Factors Influencing the Adoption of Pressurized Irrigation Systems in Hazelnut Production and Its Effect on the Water Footprint in the Carsamba District of Samsun

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to investigate factors affecting the adoption of pressure irrigation systems among farmers and to determine the effect of these systems on the water footprint in the carsamba district of Samsun province, Turkiye. Participants were selected by drawing stratified samples based on the hazelnut production area in different villages. Data were collected by administering a questionnaire to hazelnut farmers. In-depth information was provided for problems encountered during the use of pressured irrigation systems for those who adopted these technologies, and reasons for non-adoption were investigated. The logit model was used to determine the factors that caused the adoption of pressurized irrigation systems. This study showed that a great majority of the hazelnut farmers (72.3%) used no irrigation, 24% used furrow irrigation, and 3.6% adopted the pressured irrigation systems. This study found significant differences between the irrigation groups regarding the socio-economic variables of age, education, and farming experience. However, the income level of adopters was significantly lower than non-adopters, indicating that they were searching for new ways to increase their income. Although pressured irrigation systems increase the yield of any commodity and provide economical use of water sources, this idea was not the common belief of farmers since the adoption ratio was relatively low. Pressured irrigation systems also decrease the blue water footprint and are important in protecting environmental resources. Future research must be conducted to determine the effects of irrigation, particularly the pressured irrigation systems on hazelnut yield, and extension activities must be designed accordingly.