Background of Environmental Awareness and Pro-Environmental Behavior Among Amazonian Farmers - Emphasis on the State of Rondônia

Abstract

Objective: The study aims to identify levels of environmental knowledge, environmental beliefs, environmental awareness, and sustainable practices among Amazonian farmers, associating these factors with socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Theoretical Framework: Environmental awareness is the understanding of the importance of protecting the environment and promoting sustainability, influenced by backgrounds such as environmental knowledge and beliefs, and social and income factors, resulting in pro-environmental behaviors. Method: Interviews with 308 farmers from the central region of Rondônia assessed socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, environmental knowledge, environmental beliefs, environmental awareness, and sustainable agricultural practices. Quantitative analysis used t-tests and analysis of variance to identify significant differences between categories such as age, gender, property size, and education. Results and Discussion: Although it was expected that environmental components would be crucial for sustainable rural development, the variation between groups was small. Environmental awareness was positively associated with education and property size. Higher education expanded environmental understanding and the adoption of sustainable practices. Surprisingly, larger properties, despite focusing on profit maximization, showed greater environmental awareness. Female-led properties had lower adoption of sustainable practices, possibly due to reduced access to resources and support networks. Research Implications: Despite assumptions that environmental dimensions would be strongly associated with socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, little variation was observed, indicating increasing uniformity in environmental awareness among farmers. Originality/Value: Understanding the environmental awareness of farmers in the Amazon is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies. Direct research with these often-overlooked farmers can provide valuable insights for public policies and environmental education, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and forest preservation.