Psychological Factors Affecting Farmers' Decision-Making about Water Conservation in Mahidasht Region, Kermanshah City

Articles in Press

Document Type : Applied Article

Authors

Reza Movahedi ¹

Maryam Shirkhani ²

¹ Bu-Ali Sina University

² Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University

10.22067/jwsd.2026.97332.1489

Abstract

The main aim of the present study was to investigate the psychological factors influencing farmers’ decision-making regarding agricultural water conservation in the Mahidasht region of Kermanshah, Iran. This applied research employed a quantitative methodology and a survey design for data collection, with a descriptive-analytical approach for data analysis. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire.The statistical population consisted of irrigated farmers in the Mahidasht region across two rural districts, Mahidasht and Chaqan-Narges, with a total population of 1,200 farmers (N = 1,200). The sample size was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan table, resulting in 291 respondents. A stratified random sampling method with proportional atribution was used.Data analysis was conducted in two stages—descriptive and inferential—using comparative statistical tests, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling. SPSS 26 and SmartPLS 3 were used for data processing.The results indicated that among the psychological factors examined, subjective norm, moral norm, personality, and perceived responsibility (attribution of responsibility) had a significant effect on farmers’ decision-making regarding water resource conservation at the 95% confidence level. In contrast, place attachment, conservation value, environmental concern, and attitude did not show a statistically significant effect.However, the non-significant effects of concern; values, place attachment, and attitude do not necessarily imply their irrelevance. Rather, these findings may reflect indirect relationships, conceptual overlap among variables, or the stronger influence of economic and contextual factors in farmers’ decision-making processes.

Keywords

Water crisis, water resource conservation, farmers' decision-making, psychological factors

Subjects

• Water Management and Economy

---