Mojgan Ahmadi Chegeni, Mehdi Rahimian, Rezvan Ghanbari Movahhed, Saeed Gholamrezaei, Homa Molavi ,
Volume 14, Issue 52 (9-2025)
Objective: Shifting cultivation from high-water-demand crops to those requiring less water is considered an effective adaptation strategy to water scarcity and drought, enabling the continuation of agricultural activities without abandonment. Implementing such a cropping change mechanism requires not only technical, supportive, and legal measures but also psychological interventions through the study of farmers’ behaviors and behavioral intentions regarding crop pattern change. This study aims to examine the behavioral intentions of irrigated wheat farmers toward cultivating low-water-demand crops using the Extended Theory of Planned Behavior (ETPB).
Methods: The statistical population comprised 711 irrigated wheat farmers in Kuhdasht County, Lorestan Province, Iran. Using Krejcie and Morgan’s table, a sample size of 250 farmers was determined. Participants were selected through a combination of stratified proportional allocation and convenience sampling. Data were collected via a researcher-designed questionnaire. Content validity was established through expert review by university professors and specialists from the Agricultural Jihad Water Affairs Department, with subsequent revisions implemented. Reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for all constructs, ranging from 0.78 to 0.93. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 22 and SmartPLS 4.
Results: Results indicated that all hypotheses were supported except for the effects of descriptive norms and risk perception on behavioral intention. The ETPB variables explained 44.8% of the variance in farmers’ behavioral intention. Farmers with higher incomes and larger landholdings showed greater willingness to shift from traditional crops to low-water-demand crops. No significant relationship was found between education level and willingness to change cropping patterns. A significant negative relationship between willingness to change and both age and farming experience suggests that older farmers are generally more risk-averse and less receptive to change compared to younger farmers.
Conclusions: Recommended strategies include establishing demonstration farms for low-water-demand crops such as saffron and medicinal plants suitable for local climatic conditions with the participation of progressive farmers; leveraging public media, social networks, and digital platforms; providing comprehensive support for low-water-demand cultivation through input supply, machinery, training, and advisory services during planting, growing, and harvesting; and preparing educational videos and booklets introducing such crops. These measures aim to encourage adoption among farmers.
