Rural Business Environments, Information Channels, and Farmers’ Pesticide Utilization Behavior: A Grounded Theory Analysis in Hainan Province, China

Xiaofeng Fan, Zhaojun Wang and Yumeng Wang
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Xiaofeng Fan: College of International Business, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
Zhaojun Wang: College of International Business, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China

Agriculture, 2024, vol. 14, issue 2, 1-25

Abstract: Rural business environments and informational sources play a pivotal role in shaping the dynamics of pesticide utilization in the agricultural sector. This study investigates the intricate mechanisms through which these environments impact farmers’ pesticide utilization practices and elucidates the key factors within rural business environments and information channels that influence such behaviors. By identifying effective strategies to promote judicious pesticide use among agricultural practitioners, this research aims to enhance the government’s ability to provide precise guidance to farmers, ultimately contributing to the preservation of ecological integrity. Employing grounded theory in conjunction with a series of comprehensive interviews with 32 cowpea farmers to gain firsthand insights, our investigation yielded the following key findings: (1) the enhancement of rural business environments has mitigated the impact of neighborhood influences on farmers’ pesticide use behavior; (2) farmers predominantly base their pesticide choices on verifiable information; (3) the influence of pesticide retailers on farmers’ pesticide use has significantly increased. Based on these findings, a dual-pronged approach is proposed. First, there should be sustained commitment to bolstering rural infrastructure, enhancing the entrepreneurial climate in rural regions, and fostering market liberalization. Second, it is imperative to disseminate advanced pesticide knowledge, demarcate effective information, and intensify dissemination efforts.

Keywords: pesticide utilization behavior; information channels; rural business environments; grounded theory (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
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