Factor affecting usage of pest biological control practices by farmers in rice farm of Sari County

This research aimed to examine what determines the usage of pest biological control practices (BCP) by farmers in paddy land of Sari County. A revised Technology acceptance model (TAM), that integrate compatibility, BCP self-efficacy, facilitative conditions with TAM constructs (perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use) was used to conceptualize a research model. Subjects for this study were rice growers in Sari County. By using Cochran formula 136 farmers selected through a stratified random sampling method in 26 villages. Coronbach Alpha coefficient and confirmatory factor analysis was performed to test the reliability and validity of the measurement model. The structural equation modeling technique was used to evaluate the causal model. The results of causal model estimation provide experimental support for most of hypothesis of theoretical model. These results showed that compatibility, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use significantly affected farmers’ behavioral intention. Facilitative conditions had strong indirect impact on farmers’ behavioral intention through the mediators of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and BCP self-efficacy. Yet, the hypothesis for BCP self-efficacy effect on the perceived usefulness was not supported while on the perceived ease of use was supported. Some recommendations include; strengthening of extensional and training programs, employing skillful extension agents and improving technical supports are provided.