Behavioural drivers of thiamethoxam use among perennial and annual crop farmers in Indonesia: an extended theory of planned behavior approach

Abstract

Thiamethoxam (TMX) is a systemic pesticide that safeguards both perennial and annual crops from pests but presents environmental risks. Effective pesticide regulation requires a thorough understanding of farmers’ behavior. This article aims to examine: 1) the factors influencing farmers’ behavioral intention to use thiamethoxam; and 2) the differences in these factors between farmers who cultivate perennial and annual crops. The extended Theory of Planned Behaviour was applied through structured questionnaire interviews with 300 farmers across five Indonesian provinces, key production centres for perennial (coffee and cocoa), and annual crops (rice and maize), ensuring comprehensive data collection. The collected data were examined through structural equation modelling using PLS-SEM. The findings indicated that all predictor factors together explain 65% of the variation in farmers’ behavioral intention to use TMX (R2 = 0.651), which falls within the moderate to high range. Results revealed that attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, knowledge, and trust significantly influenced farmers’ behavioral intentions to use thiamethoxam. In contrast, moral norms and a progressive farming approach were not the determining factors. Farmers used TMX for its effectiveness, social acceptability, adequate resources, implementation knowledge, and products and producers’ reputation. Farmers prioritized economic benefits over environmental concerns, while limited access to innovation slowed sustainable farming practices. Differences between perennial and annual crop farmers were significant only in subjective norms and perceived behavioral control, likely due to the differences in the nature of farming systems and environment.