Analysis of Farmers' Soil Conservation Behaviors Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (Case Study: Golestan Province)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D Student, Agricultural Extension and Education, University of Zanjan

2 Associate professors, Department of Agricultural Extension, Communication and Rural Development, University of Zanjan

3 Associate professors, Department of Soil Science, University of Zanjan

4 Ph.D Graduate, Agricultural Development, University of Tabriz

10.22034/saps.2026.70443.3440

Abstract

Abstract
Introduction and Goal: Soil conservation is a fundamental requirement for sustainable agriculture, and its success depends on farmers' behavior. Given the critical state of soil erosion in Golestan Province and the low adoption rate of conservation agriculture in Iran, this study aimed to analyze farmers' soil conservation behavior in Golestan Province
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted within the framework of structural equation modeling. A total of 380 farmers from Golestan Province were selected using a multistage random sampling method from 24 villages in four counties. Data were collected using a questionnaire with confirmed validity and reliability. Structural equation modeling in AMOS24 software was employed to test the hypotheses and examine the causal relationships among the constructs of attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention, and soil conservation behavior.
Findings: Attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control positively and significantly explained 43% of the variance in farmers' behavioral intention. Behavioral intention played a significant mediating role in the relationship between the three aforementioned constructs and soil conservation behavior, and the final model explained 26% of the variance in soil conservation behavior.
Conclusion: Despite the presence of positive attitudes among farmers, there is a significant gap between intention and actual soil conservation behavior. Therefore, in addition to education and attitude change, policymakers and agricultural extension systems should address and eliminate perceptual and structural barriers by providing subsidies for conservation agriculture, implementing practical farm training, and strengthening social norms through pioneer farmers.

Keywords

Journal of Agricultural Science and Sustainable Production

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 22 October 2027

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