In the heart of Maharashtra, India, farmers are grappling with water scarcity, a challenge that threatens their livelihoods and the region’s agricultural productivity. Against this backdrop, a recent study published in *Frontiers in Water* (translated as *Frontiers in Water*) offers a nuanced understanding of why farmers are slow to adopt micro-irrigation technologies, despite government promotions aimed at improving water use efficiency and mitigating climate change impacts.
The research, led by Anja Šaponjić from the Department of Water Management at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, combines two well-established behavioral models—the RANAS model and the SSBC model—to uncover the socio-economic, psychological, and contextual factors influencing irrigation technology adoption. Šaponjić and her team employed a mixed-method approach, surveying 419 farming households and conducting 22 qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data.
One of the key findings is that farmers who perceive their water sources as increasingly unreliable are less likely to adopt micro-irrigation systems. “Farmers who are concerned about the availability of their water source and believe that accessing water is becoming more difficult may not adopt these technologies,” Šaponjić explains. This insight highlights the critical role of water security in driving technological adoption.
The study also reveals that financial capabilities and technical skills are significant drivers of micro-irrigation adoption. Farmers who are more financially stable and confident in their ability to purchase and maintain these systems are more likely to adopt them. However, the research also shows that wealthier farmers often prioritize their ability to invest over the water-saving benefits of efficient irrigation systems.
Perhaps most notably, the study underscores the impact of government policies and trust on farmers’ decisions. The complex and uncertain process of obtaining micro-irrigation subsidies, combined with low trust in the government and feelings of unfairness, significantly discourages adoption. “Tremendous efforts, high uncertainty in the subsidy process, and low trust in the government negatively influence farmers and discourage them from adopting micro-irrigation,” Šaponjić notes.
The findings offer valuable insights for designing more effective behavior change strategies and encouraging the adoption of water-efficient irrigation technologies. By understanding the multifaceted factors influencing farmers’ decisions, policymakers and technology providers can tailor their approaches to better meet the needs and concerns of the farming community.
This research not only sheds light on the complexities of irrigation technology adoption but also provides a roadmap for future developments in the field. As climate change continues to exacerbate water scarcity, the insights from this study will be crucial in shaping policies and technologies that support sustainable agriculture and resilient livelihoods.