Factors affecting the possibility of using renewable energy in the agricultural sector from the viewpoint of Agricultural Jihad experts in Urmia

 
Introduction:
The use of renewable energy is a prerequisite for sustainable development. In this regard, the purpose of this study was to explain the factors affecting the possibility of using renewable energy in the agricultural sector from the perspective of experts of the Agricultural Jihad Organization of Urmia. We aimed to identify the effective factors in the use of new energies, to provide appropriate solutions to strengthen the positive cases and remove obstacles.
 Material and methods:
The statistical population of the study was all experts of Agriculture Jihad Organization of Urmia city (N = 101). A questionnaire was the main research tool, the validity of which was confirmed by a panel of experts. To evaluate its reliability, 30 questionnaires were completed and Cronbach's alpha value for different sections (alpha = 0.801- 0.906) was obtained, which was an acceptable indicator for the questionnaire. Data were analyzed at descriptive (percentage, mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation) and inferential (correlation and regression) levels using SPSS software.
 
Results and discussion:
Prioritization of items regarding economic factors affecting the possibility of using new energies in the agricultural sector showed that the forecast of funds for investment in the field of research on the use of new energies in the agricultural sector was the first priority and the number of farmers' lands was the last. Five items were used to assess the management factors affecting the possibility of using new energy in the agricultural sector. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of the use of new energies was the first priority and communication with international centers related to renewable energy was the fifth. In measuring the socio-cultural factors affecting the possibility of using new energies in the agricultural sector, involving farmers (planning, implementation, and evaluation) in developing the use of new energies was the first priority, and organizing villagers to use renewable energy through agricultural organizations was the last. Regarding the research factors affecting the possibility of using renewable energy in the agricultural sector, establishing communication between the research sector, farmers, designers, and implementers in the development of new energy technologies was the first priority, and cooperation of agricultural experts with scientific energy associations was the last. The results of the study of educational factors affecting the possibility of using new energies in the agricultural sector showed that holding training classes for farmers on the use of renewable energy in agricultural sub-sectors was the first priority and holding in-service training courses for researchers, managers, and agricultural experts was the last priority. We also observed a positive and significant relationship between work experience, economic, socio-cultural, managerial, innovation, educational, and research factors with the possibility of using renewable energy in agriculture. The results of multiple regression showed that the variables of economic, socio-cultural, managerial, innovation, educational, and research factors have the ability to explain 0.65% of the changes of the dependent variable, i.e. the possibility of using renewable energy in the agricultural sector.
 
Conclusion:
According to the results of the research, it is suggested to train specialized and skilled manpower in the public and private sectors in the field of implementation of renewable energy projects by increasing the level of awareness and creating a positive attitude in people and farmers through educational programs and mass media, and the adoption of appropriate policies, laws, defined financial resources, as well as the provision of special facilities to support renewable energy projects in rural areas and the agricultural sector.