Human Dimensions of Pollinator Conservation: The Development and Testing of Survey Measures for Best Management Practice Adoption

Abstract

Pollinator conservation has been a topic of growing interest and concern, yet widespread adoption of pollinator best management practices (BMPs) on private lands has not occurred. This study was an empirical attempt to address the gap of landholder pollinator BMP adoption through two main objectives: 1) to develop and test a landholder survey constructed of multiple measurement scales based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and 2) to use structural equation modeling to determine the interrelationships and influence of landholder TPB attributes on intentions to adopt pollinator BMPs. Analyses of two measurement models showed evidence of reliability and validity, and results from the structural models indicated landholders’ perceived constraints had the strongest relative influence on their intentions to adopt pollinator BMPs. This study allowed for new understanding regarding landholders’ involvement with pollinator conservation efforts, resulting in targeted engagement recommendations to support further participation in the future.