Analysis of the activities of irrigation unions in Samsun province and investigation of member satisfaction

The aim of the study was to examine the activities of irrigation unions in the province of Samsun and to reveal the satisfaction of members. The main material of the research consists of data obtained through a census from 4 irrigation unions in the province of Samsun. Member farmers of the unions were selected using the Stratified Sampling Method, and data were collected from 92 members through surveys. The satisfaction of members, their trust in the union managers, and their loyalty to the unions were assessed using questions prepared on a 5-point Likert scale. The factors influencing satisfaction were determined using a logistic model. In Samsun province, the Bafra Kızılırmak Irrigation Union, Altınkaya Irrigation Union, Ladik Akdağ Irrigation Union, and Vezirköprü Irrigation Union operate. When the areas of responsibility of the irrigation unions in Samsun are examined, in a total area of 42,715 ha, the Ladik Akdağ Irrigation Union has 16.57%, the Vezirköprü Irrigation Union 32.98%, the Altınkaya Irrigation Union 27.03% and the Bafra Kızılırmak Irrigation Union 23.42%. When investigating the problems of the unions, the most significant issue is the non-payment of the water usage service fee on time (rated at 4.75), followed by the lack of visibility of real-time measurement data in storage facilities (rated at 4.50). 90.2% of the farmers expressed that they could recommend the unions to other farmers. The main obstacles to the development of the union are reported to be, in order, lack of trust in the union management, unqualified personnel, inadequate financing, insufficient government support, and insufficient monitoring of the union. 80.43% of the producers are satisfied with the irrigation unions. When examining the factors influencing satisfaction, it is statistically significant at the 1% level that members engaging in livestock activities, the ability to meet needs through the irrigation union, profession, agricultural insurance, and desire to attend meetings; at the 5% level, having a high school education or above; and at the 10% level, the distance to the district. The results obtained will contribute to enhancing the satisfaction, trust, and loyalty of the members to their unions.