WHAT ORCHARDISTS EXPECT FROM FARMER FIELD SCHOOLS ON INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT: A CASE OF IRAN

Abstract

Since 2002, the implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) program
through farmers’ field schools (FFS) approach has gained some priority on the
agenda of Iran’s extension services. Different nature of agricultural activities and
the specific context of farming in each area of the country have raised some
questions regarding the suitability of these training programs to meet the needs of
participants. In line with this, a need assessment survey in the summer of 2015was
conducted to extract the educational needs of orchardists living in west part of Iran.
The study population consisted of all the grape and pomegranate growers that
participated in the IPM/FFS programs (N= 420). A sample of 201 individuals was
selected through a simple random sampling manner. To collect data, a
questionnaire based on Borich model was administered. Results indicated that the
most important need was “to be skillful in tree pruning” and the least important
was “to train participants based on lecturing and formal classes”, scoring 4.30 and
3.24 out of 5, respectively. Moreover, “the ability to recognize the best time to
spray pest-herbicides”, “practical identifying of the symptoms of plant diseases and
direct observations”, “pre-assessment of participants’ information before launching
the programs” and “acquisition of the know-how knowledge to use bio-fertilizers
and manures” were the first four priorities of respondents’ needs among a total of
49. The study concluded with the idea that most of orchardists were aware of the
need to conserve the environment and produce safe crops but IPM/FFS training
programs could not provide them with adequate skills to perform the sound method
and practice in their professional activities.