Abstract:
The extensive use of traditional irrigation systems has led to overexploitation of
groundwater and overuse of surface water in the Urmia Lake Catchment (ULC) area of
Iran. The purpose of this study was to model the adoption process of drip irrigation
system (DIS) by apple orchardists (AOs) using the five stages of Roger’s model for
Innovation Decision Process (IDP). Survey method of applying questionnaire and
interview technique was used to collect data from 136 AOs. The results of the study
indicated that, first, AOs’ knowledge level was “relatively low” and the majority of them
were in the early stages of IDP. Secondly, applying an ordinal logistic regression, up to
36.3% of knowledge level variability, could be explained by variables consisting of: the
contact level with extension agents, educational level, rural-urban commuting and
information sources. Thirdly, using binary logistic regression, up to 74.1% of probability
of adoption, could be explained by variables consisting of source of irrigation, knowledge
scores, and orchard size. Fourthly, the main barriers for adoption were high costs, lack of
license for semi deep wells, need to grow alfalfa, poor knowledge, and low surface area,
respectively. Fifthly, about 0.5% of AOs had already implemented DIS. These findings
were instrumental for localizing a model and developing the needed policy and
institutional interventions.
Keywords: Innovation Decision Process (IDP), Logistic Regression, Pressured Irrigation,
Urmia Lale
