Urban food producers play an important role in food systems around the world. Understanding the factors that may influence producers' intention to produce food is important to predict their behavior. The purpose of this study was to examine one city in the United States and describe factors that may influence the intention of urban food producers to continue farming in urban settings, and specifically identify factors that influence attitude, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms toward urban food production. The study followed a qualitative design using semi-structured interviews. The results revealed factors that can both positively and negatively influence Columbus urban food producers' intention to continue farming in urban settings. Perceived complexity can negatively influence attitude and hinder food producers' intention to continue urban food production while subjective norms, influenced by peer growers and family members, may heighten intention to continue urban food production. The findings also revealed personal characteristics, such as education and access to resources, that may enhance perceived behavioral control. The findings can be used by various regions of the world to develop urban food production. Implications expose opportunities for urban food producers, extension, institutions, and future researchers to address existing complexities, develop educational programs, and enhance social ties to provide support for farming in urban settings.Citation: K.P.P. Kopiyawattage, L.Warner, and T.G. Roberts. 2018. ARTICLE Understanding urban food producers' intention to continue farming in urban settings. Urban Agric. Reg. Food Syst. 4:180004.

Locally grown food systems in urban areas is globally important for numerous reasons such as food security, nutrition, financial well-being, and solutions to the many complex issues observed in areas with increasing populations. An understanding of the barriers to urban food production is needed because, if not addressed properly, they may lead to severe threats in urban communities such as food insecurity and poverty. The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify the barriers associated with urban food production. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A. to collect data. Rules and regulations from city ordinances were perceived as the greatest barrier to urban food production. Negative perception towards farming, lack of marketing options, and resource scarcity were also identified as strong barriers to urban food production. Revisiting city ordinances, creating more market options for urban food producers, and directing programs, networks, organizations, and responsible people towards urban farming are recommended to eliminate barriers to urban food production. International agricultural and extension educators may consult the barriers identified in this study and use the findings as a starting point from which to support urban food production. Keywords: urban extension; urban food production; food production barriers

Agriculture is crucial in catering to the increasing demand for food and employment. Thus, adoption of novel technologies is important. Many scientists have developed different theories and models explaining the process of behavioral change relevant to adoption. They are either completely different, similar, or improvements of previously developed models. Therefore, compilation and summarization of these theories and models will support future studies and researchers. Thus, an analysis of literature on technology adoption was conducted. The review was prepared based on literature from various sources spanning around 50 years. The theories and models identified by different studies were compiled and analyzed in this review paper. Many theories and models in agricultural technology adoption such as transtheoretical model, theory of reasoned action, theory of interpersonal behavior, model for innovation-decision process, different versions of technology acceptance model, theory of planned behavior, theory of diffusion of innovation, task-technology fit, technology readiness, unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, expectancy livelihood model, social cognitive theory, and perceived characteristics of innovating theory were compiled. Each theory and model has its own uniqueness, which had explained different aspects of technology adoption process and factors determining the behavioral change. These theories and models included affecting factors such as technological, personal, social, and economical factors. In conclusion, it can be stated that, rather than having a single theory or a model, an integrated and amalgamated form will be more explanatory for technology adoption.

Extension is challenged with meeting the needs of a variety of stakeholders. As the country becomes more urban, Extension may need to adapt programming to reach new clients. Having an understanding about what, when, and how urban food producers gather information is important to address their needs. Information that is relevant, up-to-date, and meets clients' needs, enables their ability to adopt new ideas and innovative technologies, providing more opportunities for success. A mixed-method research design explored the information needs and information-seeking behavior of urban food producers in Columbus, Ohio. Urban food producers in this study most needed information to increase food production. Respondents preferred to receive information from the Internet and other electronic media over conventional information sources. This group of urban producers trusted information from university and Extension sources, but expressed mixed opinions about their personal experiences with OSU Extension.

Rural Tea Development Societies (RTS) have been established by the Tea Small Holdings Development Authority (TSHDA) to address the critical issues faced by the tea smallholders. This study attempted to assess the present status and the capacity of the RTS and also identify the attributes that affect their capacity. The perception of Tea Inspectors (TIs), the key entities responsible for extension support for the smallholders, were collected from twelve Focus Group Discussions. The opinions of 65 TIs with over five years of work experiences (who interact with about 575 RTS in seven major tea smallholding area) were analysed by qualitatively. Results revealed, that the majority of RTS are not performing well due to internal factors such as poor leadership, lack of enthusiasm of members, lack of trustworthiness, status of the members, attitudes of members and also due to external factors such as ruralurban context, government benefits, the role of the extension agent, changes in the external environment, the effect of other organisation and politics. Contribution of the Main Officers, Management Committee and the membership is greater in RTS that are highly active than that of the poorly active RTS. The self-reliance capacity was low in the majority of the RTS and was highly dependent on TIs and the government's assistance. Inbuilt weaknesses in the organisational culture were identified, mainly with respect to attitudes. The majority of RTSs are not goal-oriented. The majority of RTS are not dynamic in organisational performances. Finally, their key extension agents feel that critical intervention is required to overcome the above weaknesses.