Soil conservation projects and their consequences: the behavior analysis of Iranian farmers

This study aims to evaluate the consequences of protective tillage projects and investigate farmers' behavior during their implementation, contributing to the field of sustainable agriculture. The study focused on farmers participating in a soil conservation project in Kermanshah County, Iran (N = 70). Employing a quantitative approach, a validated questionnaire serves as the research instrument, ensuring the reliability of data collection. The study identified the social, environmental, and economic factors as the most significant consequences of the protective tillage project according to farmers' rankings. The study uncovers that implementing the protective tillage project not only leads to desirable outcomes such as income generation, employment opportunities, and improved social welfare but also enhances community participation and communication within the region. This novel finding highlights the social benefits associated with agricultural innovations and emphasizes the importance of fostering local engagement. Furthermore, the study sheds light on the factors influencing farmers' behavioral intentions. It identifies mental norms, attitudes, and perceived behavioral control as significant determinants of farmers' willingness to adopt protective tillage practices. This insight provides valuable guidance for designing effective intervention strategies and promoting behavioral changes among farmers, ultimately fostering the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. In conclusion, this research contributes to the literature on sustainable agriculture by evaluating the consequences of protective tillage projects, uncovering the social benefits they bring, and exploring the underlying factors that drive farmers' behavioral intentions. By aligning protective tillage systems with farmers' behavioral processes, long-term sustainability in agriculture can be ensured. The study emphasizes the necessity of collaborative efforts between farmers and extension agencies in delivering soil conservation projects effectively. Ultimately, this study demonstrates the applicability of behavioral theories in driving agricultural innovations, paving the way for future research and policy development in the field of sustainable agriculture.