Influences on Farmer Behavior in Integrated Pest Management: IPM Knowledge, Local Wisdom, and Motivation in Palu City

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) knowledge, local wisdom, and farmer motivation on farmer behavior in IPM within Palu, Central Sulawesi. A causative multivariate analysis method was employed, incorporating path analysis for explanatory purposes, and an expost facto correlational research design was executed. Data were systematically and standardly collected via structured questionnaires and observational tests. Both descriptive and inferential analysis techniques were employed for the evaluation of the collected data. A sample of 115 horticultural farmers across six villages in Palu City was selected through a simple proportional sampling method. The study findings suggest a direct influence on farmer behavior in IPM from IPM knowledge (2.43%), local wisdom (2.13%), and farmer motivation (37.45%). Furthermore, evidence was found of significant increases in IPM behavior via motivation, from 2.43% to 4.24% with respect to IPM knowledge and from 2.13% to 6.10% concerning local wisdom. The study concludes that enhancements in IPM behavior could be achieved through bolstering IPM knowledge, local wisdom, and farmer motivation. These findings have implications for the improvement of integrated pest control practices among farmers.