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Knowledge, attitude and behavior of farmers in farmland conservation in China: an application of the structural equation model

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  • Fanus Asefaw Aregay
  • Zhao Minjuan
  • Xu Tao

Abstract

We analyzed the relationship between the conservation behavior of farmers and their environmental attitude and knowledge, whilst controlling for exogenous socio-economic factors. We employed the structural equation model with cross-sectional data from 442 farmers from the Guanzhong Plain of China. Results showed that local farmers generally possessed a positive environmental attitude and undertook considerable conservation action. Conservation behavior was directly affected by environmental attitude and indirectly by environmental knowledge (via attitude). Social networks, farm size, land rights, age and incentives were significant exogenous explanatory variables. Thus, understanding the importance of socio-behavioral characteristics, including the environmental attitude and knowledge of farmers, is important for the development of farmland conservation policies. Specifically, farmers in this area were found to significantly depend on each other for information on farmland conservation practices. Thus, role model farmer discussions, dissemination of environmentally friendly techniques via social networks and the rewarding of environmentally friendly behavior among farmers should be used to encourage ongoing restoration endeavors, and thereby help mitigate environmental degradation.

Suggested Citation

  • Fanus Asefaw Aregay & Zhao Minjuan & Xu Tao, 2018. "Knowledge, attitude and behavior of farmers in farmland conservation in China: an application of the structural equation model," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 61(2), pages 249-271, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jenpmg:v:61:y:2018:i:2:p:249-271
    DOI: 10.1080/09640568.2017.1301895
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    Cited by:

    1. Wang, Jianming & Li, Yongqiang & He, Zhengxia & Gao, Jian & Wang, Jianguo, 2022. "Scale framing, benefit framing and their interaction effects on energy-saving behaviors: Evidence from urban residents of China," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 166(C).
    2. Lin Meng & Wentao Si, 2022. "Pro-Environmental Behavior: Examining the Role of Ecological Value Cognition, Environmental Attitude, and Place Attachment among Rural Farmers in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-24, December.
    3. Shixin Ren & Erling Li & Qingqing Deng & Haishan He & Sijie Li, 2018. "Analysis of the Impact of Rural Households’ Behaviors on Heavy Metal Pollution of Arable Soil: Taking Lankao County as an Example," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-15, November.
    4. Maertens, Annemie & Wollni, Meike & Wei, Jaizhu & Li, Lingzhi & Zhou, Li, 2023. "Reducing antibiotics: Evidence from an Experiment among Poultry Farmers in China," 2023 Annual Meeting, July 23-25, Washington D.C. 335494, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    5. Mumah, Edwin & Chen, Yangfen & Hong, Yu & Okello, Dickson, 2024. "Machinery Adoption and Its Effect on Maize Productivity among Smallholder Farmers in Western Kenya: Evidence from the Chisel Harrow Tillage Practice," Research on World Agricultural Economy, Nan Yang Academy of Sciences Pte Ltd (NASS), vol. 5(1), January.
    6. Hua Lu, 2019. "Impact of Non-Agricultural Employment and Environmental Awareness on Farmers’ Willingness to Govern the Heavy Metal Pollution of Farmland: A Case Study of China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-16, April.
    7. Yu-Shan Chen & Xin Yan & Chor-Beng Anthony Liew, 2023. "University Social Responsibility in China: The Mediating Role of Green Psychological Capital," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-19, February.
    8. Bowen Wang & Desheng Hu & Diandian Hao & Meng Li & Yanan Wang, 2021. "Influence of Government Information on Farmers’ Participation in Rural Residential Environment Governance: Mediating Effect Analysis Based on Moderation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-15, November.
    9. Ma, Jun & Gao, Huixian & Cheng, Changgao & Fang, Zhou & Zhou, Qin & Zhou, Haiwei, 2023. "What influences the behavior of farmers' participation in agricultural nonpoint source pollution control?—Evidence from a farmer survey in Huai'an, China," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 281(C).

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