SELF ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE NEEDS FOR FARMERS IN TALKAIF DISTRICT / NINEVAH GOVERNORATE OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

Abstract

This study aimed at assessing knowledge needs in sustainable agriculture for farmers in Telkaif District/ Nineveh Governorate, and determining the correlation between these needs and some independent variables. Research population included all farmers of Tellkaif which are 3568 farmers. A random multi stages sample was chosen consists of 106 respondents. Data were collected through a questionnaire after testing its face validity, and alpha- cronbach was used to test the reliability which was 0.95. To analyze the data, the following statistical methods were used: arithmetic mean, spearman's rank correlation, person's correlation and multiple step – wise regression analyses. Results showed that the farmers have a great need of knowledge in sustainable agriculture, and that there were significant correlation between knowledge needs and the following variables: size of cultivated land, type of tenure, years of agricultural work,desire of newness, sources of agricultural information, while there was no significant correlation with level of education. Results also showed there are three variables contributed in interpreting 27,22% of the variation in knowledge needs, namely are: desire for newness, size of cultivated land, and sources of agricultural information.