Explain the factors affecting the willingness of farmers to participate in collective and cooperative activities

Cooperative organization as a people-oriented institution brings great benefits to the agricultural community. As a result, the intention to participate in such an institution is very important. Therefore, this research was conducted to explain the factors affecting the willingness of farmers to participate in collective and cooperative activities. In this research, descriptive-correlational research method and survey technique was used to collect data. The statistical population of the study included all farmers in Mazandaran province, including 336532 people that Using Krejcie and Morgan sampling table, the number of samples was determined and using multi-stage random sampling method, 333 people were selected as the sample. The validity of the researcher-made questionnaire was confirmed by several experts and faculty members of agricultural extension and education and its reliability was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The data obtained through the questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive statistics (such as frequency, percentage, mean) and inferential statistics (correlation coefficients and Chi-square, stepwise regression and factor analysis). The results showed that the studied farmers have a moderate willingness to cooperate with other farmers. Attitudes toward teamwork and the number of visiting to the experts are also two variables that explain 36% of the changes in farmers' willingness to participate in cooperatives. Improving attitudes, increasing the number of visiting to experts and removing barriers to participation can increase farmers' willingness to participate in cooperative and group activities.