Modeling the Process of Drip Irrigation System Adoption by Apple Orchardists in the Barandooz River Basin of Urmia Lake Catchment, Iran

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