Analyzing Farmer's Attitude of Establishing Water Users Associations in Gachsaran Township

Establishing successful Water User Associations (WUAs) requires a deep understanding of social, cultural, economic, desires and attitudes of farmers in each region. This study aimed at analyzing attitude of farmers toward establishment WUAs in Gachsaran Township. Descriptive and correlative method was used to conduct this research. The population consisted of 572 farmers in Gachsaran. Krejcie and Morgan’s Table was used in determining the sample size, 219. Questionnaire was used in collecting data. Content and face validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by a panel of experts at the Departments of Agricultural Extension and Education in Tarbiat Modares University and Rural Development in Yasuj University, as well as by specialists of Mahab-e Ghods Advisory Cooperation. A pilot-study was implemented for determining the reliability of the instrument (0.86). Data was analyzed using SPSS software. According to the research findings, 51.6 percent of the farmers had a positive attitude and 48.4 percent had a negative attitude towards membership in the WUAs. Correlation results revealed that there was no significant relationship between the farmer's awareness regarding the principles of cooperatives, Size of farming land, age and level of education with the attitude towards establishment of WUAs. On the other hand, there was a significant positive relationship between the number of household members, number of farming lands, ears of agricultural experience and attitude toward establishment of WUAs.