Socio-psychological factors influencing decision-making and implementation of IPM methods among Finnish farmers

Authors

• Eliisa Malin University of Helsinki
• Jaana Sorvali Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0371-7149
• Janne Kaseva Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8167-5434
• Marja Jalli Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3574-9639

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23986/afsci.162643

Keywords:

integrated pest management, plant protection, agriculture, behavioural science, theory of planned behaviour

Abstract

The European Union’s Green Deal aims to reduce the use of chemical pesticides, promoting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as a sustainable alternative. This study is the first to examine Finnish farmers’ perspectives on IPM adoption using a modified Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) framework. We included knowledge, moral norms, and well-being as additional factors to the original TPB components: attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control. Data were collected via an online survey (n=303), and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to analyse factor relationships. The model explained 72% of the variance in Intention and 49% in Behaviour. Moral norms, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control explained attitudes towards IPM. Attitude explained intention directly, which in turn explained actual IPM use. Knowledge of IPM emerged as a strong mediator affecting both intention and usage of IPM methods.  Based on our study, there is a need for targeted educational initiatives and support systems to facilitate the adoption of IPM while also considering broader socio-psychological factors that shape farmers’ attitudes.