Extracting indicators of connectedness to nature to improve water conservation behavior in agriculture

Abstract

To better understand the connection between humans and nature, as well as why destructive behaviors occur that have led to drastic environmental changes, it is important to understanding determine the factors affecting this relationship, as well as extension and strengthening pro-environmentalist attitudes and behaviors in relation to nature can to provide appropriate solutions to the climate crisis. In this regard, it is very important to pay attention to human behavior in agriculture and water resources management. The purpose of the research was to extract indicators of connectedness to nature (CTN) in order to improve water conservation behavior (WCB) in the agriculture sector. To achieve this goal, the classic Delphi technique was used to get experts' opinions. The statistical population of this study was 20 subject matter experts in the fields of agricultural extension and education, environment and water resources, who were selected in a purposeful way. The results included the extraction of 140 indicators in the first stage of Delphi, and in the final stage, 100 indicators were confirmed and finalized. These indicators are in the form of CTN components (including cognitive, affective and behavioral dimensions), WCB, water conservation environmental values (including egoistic, altruistic and biospheric attitudes), environmental norms (including subjective and social norms), water conservation beliefs, environmental concern, empathy with nature, mindfulness, place attachment, place identity and environmental identity were divided. The obtained indicators can be used by policy makers and decision makers to evaluate the concept of CTN in relation to WCB in the agriculture sector.