knowledge of the principles of proper operation of irrigation systems. Also, farmers showed that the educational items with their weight of importance were 3/39±0/77 and their status of the operation (surface and pressurized) was 3/53±0/86. The Pearson correlation coefficients of the two variables "Farmers Knowledge and Skills" and "Irrigation System Operation Status" were 0.561 (99% confidence level). This correlation shows the importance and necessity of training in various fields of recognition, design and operation of irrigation systems. Also, for farmers’ empowering in adoption to water deficit, investment in education is very determinant.