Narrowing the gaps between perception and adoption behavior of integrated pest management by farmers: incentive and challenge

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an important strategy in global agriculture, aimed at maintaining the growth trend of food production without compromising environmental integrity or human health. Despite various measures taken by the government to encourage farmers to adopt IPM technologies, the adoption rate of IPM in China remains insufficient. This study finds that the number of farmers who adopt IPM to a high degree is significantly lower than those who view IPM as a win-win solution for profits and the environment. To address the gap between attitudes and behaviors, this research utilizes data from a survey of 480 households in Dengkou County, Inner Mongolia, China, employing structural equation modeling to analyze the impact of farmers' perceived factors on IPM adoption rates. Additionally, a generalized linear mixed model is used to assess farmers' attitudes toward financial subsidies, while an Ordered Logit model conducts an empirical analysis of the factors influencing barriers to IPM adoption. The findings indicate that: (1) Farmers' overly optimistic expectations regarding the initial costs of IPM hinder their adoption; (2) Farmers who are skeptical about the economic benefits of IPM demonstrate greater interest in cash subsidies; (3) Land characteristics and farmer attributes influence farmers' evaluations of barriers to IPM adoption. To develop reasonable and effective policies aimed at narrowing the adoption gap for IPM, it is essential to thoroughly understand the characteristics of farmers and their perceptions of IPM, and to design incentive measures that account for group differences. Findings of the study provide information regarding the IPM adoption gap among farmers in China, thereby offering practical insights and empirical evidence to assist policymakers in developing appropriate policies. It also provides a framework for countries in similar situations globally to examine and address the adoption gap.