The objectives of this research are to identify the main characteristics of the
farmers, to identify the farmers attitudes towards irrigation water use rationalization
and the related factors, to identify irrigation water practices degree and the related
factors, to identify the information sources, to identify the extension services offered to
farmers, to identify the extension requirements of the farmers, to identify major
problems facing farmers in this field, and suggestions to solve problems.
The present study s sample includes 150 farmers in Sharkia Governorate. Data
of the research were collected by using a questionnaire through personal interviews
with farmers during July and August 2006. Some simple statistical tools such as:
frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and
Spearman s correlation coefficient were used to analyze data collected.
Results of the present study indicate that about 65.3%of the farmers have low
and medium attitudes towards irrigation water use rationalization. The results refer to
significant a positive relationship between farmers attitude towards to irrigation water
use rationalization and each of th@ following: education level, location or the farm,
leadership behavior, opening cultural, ambition level, unofficial social participation,
exposure to extension activities, level of extension services, and type of soil. While
there is negative relationship with the, age, number of experience years in agriculture,
family type, and number of the family ¡n agriculture.
The results showed that 42.0% of the total sample have low and medium level
irrigation water practices. The results refer to significant a positive relationship < /p>
between degree of irrigation water practices and each of the following: education
level, type of soil, location of the farm, leadership behavior, opening cultural, ambition
level, unofficial social participation, exposure to extension activities, level of extension
services, attitudes towards irrigation water use rationalization, and water availability.