Adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM): The Case of Iranian Farmers

Abstract

Determining the influencing factors regarding adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) practices by farmers in Fars province of Iran is the main purpose of this study. Survey research was conducted using stratified random sampling and 151 farmers were interviewed. Data were analyzed using SPSS21 software and structural equation modeling based on Smart PLS software. Results revealed that the model presented in this study had a modest predictive power. It also showed the differences in the use of diverse activities of integrated pest management. Based on the findings of structural equation modeling, the comments of the reference group is the most important factor affecting the adoption of integrated pest management. Access to extension services about IPM, recourse availability, educational level and income are the other factors which influence the adoption process. The effective role of reference group, perception should be emphasized in order to increase adoption of IPM among farmers.