Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Precision Agriculture Technologies (PATs) are increasingly considered core strategic instruments for achieving a sustainable farming system. It is now widely recognised that these technologies enhance productivity and resource efficiency and help resist environmental degradation. Yet, adoption remains disparate across regions and farming systems. The present study investigates two broad categories of determinants in terms of economic and behavioural factors that are affecting farmers’ willingness to adopt PATs in the heterogeneous contexts of Spain and Lithuania. Furthermore, to provide a more thorough understanding, the mediating role of behavioural attributes in the relationship between economic factors and adoption intentions has been examined. The study utilised survey data collected from the study areas between 2022 and 2023 on 190 commercial grain farmers. A comprehensive theoretical framework incorporating Expected Utility Theory, the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Technology Acceptance Model was developed for the conceptual foundation. To measure latent behavioural and perceptual constructs from Likert-scale survey data, a Principal Component Analysis was performed. Probit and Tobit regression models were utilised to estimate willingness to adopt and adoption intensity, and structural equation modelling was employed for mediation analysis. Study results show that economic institutional factors, such as extension services, cooperative membership, and affiliation with farmer-based organisations, significantly increase the willingness to adopt. Educational profile also plays a crucial role. Besides, among the behavioural and perceptual constructs, subjective norms, behavioural control, self-efficacy, and advisors’ readiness have been found to be strong predictors of adoption. Interestingly, the traditionally recognised economic factors, such as farm income, farm size, and access to credit, have been found to be statistically insignificant. Mediation decomposition provided further notable results, indicating that behavioural and perceptual determinants partially offset economic effects, which was reflected in a negative indirect economic effect mediated by behavioural components. Based on the results and associated findings, the study suggests that economic incentives alone cannot enhance PAT adoption; rather, they should be combined with institutional and behavioural preparedness. To do so, an integrated, context-sensitive, and factor-specific policy upgrade has been recommended.