Determining Factors influencing on utilization of strategies of production risk management by corn farmers in Kermanshah Township

Authors

Abstract

The agricultural sector is exposed to a variety of risks, which occur with high frequency. These include climate and weather risks, natural catastrophes pest and diseases, which cause highly variable production outcomes. Therefore, Farmers may make decisions every day that affect farming operations. Many of the factors that affect the farmers’ decisions cannot be predicted with complete accuracy. Farming has become increasingly risky as farmers become more commercial. Farmers need to understand risk and have risk management skills to better anticipate problems and reduce consequences.
In the coming decades, production risk is one of the important risk resources that has impressed life's farmers and caused falling income & increasing vulnerability. Research findings show that the impact of production risk is not limited to the stark evidence on damage costs or lost lives but also reflects the possible impact on the developmental trajectory of a particular country.
Kermanshah is one of the disastrous provinces in Iran, where agriculture is the basis of livelihood for the majority of the population. In this province, every year occur many production risks such as low rainfall, drought, hail or heavy rains, pests and disease, breakdown or unavailability of equipment and spare parts.
The main purpose of this descriptive correlational research was to determinate the factors influencing strategies used for production risk management by corn farmers in Kermanshah Township. To reach this purpose, the following objectives were considered:
-to study socio-demographic characteristics of corn farmers
-to analysis farmer's perception toward production risk
The agricultural sector is exposed to a variety of risks, which occur with high frequency. These include climate and weather risks, natural catastrophes pest and diseases, which cause highly variable production outcomes. Therefore, Farmers may make decisions every day that affect farming operations. Many of the factors that affect the farmers’ decisions cannot be predicted with complete accuracy. Farming has become increasingly risky as farmers become more commercial. Farmers need to understand risk and have risk management skills to better anticipate problems and reduce consequences.
In the coming decades, production risk is one of the important risk resources that has impressed life's farmers and caused falling income & increasing vulnerability. Research findings show that the impact of production risk is not limited to the stark evidence on damage costs or lost lives but also reflects the possible impact on the developmental trajectory of a particular country.
Kermanshah is one of the disastrous provinces in Iran, where agriculture is the basis of livelihood for the majority of the population. In this province, every year occur many production risks such as low rainfall, drought, hail or heavy rains, pests and disease, breakdown or unavailability of equipment and spare parts.
The main purpose of this descriptive correlational research was to determinate the factors influencing strategies used for production risk management by corn farmers in Kermanshah Township. To reach this purpose, the following objectives were considered:
-to study socio-demographic characteristics of corn farmers
-to analysis farmer's perception toward production risk
-to rank strategies for production risk management by corn farmers
The population for this study was the corn farmers of the Kermanshah Township that have previous experience in corn production (N=3239). A systemic sample of farmers was selected (n= 30). Amos and SPSS were used for data analysis.
Based on findings, most of farmers believe that production risk is an economic phenomenon that cannot be controlled. This risk resource has long-term effects on life's farmers. In addition, this phenomenon will increase the feeling of anxiety & defeat in farmers’ life. Usage level of new strategies for managing production risk among corn farmers was very low. Corn farmers in Kermanshah Township manage control risk production in a moderate level. Age, land ownership, and farm income were the most important factors influencing on usage level of strategies for managing production risk.
-to rank strategies for production risk management by corn farmers
The population for this study was the corn farmers of the Kermanshah Township that have previous experience in corn production (N=3239). A systemic sample of farmers was selected (n= 30). Amos and SPSS were used for data analysis.
Based on findings, most of farmers believe that production risk is an economic phenomenon that cannot be controlled. This risk resource has long-term effects on life's farmers. In addition, this phenomenon will increase the feeling of anxiety & defeat in farmers’ life. Usage level of new strategies for managing production risk among corn farmers was very low. Corn farmers in Kermanshah Township manage control risk production in a moderate level. Age, land ownership, and farm income were the most important factors influencing on usage level of strategies for managing production risk.

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