Journal of Geographical Studies of Mountainous Areas

Journal of Geographical Studies of Mountainous Areas

Pro-environmental behavior of vegetable farmers in Kermanshah Township: A causal analysis

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Sara Namdari 1
Amirhossein Alibaygi 2
Masumeh Taghibeigi 3
1 Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, College of Agricuture & Natura Resources, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
2 , Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, College of Agricuture & Natura Resources, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.
3 Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, College of Agricuture & Natura Resources, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.
10.22034/gsma.2025.2044107.1037
Abstract
1. Introduction
Fresh vegetables are vital for human health and contribute significantly to overall quality of life, leading to an increased demand for their consumption in various societies. However, the quality of these vegetables has declined due to the excessive use of chemical fertilizers intended to accelerate growth and chemical pesticides used for quick pest, disease, and weed control. The widespread and often irrational application of these pesticides has led to several problems.
Considering the high per capita consumption of vegetables and the large areas devoted to their cultivation, it is crucial to identify the factors that influence vegetable growers' environmentally conscious behaviors. Understanding these factors can help direct efforts toward more sustainable practices that protect both the environment and public health.
 
2. Methodology
The research tool used for this study was a questionnaire designed by the researcher, which consisted of two sections: personal and professional information and nine categories of questions. The personal and professional information collected included gender, age, education, experience in vegetable farming, and any training courses completed.
The nine categories of questions were as follows:
- Environmental attitude (seven questions)
-Self-efficacy of the statistical population, specifically comprising vegetable growers from Miandarband (seven questions)
- Sense of responsibility (eight questions)
- Awareness of consequences (eight questions)
- Awareness of action strategies (ten questions)
- Practical skills (eleven questions)
- Farmers' intentions towards the environment (six questions)
-Environmentally responsible behavior (eleven questions)
- Situational factors (nine questions)
Responses to the questions were measured on a five-point Likert scale, where 1 indicated "completely disagree," 2 indicated "disagree," 3 indicated "neutral," 4 indicated "agree," and 5 indicated "completely agree."
To analyze the model and assess the relationships involved in the research, structural equation modeling was performed using Smart PLSWIN4 software.
 
3. Results
The average environmental attitude among farmers was 3.45 out of 5, indicating a relatively positive outlook toward the environment. They demonstrated a significant level of self-efficacy. However, the average score for farmers' sense of responsibility was 2.94, suggesting lower levels of responsibility. Farmers exhibited considerable awareness of the environmental consequences of their actions and demonstrated familiarity with strategies for preserving the environment. The assessment of farmers' practical skills yielded a relatively high average score of 3.95. Their intentions toward environmentally friendly behavior was notably strong, and they largely engaged in responsible environmental practices during vegetable production. The results indicated that all examined variables positively and significantly influenced the inclination toward environmentally responsible behaviors. However, situational factors had a negative and significant impact, while intention showed a positive and significant effect.
 
4. Discussion
Based on the findings, farmers' environmental attitudes have a positive and significant relationship with several constructs, including self-efficacy, sense of responsibility, awareness of consequences, intentions toward the environment, and environmentally responsible behavior. This indicates that farmers with a more positive attitude toward the environment tend to perform better in various positive aspects of agriculture. These results align with the research of Hijazi and Eshaghi (2013) and Yaqoubi Farani et al. (2019), who highlighted the role of attitude in influencing sustainable agricultural practices. They emphasize the importance of vegetable farmers' attitudes toward key aspects of sustainable agriculture, such as product health, environmental pollution, and resource protection, especially regarding water. Furthermore, farmers' self-efficacy is significantly related to several other factors. Self-efficacy, defined as a person’s belief in their ability to perform necessary behaviors to achieve specific goals, plays a crucial role in shaping vegetable growers' intentions and actions regarding sustainable practices. For example, the knowledge and skills of vegetable growers in managing weeds are critical factors influencing their intention to adopt environmentally responsible behaviors. Those with higher self-efficacy in weed management are more likely to implement integrated weed management strategies in their fields.
 
5. Conclusion
Providing subsidies or financial incentives can help farmers mitigate financial burdens and encourage the adoption of more environmentally friendly practices. Educating consumers about the importance of sustainable agriculture and the health benefits of eco-friendly products can boost demand, leading to higher prices and, ultimately, increased income for farmers. Given the extensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, it is crucial to raise awareness and promote integrated pest and disease management techniques that combine biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods, all while minimizing economic, health, and environmental risks. This approach can significantly reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides in vegetable farming. Additionally, implementing stricter regulations on the use of chemical pesticides, including limitations on the types and quantities allowed, can further decrease the usage of harmful substances in agriculture. Vegetable growers recognize that their practices significantly impact public health and contribute to their communities. However, these beliefs are often shaped by concerns related to their family's financial stability and livelihood. Therefore, effective management of agricultural practices is essential to ensure a high quality of life and income for the families of vegetable farmers. This necessitates the development of systematic and practical mechanisms for producing healthy vegetables.
Keywords
Environmetally-friendly behavior
Environmental attitude
Action strategies
Self-efficacy
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Journal of Geographical Studies of Mountainous Areas
Volume 6, Issue 3 - Serial Number 23
Autumn
Summer 2025
Pages 1-22