Geography and Human Relationships

Geography and Human Relationships

Explaining Farmers' Soil Conservation Behaviors: Emphasizing the Role of Education and Behavioral Factors

Document Type : projects

Authors
Bahman Khosravipour 1
Narges Karimi 2
Ameneh Savari Mambani 3
1 Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Khuzestan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Ahvaz, Khuzestan, Iran
2 Agricultural and Rural Development, Agriculture, and Natural Resources of Khuzestan, Ahvaz, Iran
3 PhD in Agricultural Extension and Education, Social Leader, Dezab Consulting Engineering Company, Ahvaz, Khuzestan, Iran
10.22034/gahr.2026.569843.2658
Abstract
Soil degradation is a critical challenge to agricultural sustainability globally, threatening food security and ecosystem health. Despite the availability of effective technical solutions, the adoption of conservation practices by farmers, especially in developing countries, remains limited. Drawing on the planned behavior model and the new environmental belief theory, this review examines the role of agricultural education as a mediator and facilitator in shaping conservation behaviors. Findings suggest that education can not only strengthen farmers’ attitudes, perceived social norms, perceived behavioral control, and environmental beliefs, but also pave the way for sustainable behavior change by linking technical knowledge and psychological motivations. Integrating these theoretical frameworks in the design of educational programs can also help reduce the gap between knowledge and practice. This study emphasizes that effective educational interventions must go beyond the transfer of technical information and focus on a deep understanding of the psychological and cultural mechanisms influencing farmers' decision-making.
Keywords
Soil conservation
Agricultural education
Farmers'
environmental behavior
Theory of Planned Behavior
New Ecological Paradigm

Subjects

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Geography and Human Relationships
Volume 8, Issue 4 - Serial Number 32
Winter 2026
Pages 193-202

  • Receive Date 01 December 2025
  • Revise Date 28 November 2025
  • Accept Date 01 January 2026