Abstract:
The aim of this paper was to determine farmer's use and perceptions of different sustainable
agricultural practices promoted through an agri-environment program schemed for Eregli Reed
Bed Area of Konya province, one of the environmentally sensitive areas of Turkey. The study
also aimed to compare adopters and non-adopters of the program in terms of applying the
promoted and non-promoted sustainable agricultural practices, their perception of the program,
and information sources of the program and different farming practices. Data were collected by
administering a questionnaire to all of the adopters (141 farmers) and a stratified sample of 58
non-adopters. Chi-square test of independence was used for data analyses. Results of the study
showed that adopter farmers significantly differed from non-adopter farmers in applying
promoted sustainable agricultural practices which were crop rotation, growing legume crops,
using modern irrigation systems, using animal manure, taking adequate measures for soil
erosion, and taking adequate measures to protect pastures and preventing overgrazing. These
findings showed that promotions have influence on adoption of environmental programs in the
region.
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