Explaining the role of farmers' self-efficacy and ease of technology application on the behavior of using low-pressure irrigation systems | ||
| تحقیقات مهندسی سازه های آبیاری و زهکشی | ||
| Volume 26, Autumn - Serial Number 100, September 2025, Pages 16-1 PDF (714.31 K) | ||
| Document Type: technical paper | ||
| DOI: 10.22092/idser.2025.370504.1628 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Arezou Mokhtari hesari* 1; Alireza Nemati2 | ||
| 1Assistant Professor, Department of Agriculture, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran. | ||
| 2Assistant Professor Department of Education Sciences, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran. | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Extended Abstract Introduction The majority of agricultural areas worldwide are managed using traditional surface irrigation methods. However, these methods face significant challenges, including inefficient water use and suboptimal productivity. Given their widespread use and low efficiency, improving surface irrigation systems has become essential. In recent decades, numerous initiatives have aimed to enhance the efficiency of irrigation systems and management practices. One such advancement is the development of low-pressure irrigation systems. Studies based on behavioral theories examining farmers’ adoption of irrigation technologies have identified several influential factors. Accordingly, this study aims to explain the role of technology ease of use and farmers’ self-efficacy in influencing their behavior toward adopting and using modern low-pressure irrigation systems. Materials and Methods The method of this research follows a quantitative paradigm. In terms of purpose, it is applied research, and in terms of data collection, it is descriptive research conducted through a survey. In total, 112,010 farmers in East Azerbaijan Province formed the study population, and a sample of 393 was selected using the Cochran formula through multi-stage sampling. The main data collection tool was a researcher-designed questionnaire consisting of three parts: the first part relates to the individual characteristics of the farmers, the second part concerns the characteristics of the exploitation system, and the third part includes items related to the main variables. The face and content validity of the questionnaire were confirmed by professors and subject matter experts. The reliability of the research instrument was determined using Cronbach’s alpha, and construct validity was assessed through convergent validity using confirmatory factor analysis. SPSS 20 and AMOS 21 software were used for data analysis. Results The measurement and structural model analyses indicated that model fit was acceptable across multiple indices and that the hypothesized relationships among the variables were logically consistent. Hypothesis testing revealed that all proposed relationships were statistically significant. Specifically, there was a positive and significant relationship between the perceived ease of use of the low-pressure irrigation system and farmers’ willingness to adopt it. Additionally, farmers’ self-efficacy was found to be significantly associated with their willingness to use the technology. Overall, structural equation modeling showed that ease of use and self-efficacy together explained 60% of the variance in farmers’ willingness to adopt low-pressure irrigation systems, with ease of use emerging as the stronger predictor. Conclusions This study investigated the factors influencing farmers’ adoption of low-pressure irrigation systems. Specifically, it examined the effects of perceived ease of use of the technology and farmers’ self-efficacy on their willingness to adopt such systems. The findings confirmed that both factors significantly influence adoption, with ease of use playing a particularly strong role. When the equipment, connections, and maintenance of the irrigation system are simple to operate and learn, farmers are more likely to adopt low-pressure irrigation. Additionally, farmers’ confidence in their ability to implement water conservation strategies enhances their conservation behavior. In other words, effective water conservation depends on farmers’ understanding and belief in their own capabilities. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Water consumption management; Modern irrigation system; Technology acceptance; Farmers' behavior | ||
| References | ||
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