Impact of Ecological Cognitive Bias on Pesticide Reduction by Natural Rubber Farmers in China: Insight from Price Insurance Satisfaction

Donghui Chen, Jiyao Liu, Desheng Zhang, Zhixu Dong and Tao Xu ()
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Donghui Chen: International Business School, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
Jiyao Liu: International Business School, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
Desheng Zhang: International Business School, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
Zhixu Dong: International Business School, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
Tao Xu: International Business School, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China

Agriculture, 2024, vol. 14, issue 9, 1-17

Abstract: Some natural rubber farmers mistakenly equate the ecological functions of rubber plantations with those of primary forests. This cognitive bias can hinder pesticide reduction efforts. Meanwhile, natural rubber farmers gain security through price insurance, which helps them adopt a long-term perspective on environmental protection, mitigating the negative impact of cognitive biases on pesticide use decisions. However, existing research often overlooks the influence of ecological cognitive bias on pesticide reduction and the moderating role of price insurance satisfaction. This study utilizes field survey data from Hainan and employs logit models and double machine learning models to empirically analyze the impact of ecological cognitive bias on pesticide reduction among natural rubber farmers. It further tests the underlying mechanisms using moderation models. The results indicate that (1) ecological cognitive bias negatively affects pesticide reduction among natural rubber farmers, and (2) price insurance satisfaction mitigates the impact of ecological cognitive bias on pesticide reduction. Based on these findings, the government should enhance education and training to raise ecological awareness among natural rubber farmers and reduce ecological cognitive biases. Disseminating knowledge about price insurance and establishing a comprehensive insurance system can secure farmers’ income and promote the rational use of pesticides.

Keywords: pesticide reduction; ecological cognitive bias; price insurance satisfaction; natural rubber farmers (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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