Spatial difference of Chinese public awareness of soil and water conservation and perception of information construction

Abstract

Most previous studies focused on farmers' awareness of soil and water conservation and technology, but ignored the importance of public awareness of soil and water conservation. In this study, a survey was conducted in 10 provinces with varying degrees of soil and water loss in China, and 1021 valid samples were obtained. Data were analyzed in SPSS 24.0 with independent sample t-tests, correlation analysis and regression analysis. The final results are as follows: in terms of soil and water loss, compared to those in the less serious region, participants in the serious region had a higher score on knowledge and perceived importance, and a more positive evaluation of future development of SWC and stronger intention to act as a supporter for SWC. However, there were no significant differences in evaluation of the major of SWC between less serious and serious regions. In addition, participants’ knowledge had a positive impact on behavioral intention. The perceived importance, major recognition and participants’ evaluation of future development mediated the relationship between participants’ knowledge about water loss and soil erosion and their behavior intention. For informatization in SWC, there were no differences between the serious region and less serious region regarding participants’ evaluation of intuitiveness, accuracy, affordability, and easiness. Furthermore, participants in the less serious region had a more positive evaluation for timeliness of informatization of soil and water conservation than those in the serious region.