Farmer's Perception toward Cooperation in Kermanshah Township

Awareness of the perception of farmers toward cooperation is an important step for developing the role of cooperatives in rural economy. The purpose of this descriptive-correlational study was to investigate perception of farmers toward cooperation. The statistical population for the study consisted of farmer heads of families in the rural society of Kermanshah township (N=24391). Three hundred and fifty samples were selected through multistage sampling method. Data were collected through questionnaire. Validity and reliability of the research instrument were respectively determined through a panel of experts and a determination of Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient. Based upon farmers, views, there exists an institutionalized cooperation culture and collective action mentality in the rural society. Farmers possess a relatively proper perception towards cooperation. Stepwise Regression analysis revealed that 64 percent of the variation of cooperation perception was explained by variables of: social solidarity, family relationships, social trust, income, work experience in cooperatives, and awareness of cooperation principles.