Building farmer efficacy to promote voluntary adoption of recommended 4R practices

Session: 39. - Managing Agriculture Water and Nutrients - Science Solutions for Tomorrows BMPs

Robyn Wilson, Ohio State University, [email protected]
Maggie Beetstra, Ohio State, [email protected]
Olivia Carros, Ohio State, [email protected]
Mary Doidge, Ohio State University, [email protected]

Abstract

Prior research in the western Lake Erie basin indicates that conservation practice adoption hinges on farmers’ beliefs that the recommended practices are effective, and easy to implement. Specifically, we find that an individual farmer is up to 10-15x more likely to already have one of several recommended practices in place when their levels of efficacy increase from low to high.  Although these findings suggest that building efficacy may be key to increasing future voluntary adoption, we must now work to understand how to increase these efficacy-related beliefs, and assess the extent to which increased adoption actually results from a change in efficacy.  To this end, I will report the results of several studies aimed at answering these questions.  The first is a set of experiments assessing the efficacy-increasing impact of standard forms of communication and outreach. The second is a panel survey of farmers assessing their changes in efficacy and practice adoption over time.  The results provide evidence among a representative group of farmers if adoption is increasing through voluntary as opposed to mandatory policies, and to what extent this change in adoption over time is a function of increased efficacy.

1. Keyword
water quality

2. Keyword
nutrients

3. Keyword
harmful algal blooms

4. Additional Keyword
communication

5. Additional Keyword
outreach

6. Additional Keyword
farmer behavior