Analysis of farmers’ willingness to adopt biological inputs (the case of Baghmalek County)

Chemical inputs in agriculture are the most important inputs that cause environmental and groundwater pollution. This is why agricultural activities and farmers' behavior can have direct effects on the environment. On this basis, a research study was conducted with the aim of analyzing and investigating the willingness to accept and consume biological inputs among farmers living in the villages of Meidawood sector of Baghmalek County in Khuzestan province using the survey method. The statistical population of the research included all the farmers of this region, among whom a sample size of 302 people was determined based on the Karjesi and Morgan table and by a simple random method (N=1400). The data collection tool was a questionnaire whose validity was confirmed based on experts' opinion and its reliability was confirmed by calculating the composite reliability index. Data were analyzed using SPSSv22 and Smart PLS3 software. The results showed that the studied farmers have a relatively favorable willingness towards the consumption of biological inputs. Also, there is a positive and significant relationship between farmers' attitude and willingness to accept biological inputs. In addition, the chi-square test between the willingness to consume biological inputs and different age levels of farmers was significant at the 1% level, and the results indicated that younger farmers were less willing to consume these inputs. The greatest willingness was among farmers aged 30 to 40 years.