Zobeidi, Tahereh, Masoud Yazdanpanah, Masoumeh Fourozani, & Bahman Khosravipour (2016). Typology of wheat and vegetable farmers’ perception towards climate change through of Q-methodology. Journal of Rural Research, 7(2), 374-391. (doi: 10.21859/jjr-07028) (Link to Persian version: http://dx.doi.org/10.21859/jjr-07028) (English version accessible: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309519918_Typology_of_Wheat_and_Vegetable_Farmers‘_Perception_Towards_Climate_Change_Through_of_Q-Methodology)
Abstract: Climate change and global warming are serious challenges in the 21st century with significant negative impacts on agriculture. Farmers are important players if agriculture is to adjust to changing climate conditions since their perceptions about climate change directly affect their behavior toward this problem. Therefore, it is important to recognize and classify their perceptions to improve rural development programs. We used Q methodology to classify farmers’ perceptions toward climate change in Hamidiyeh County in Khuzestan Province, Iran. Q research begins by recognizing a concourse, often shaped by dialog with members of the elite. Then, a Q statement is nominated, which represents an individual’s belief. In this study, by reviewing the literature and interviewing 6 agricultural experts and farmers, 160 statements were identified. Then, by selecting from among them, we arrived at 42 final statements, or Q-sample. This Q-sample was sorted by 46 farmers, selected through purposive sampling. To analyze the data, we used PQMethod (2014). The factor analysis of Q sorts revealed two discourses: support seekers and the adaptable among the 27 vegetable growers; and two other discourses among 19 wheat farmers: fatalism passive-adherents and disappointment. Various individuals think differently about causes, impacts, self-efficacy, responsibility, adaptation, and intention to mitigation of greenhouse gases and climate change. Therefore, based on the perceptions, knowledge, and behavior of individuals, policy makers can provide various recommendations to deal with climate change.
Masoud Yazdanpanah <masoudyazdan@gmail.com> is in the Department of Agriculture Extension and Education, Ramin Agriculture and Natural Resources University, Khuzestan, Iran.
