Social Factors Influencing Adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Technologies by Paddy Farmers

This study aimed to identify the factors influencing adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) technologies by paddy farmers in Sari County of Iran. A sample of 260 farmers who selected randomly, participated in this study through a survey questionnaire. Findings of the study revealed a statistically significant positive correlation between adoption of IPM technologies and farmers’ participation in extension activities, Farmers’ Field School, local associations, and influence of opinion leaders. Regression analysis indicated that nearly 43 % of variation in the IPM technologies adoption could be explained by participation in extension activities, local associations, and influence of opinion leaders. Findings have implications for designing extension programs that can encourage adoption of IPM technologies by farmers.