Effects of the Agri-environmental Program Implemented in Sultan Reeds Area of Kayseri, Turkey

Abstract

This study was initiated to evaluate the effects of agri-environment program implemented in the Sultan reeds area of Kayseri province, Turkey. The specific objectives of the study were to compare the farmers who enrolled in the program with those who didn’t enroll regarding their application of different sustainable agricultural practices, and to determine factors affecting their enrolment in the program. The main comparative indicators were selected from different sustainable agricultural practices either promoted by the agri-environmental program or not promoted but considered very useful for the locality. Two stratified samples of farmers (enrolled and not enrolled) were selected based on their farm size. Chi-square tests of independence were used to compare farmers on the selected sustainable agricultural practices. Logistic regression model was used to determine factors affecting the enrolment of the agri-environment program. The findings of the chi-square test showed that enrolled farmers use grow more forage legumes, are more conscious about pesticides use and chemical applications, and they use more pressurized irrigation systems. Findings of the logistic regression model sowed that using rental land negatively, but contacts with extension personnel, and using long term loans for farming investments positively influenced the enrolment of the agri-environment program. Governmental effort must concentrate on these issues when promoting agri-environmental programs in the region.