خلاصة:
This study aimed at investigating the role of farming corporations in improving the empowerment indexes of their member farmers in a survey method. This applied study was conducted in a descriptive-correlation method. Data was collected through a questionnaire that was developed by researchers and it was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.90). Statistical society included all the member farmers of two corporations selected in a propositional-random sampling method out of the seven corporations established in southern areas of South Khorasan Province of Iran (N=599). The sample size was determined through Krejcie and Morgan table (n=234). Study results showed that the farming corporations were placed in the average and high levels in the fields of technical and professional skills (Mean=3.59), the psychological empowerment (Mean=3.3) and the economic empowerment of farmers (Mean= 2.97), respectively. They have been successful in improving the empowerment indexes. In addition, the results showed that there was a significant positive relation between farmers' attitudes and their satisfaction to the consults of the corporations, awareness of the corporations, job experience in agriculture and their capabilities.
ملخص الجهاز:
Furthermore, the results showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between farmers' attitudes and their satisfaction with the company, being consulted, awareness of the company, agricultural work experience, and their level of competence.
Major reasons for the formation of agricultural joint-stock companies include preventing the fragmentation and division of cultivated lands into small uneconomical plots, increasing irrigation efficiency through unified cultivation, developing advanced techniques and mechanization, preventing the conversion of agricultural lands for non-productive activities, utilizing the potential facilities available in the economic development of these companies' operational areas, and increasing incomes (Hoghughi Isfahani, 2011; Mokhtari, 2009).
Therefore, the research question of the present study is: "What role do agricultural joint-stock companies play in improving the empowerment indicators of member farmers?".
The results of Nasiri's study (2010) show that cooperatives have had a significant impact on improving development indicators (economic, social, and cultural) and also on increasing the level of technical knowledge of their members.
Psychological Empowerment The results show that agricultural joint-stock companies have performed relatively well in the field of psychological empowerment of member farmers, with a mean score of 3.
Technical and Professional Empowerment Based on the results of the present research, the role of agricultural joint-stock companies in the field of technical and professional empowerment of member farmers is assessed as good, with a mean score of 3.
867 (X3) Conclusion and Suggestion Based on the results of the present research, agricultural joint-stock companies have played an average role in the empowerment of their member farmers.
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