A structural equation modeling approach to factors that influence farmers' behaviour and behavioural intentions towards water policy changes

Abstract

The objective of this study is to develop a better understanding of farmers’ behavioural intentions to possible water policy changes in Alberta. A survey of irrigators in southern Alberta was conducted in 2012 and the data were analyzed with Structural Equation Models. Findings indicate that farm business characteristics, values, attitudes, and past behaviour influenced farmers’ behavioural intentions towards water policy changes. Farmers’ intention to agree to volumetric water pricing was influenced negatively by business cycle and positively by values of Universalism related to nature and farming business attitudes; farmers’ intention to transfer water was influenced negatively by business cycle, values of Universalism related to human and land attachment attitudes, and positively by values of Universalism related to nature. Farms’ position in the business cycle was positively related to intentions to improve irrigation equipment; past behaviour was negatively related to intention to reduce irrigation water if the price of water increased.