Agricultural Education Administration Research

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of agricultural extension & education, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran

2 Assistant professor, Department of agricultural extension and education, Razi university, Kermanshah, Iran

3 Department of Agricultural Extension & Education, Campus of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran

10.22092/jaear.2024.364339.1985

Abstract

Improper handling of agricultural residues can lead to irreversible environmental damage. This study investigates the impact of two training methods, in-person and remote, on the management of agricultural residues among wheat farmers in Ravansar County during the 2022-2023 agricultural years. The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) was used as a comprehensive framework to assess farmers' decisions and behaviors throughout the training process.This research employed a quasi-experimental pre-test post-test design with a control group. The study population comprised 400 wheat farmers from Ravansar County. According to Krejcie and Morgan's table, 180 participants were randomly selected and divided into three groups of 60 (two experimental groups: in-person and remote, and one control group). Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire, measuring constructs such as self-efficacy (16 items), stages of change (18 items), decision-making balance (22 items), and behavior (6 items). The data were analyzed using SPSS18 software and statistical tests, including paired and independent t-tests, ANOVA, HSD test, and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test.The results indicated that remote training based on the Transtheoretical Model was more effective in improving self-efficacy and stages of change, while in-person training yielded better results in decision-making balance. However, both groups showed similar outcomes in the behavior construct. These findings suggest that remote training in agricultural residue management during pandemics can be an effective approach to reducing the practice of burning agricultural residues among farmers by enhancing self-efficacy and translating theoretical knowledge into practical behaviors.

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