STUDIES ON ADOPTION OF IRRIGATION METHODS BY THE DATE PALM FARMERS IN AL-QASSIM AREA - KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

M. T. Abu-Riziga, M. B. Baig, F. S. Al-Subaiee, E. A. Ei-Hag, H. M. Al-Ghobari

Abstract: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is facing an acute scarcity of water resources. Present study was undertaken to identify the usage of different irrigation methods by date palm farmers in Al-Qassim area. Data were collected on the study sample of 429 farmers during face-to-face interviews by using a well-structured and pre-tested questionnaire. The data were subjected to statistical analysis by using percentages, means, standard deviation, and correlation. The findings of the study revealed that more than one third (38.3%) of the farmers were employing the flood irrigation tree/basin method with the highest usage mean 2.67; SD 1.28 whereas about 31.2% farmers put trickle/drip irrigation method into their practice with the second highest usage Mean 2.29; SD 1.28. Significant and positive correlations among the educational levels and the usage level of modern irrigation methods were realized. However, age and years of experience of the farmers were negatively correlated with the usage of modern irrigation methods. In addition, farm area was negatively correlated with the usage of traditional irrigation methods. In the light of the findings of the study, it seems logical to launch the extension education programs to enhance farmers’ adoption rates of modern irrigation methods. The study further suggests investigating the barriers faced by farmers in the adoption of modern irrigation methods in order to conserve limited water resources.

Keywords: capacity building; date palm; extension education; irrigation methods; water conservation; water resources

Date published: 2019-01-17