Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Farmers’ participation in agricultural planning is regarded as an important tool for successful sustainable agricultural development. This study examines the issue of farmers’ participation in the context of agricultural development. Data for this article were obtained through focus group discussion (FGD) from rural farmers in 9 villages in Fars Province, Iran. The findings showed that FGD discussion was more emphasis on involving farmers in implementing programs than on providing for their participation in planning and evaluating the processes or outcomes of agricultural programs. It is expected that the findings of this study could be utilized by the agriculture developers for reassessments of agricultural industry programs in rural communities.
Keywords: Rural development, focus group discussion, agriculture, farmers’ participation