How Do Path Dependencies in Family Farming Affect Behavioural Intentions to Adopt Sustainable Practices? Exploring the Potential of Developing Carbon Farming by Smallholders in Serbia

Carbon farming (CF) is an approach to agricultural production that aims to increase soil organic carbon. The main objective of this article was to investigate the intentions of Serbian farmers to implement CF practices based on an extended model of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). The research sample consisted of cereal farmers from northern Serbia. The analysis was conducted using structural equation modelling and simultaneous confirmatory factor analysis. The novelty of the study lies in revealing the role of embeddedness in a family farm context, reinforced by specific morality, both of which play a significant role in shaping farmers' intentions. However, the effect of such path dependencies was ambiguous. Path dependencies had a positive effect on subjective norms, which in turn had an indirect positive effect on intentions. However, in relation to perceived behavioural control, path dependencies had a negative effect on intentions to adopt CF. The paradox that the more experienced and confident farmers were less likely to adopt sustainable practices was explained by an overconfidence bias, which is a useful observation for policy makers in terms of developing extension services. A second important finding is the confirmation of the key role of morality and the identification of motives related to land succession, which will be also useful for agricultural policy.