Modeling farmers’ adoption of low-carbon agricultural technology in Jianghan Plain, China: An examination of the theory of planned behavior

Abstract

Low-carbon agricultural technology (LCAT) has a fundamental role for China to reach the carbon emissions peak in 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality in 2060. Using data obtained from questionnaires completed by 386 small farmers in Jianghan Plain, China, we construct a theoretical framework based on the theory of planned behavior and structural equation model to elicit the determinants affecting farmers’ adoption of LCAT. Three notable results emerge. (1) Farmers’ behavioral attitude (BA), subjective norm (SN), and perceived behavioral control (PBC) were correlated. (2) Farmers’ behavioral intention (BI) to adopt LCAT was significantly and directly affected by BA, SN, and PBC, and BA had the highest impact (0.62). (3) Farmers’ BA and BI both impose positively significant effects on behavioral response (BR) regarding LCAT, and the BI had the strongest impact (0.53). Based on these findings, future policy interventions to promote LCAT measures should focus on improving farmers’ knowledge of LCAT, upgrading the promotion tools of LCAT, and emphasizing the exchange of technical information among farmers.