Factors enabling and preventing farming practice change: An evidence review. (15th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: David, Patricia; Roemer, Carina; Anibaldi, Renata; Rundle-Thiele, Sharyn
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 322(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-11-15
• Subjects: Farming practice -- Behaviour change -- Barriers -- Enablers -- Human dimension; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115789
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: With environmental degradation reaching emergency levels, urgent action for preventable behaviours is needed. There is limited scientific evidence available indicating key success factors that can be implemented to support lasting farming practice change. This study reports the outcomes of an evidence review that was undertaken to identify influential factors for farming practice change. The systematic literature review identified data sources derived from six databases (EBSCO All Databases, Emerald, ProQuest All Databases, Ovid All Databases, Web of Science and Scopus). The search yielded a total of 5044 results. After first and second-tier exclusion criteria, 363 articles were fully reviewed to determine which sources would inform this study. A total of 75 studies reported factors inhibiting or promoting farming practice change. A total of 26 barriers and enablers were identified across seven key dimensions, namely: Financial Support & Market forces; Information dissemination; Farmer & Farm characteristics; Institutional setting & Regulations, Stakeholder interactions; Farming practice; Beliefs, Attitudes and Individual Capabilities. Limitations and future research opportunities were identified. Highlights: There is limited scientific evidence available indicating key success factors that influence lasting farming practice change. A total of 26 factors were found to influence farmers' decision making. Seven human dimensions were identified to be the main drivers of sustainable farming behaviour.