Implications of changing cropping pattern to low water demand plants due to climate change: evidence from Iran

In this research, 17 implications of changing cropping patterns (CP) to low water demand plants (LWDPs) were identified. Then, the experts were asked to determine the standard (optimal) level of each implication. In addition, the farmers were to determine the extent that each of these implications was implemented in the region under the study. Further, the status of each of the implications was evaluated both horizontally and vertically. In the horizontal mode, the level of implementation for each implication was compared to its standard level, while the ranking of the implementation level of the implications was evaluated with their standard level rank in the vertical mode. The results showed that the implementation level for all implications was lower than the standard level, and the difference means were significant in all of the 17 cases. Also, it has been found that the three implications, viz. (i) giving production input in the form of subsidy to farmers, (ii) making easier credit and facilities, and (iii) the use of local leaders and successful farmers to extend the cultivation of LWDPs, are the most important implications in changing the CP to LWDPs. The implementation priorities for these implications are 15, 12, and 1, respectively. The results indicated that none of the above implications have yet been met to change the CP in Iran.