The proposed alternative model to predict adoption of innovations: The case of no-till technology in Iran

Abstract

Most Iranian farmers use conventional tillage while the high energy consumption, soil compaction, degradation of soil structure and intensive water and wind erosion are the effects of this system. So there is a necessity to use conservational tillage as one of the sustainable agricultural innovations to protect the soil. Compared to other conservational methods no-tillage is considered because of more environmental benefits. The purpose of this study is to examine the predictive models to adoption of no-till innovation. Survey research was conducted in Fars province, Iran. Using multi-stage stratified random sampling, 330 farmers were interviewed including 165 adopters and 165 non-adopters of no-till technology. In this study diffusion of innovation, economic constraint, task-technology fit, learning communication and proposed alternative models were examined using discriminant analysis. The results showed that proposed alternative model is a better predictive of farmers’ adoption behavior than the other models. The most important variables to classify adopters and non-adopters were agricultural experience, available resources, conservational technology experience, awareness of the benefits of no-till technology, value attributed to the no-tillage technology, interpersonal communication, knowledge of no-till technology, income, knowledge of the technology property and perceived task-no-tillage technology fit. To improve no-tillage adoption as an strategy against soil erosion, systematic thinking should be considered as an effective approach.