Appropriateness of farmers’ adoption of irrigation methods: The application of the AHP model

This paper explores the use of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for selecting an appropriate irrigation method. A sample of farmers was separated into four groups using cluster analysis. A panel of experts utilized AHP to determine the priority of three irrigation methods (border, basin and sprinkler) for each group of farmers. The findings indicated that the highest priority of irrigation methods differed with respect to farmers groups. The appropriateness of the decision of each farming group, regarding selection of irrigation methods, was determined. In 74% of cases, experts confirmed the farmer’s decision in selection of irrigation methods, but questioned the appropriateness of the decision for 26% of farmers. Recommendations are made for future use of decision tools to improve extension programs and farmers decision-making process.