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Farmers’ Incentives and the Adoption of Sustainable Plant Protection Approaches
Fig. 1.　Drivers of farmers’ behavior and the adoption of sustainable plant protection approaches (SPPAs). This conceptual framework illustrates the interplay between farm-related and non-farm factors influencing farmers’ adoption of SPPA practices. Farm-related factors include farm type, risk attitude, risk perception, knowledge, and literacy, which shape farmers’ ability and willingness to implement SPPAs. Non-farm factors, such as social capital and norms, public sector policies and extension services, and market-driven incentives from the private sector, further interact to drive behavioral changes. Personality traits and perceived behavioral control act as cross-cutting influences between these domains. The figure highlights how these interconnected drivers collectively affect the adoption of SPPAs, emphasizing the complexity and multidimensional nature of farmers’ decision-making processes.
Fig. 1.　Drivers of farmers’ behavior and the adoption of sustainable plant protection approaches (SPPAs). This conceptual framework illustrates the interplay between farm-related and non-farm factors influencing farmers’ adoption of SPPA practices. Farm-related factors include farm type, risk attitude, risk perception, knowledge, and literacy, which shape farmers’ ability and willingness to implement SPPAs. Non-farm factors, such as social capital and norms, public sector policies and extension services, and market-driven incentives from the private sector, further interact to drive behavioral changes. Personality traits and perceived behavioral control act as cross-cutting influences between these domains. The figure highlights how these interconnected drivers collectively affect the adoption of SPPAs, emphasizing the complexity and multidimensional nature of farmers’ decision-making processes.

Author:Po-An Lin*, Wan-Yi Liao, Shuay-Tsyr Ho, Chia-Wei Hsieh, and Tsung-Han Li

Abstract:

Adopting sustainable plant protection approaches (SPPAs) is critical for addressing environmental challenges and ensuring sustainable agricultural systems. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the factors influencing farmers’ adoption of SPPAs, focusing on behavioral, social, and institutional drivers. Farm-related determinants include health concerns, risk perceptions, economic stability, and literacy regarding SPPA benefits and implementation. Non-farm factors such as social norms, government policies, and stakeholder interactions also shape adoption behaviors. The role of social networks and extension services is underscored as critical mechanisms for knowledge transfer and motivation, with farmer-to-farmer interactions emerging as particularly influential. Despite evidence supporting the environmental and economic benefits of SPPAs, barriers such as high costs, perceived inefficacy, and limited access to information and technical resources persist. Government interventions, including subsidies, training programs, and crop insurance, are identified as key tools to mitigate risks and financial burdens associated with SPPAs. However, systemic issues, such as fragmented policies and conflicting market pressures, often hinder the adoption of SPPAs. This review highlights the need for integrated, evidence-based strategies that align incentives across stakeholders, leverage psychological insights into behavior change, and address regional and cultural differences in agricultural systems. Advancing SPPA adoption requires long-term research and coordinated efforts among researchers, policymakers, and the agricultural community to build resilient and sustainable farming practices globally.

Key words:Farmers’ behavior, Integrated pest management (IPM), Agricultural sustainability, Agricultural policy, Stakeholders

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Journal of
Taiwan Agricultural Research
Vol. 74, No.2 (2025) ISSN: 2790-086X Vol. 74, No.2 (2025)
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