Exploring the determinants of adoption behaviour of clean technologies in agriculture: a case of integrated pest management

摘要

The main purpose of the study was to determine the factors affecting the adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) as a clean technology in the rice-cropping systems of Iran. The research framework was developed based on the rational choice model and the factors influencing IPM adoption behaviour were explored. A survey with a sample of 148 operators selected by stratified sampling was undertaken in two provinces: Mazandaran and Gilan. Stepwise regression analysis and path analysis were used to determine the influence of exogenous factors, farm and farmer characteristics, and the characteristics of innovations upon the adoption of IPM. Analyses revealed that IPM adoption behaviours were influenced by external factors as well as the gender, knowledge, and experience level of farmers; soil quality; access to information; mechanization level; and the feasibility of technologies. Finally, consideration of these variables as determinant factors in a 'targeted policy approach' is recommended to increase the sustainable use and widespread adoption of clean technologies for cleaner production.