Extension Challenges and Requirements of Integrated Rice-Fish Farming in Gilan Province, Iran

Integrated Rice-Fish Farming requires very little input and provides off season employment tofarm labors. It has been observed that combination of rice and fish farming is mutuallybeneficial. Although, in implementation, it can be faced with several challenges and it demandssome requirements. So, this study was conducted to identify challenges and requirements ofIntegrated Rice-Fish Farming in Gilan. The research population included all the experts inGilan province (N=272). They include experts who are familiar with integrated Rice-FishFarming. The initial and follow-up mailing generated 272 useable responses from expertsresulting in a response rate of 100%. Using factor analysis, the challenges and requirementshave been classified into four factors (Cultural-social, Human, Infrastructure, and Legal) andsix factors (Educational methods, Cultural, Facilitating role, participation, Human resourcedevelopment, and Economic) respectively. Among the variables which build the Cultural-socialchallenges, operator demographic challenges and farmers’ low educational level provides moreimpact compared to others, while holding field days and establishing demonstration plotsprovides more impact on the Educational Methods requirements, among other variables.