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. 2025 Aug 19;15(1):30431.
doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-15580-x.

Analysis of psychological and social factors affecting climate change adaptation and mitigation behaviors among Iranian rice farmers

Moslem Savari  1 , Bagher Khaleghi  2
Affiliations

Analysis of psychological and social factors affecting climate change adaptation and mitigation behaviors among Iranian rice farmers

Moslem Savari et al. Sci Rep. .

Abstract

Rice is a vital staple crop, feeding billions globally. However, conventional rice farming practices, especially traditional irrigation techniques, are significant contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Flooded irrigation, in particular, creates anaerobic conditions that facilitate methane production-a GHG significantly more potent in terms of global warming potential compared to carbon dioxide. As a result, rice cultivation is a key driver of climate change (CC). Addressing these environmental challenges while maintaining sustainable productivity requires the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices. This study explores the factors influencing the adaptation and mitigation behaviors of Iranian rice farmers in response to CC. Utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) theory as theoretical frameworks, the research examines psychological and normative drivers that shape farmers' decision-making. This research was carried out in Shushtar County, located in Iran's Khuzestan Province in the southwest. The study utilized a structured survey tool, and the collected responses were analyzed through structural equation modeling (SEM). The results indicate that TPB more effectively explains adaptation intentions, while VBN provides greater insight into mitigation behaviors. The integrated TPB-VBN model accounts for 64.2% of the variance in adaptation intentions and 67.6% in mitigation intentions. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers aiming to foster sustainable rice farming practices that align with CC adaptation and mitigation objectives.

Keywords: Adaptation and mitigation behaviors; Clean production; Climate change; Climate-smart farming; Iran.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Conceptual framework of the research.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
The location of Shushtar County in Iran and Khuzestan Province. (Source: Research findings)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Results of the TPB model in the context of intention to adopt adaptation and mitigation behaviors. (Source: Research findings)
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Results of the VBN model on the intention to adopt adaptation and mitigation behaviors. (Source: Research findings)
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Results of the VBN-TPB model on the intention to adopt adaptation and mitigation behaviors. (Source: Research findings)
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Model TPB-VBN with t-value.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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