Understanding farmers’ intention to perform result-based agri-environmental schemes for the improved provision of biodiversity and soil quality

Abstract

This article investigates the influence of socio-psychological factors on farmers’ intention to perform result-based agri-environmental schemes for the improved provision of biodiversity and soil quality. We present a Structural Equation Model, which uses an extended Technology Acceptance Model as a theoretical basis for better understanding farmers’ decision-making. Results from a survey of 235 Austrian farmers show that behavioural factors such as self-efficacy, perceived risk, and subjective norm directly or indirectly impact farmers’ intention to perform result-based schemes. Findings stress the importance of farmers’ surrounding networks for the successful implementation of such schemes and the need for including mechanisms into their design, which are suited to diversify risk and increase self-efficacy. In conclusion, our results emphasize that considering the influence of socio-psychological factors on farmers’ decision-making may offer new levers in the design of more environmentally effective and efficient agri-environmental-climate measures.