Impact of attitudes, factual and causal feedback on farmers’ behavioral intention to manage and recycle agricultural plastic waste and debris

Abstract

There is a growing concern about the pollution of agricultural systems caused by plastic residue and debris. This pollution poses a threat to the quality of food products. To gain a deeper understanding of how to maintain cleaner farmlands and reduce plastic residue and debris pollution, this cross-sectional study investigated the intention and behavior of plastic residue management (BPRM) in farmlands. Using random sampling method, the study surveyed 338 farmers in northwestern Iran. The resulting evidence found that 37.6% of farmers perform the BPRM with a mean score above average. The path analysis cleared that among the conceptualized ecological, economic, and social connotations, only the ecological attitude had a significant and positive impact on the BPRM (βEcoAtti→BHV = 0.28, p < 0.001). It was found that both fact feedback (βFFBs→Int = 0.76, p < 0.001) and causal feedback (βCFBs→Int = 0.22, p < 0.001) contribute to reducing plastic residue pollution and forecasting the intention to perform the BPRM. The intention, in turn, directly predicts BPRM (βInt→BHV= 0.30, p < 0.001). Using a 2 × 2 cross-tabulation of causal feedback and the scenario of landfilling, derived from perceived action-based life cycle analysis of plastic wastes, the association between the two variables was found to be statistically significant (x2 (df) = 3.24(1), p < 0.05). The resulting evidence would provide essential information for farm management strategists and governmental authorities to reduce plastic residue pollution in farmlands. This can be achieved by implementing policy initiatives that aim to change farmers’ intentions and behaviors.