Drivers of Capia Pepper Farmers' Intentions and Behaviors on Pesticide Use in Turkey: A Structural Equation Model

The main actors responsible for pesticide use behavior are farmers. Still, factors are influencing the pesticide use behavior of farmers in the background. The theory of planned behavior is a widely used concept that explains farmers' pesticide use behavioral intention. However, previous studies show that behavior is not included in the model. As a novelty, it was investigated whether behavioral intention transforms into behavior in this study. In this context, it is the first study conducted in Turkey. Turkey is in the top three for pepper production in the world. In addition, pepper is among the agricultural products that use the most pesticides. This study aims to determine and explain Capia pepper farmers' pesticide reduction intention and pesticide use behaviors in Turkey. For this purpose, the pesticide use behaviors of farmers in the province of canakkale, which ranks first in Capia pepper production in Turkey, were analyzed with the Structural Equation Model. Face-to-face surveys were conducted with 206 Capia pepper farmers selected by a proportional sampling method. The research results show that subjective norms and attitudes are important determinants of farmers' willingness to reduce pesticide use. Likewise, perceived behavioral control is a unique factor in farmers' use of pesticides. However, farmers' intentions to reduce pesticide use were not reflected in their actions. It is important to increase awareness among farmers about pesticide behavior. Agricultural policy implications should be planned that target the perceived behavior, subjective norms, and attitudes of farmers regarding pesticide use.