Drivers of Capia Pepper Farmers’ Intentions and Behaviors on Pesticide Use in Turkey: A Structural Equation Model

Abstract

The main actors responsible for pesticide use behavior are farmers. Still, drivers are influencing the pesticide use behavior of farmers in the background. The Theory of Planned Behavior is a widely used concept that explains farmers’ pesticide use behavioral intention. However, prior literature shows that behavior is not included model mainly. As a novelty, it was investigated whether behavioral intention transforms into behavior in this study. Again in this context, it is the first study conducted in Turkey. Turkey is in the top three for pepper production in the world. Also, pepper is one of the products that use the most pesticides. This study aims to determine and explain capia pepper farmers’ pesticide reduction intention and pesticide use behaviors in Turkey. For this purpose, pesticide use behaviors of farmers in the province of Çanakkale, which ranks first in capia pepper production in Turkey, were modeled with the Structural Equation Modeling. Face-to-face surveys were conducted with 206 capia pepper farmers selected by random sampling method. Research results show that subjective norms and attitudes are important determinants of farmers' willingness to reduce pesticide use. Likewise, perceived behavioral control is a unique factor in farmers' use of pesticides. However, farmers' intentions to reduce pesticide use were not reflected in their actions. It is important to increase the awareness of farmers about pesticide behavior. Agricultural policy implications should be planned that target the perceived behavior, subjective norms, and attitudes of farmers.