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) programthrough farmers’ field schools (FFS) approach has gained some priority on theagenda of Iran’s extension services. Different nature of agricultural activities andthe specific context of farming in each area of the country have raised somequestions regarding the suitability of these training programs to meet the needs ofparticipants. In line with this, a need assessment survey in the summer of 2015wasconducted to extract the educational needs of orchardists living in west part of Iran.The study population consisted of all the grape and pomegranate growers thatparticipated in the IPM/FFS programs (N= 420). A sample of 201 individuals wasselected through a simple random sampling manner. To collect data, aquestionnaire based on Borich model was administered. Results indicated that themost important need was “to be skillful in tree pruning” and the least importantwas “to train participants based on lecturing and formal classes”, scoring 4.30 and3.24 out of 5, respectively. Moreover, “the ability to recognize the best time tospray pest-herbicides”, “practical identifying of the symptoms of plant diseases anddirect observations”, “pre-assessment of participants’ information before launchingthe programs” and “acquisition of the know-how knowledge to use bio-fertilizersand manures” were the first four priorities of respondents’ needs among a total of49. The study concluded with the idea that most of orchardists were aware of theneed to conserve the environment and produce safe crops but IPM/FFS trainingprograms could not provide them with adequate skills to perform the sound methodand practice in their professional activities.