Examining frost protection behavior and its efficiency among apple orchardists: a case study of Kakan dehistan, Boyer-Ahmad county

Frost as one of the environmental crises accompanying climate change phenomenon has caused significant annual economic losses in the agricultural sector production. This survey research was carried out with the aim of analyzing frost protection practices among apple orchardists of Kakan Dehestan, Boyer Ahmad county (N = 1241, n=112). The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. Face validity confirmed by a panel of experts. In order to measure reliability, a pilot study was conducted and Cronbach's alpha coefficient estimated (0.69< α <0.89). Based on the results, the most frequent behaviors among the gardeners were predictive behaviors and the use of technological measures was the least prevalent ones. Orchardists were clustered into two groups of compatible organizers and incompatible procrastinators. The results of the t-test analysis showed that the two groups had adopted different behaviors regarding the protection of gardens in dealing with frost; in such a way that the group of compatible organizers was significantly different from the group of incompatible procrastinators in terms of forecasting actions, planning actions, control actions, traditional actions, and techno-innovational actions. Results of the logistic regression showed that orchardists with more coping appraisal, threat appraisal and household size and less physical costs were more likely to adapt protection behaviors. According to the findings of the research it is necessary to develop frost protection measures through encouragement of gardeners via incentive policies, establishing gardeners' organizations and group formation to deal with frost protection.