Explanation of Farmer's Water Conservation Behaviors Using Extended Planned Behavior Theory: The Case of Farmers in Aleshtar County

Maintaining food security at the national and household level is a major priority in most developing countries. However, without irrigation, the rapid increases in agricultural yields and outputs could not have been achieved. Thus, water scarcity leads to food insecurity. Agricultural sector is the largest consumer of water in Iran. Thus, conservation and appropriate use of water by farmers in past and present could have a significant impact on food security of the country. This paper used the theory of planned behavior as the theoretical base, to investigate the intention and water conservation behavior of farmers in Aleshtar county of Lorestan province. Sample of the research was selected based on multistage stratified random sampling (n = 360). Findings revealed that, three variables influenced intention toward water conservation: attitude, personal norm, and self-identity. In other hand, water conservation behavior was significantly determined by self-efficacy and intention. The results also showed that, adding two variables, personal norm and self-identity, to Theory of Planned Behavior increase the theory predictive power. Finally, based on the research results, suggestions for better use of water by farmers were provided.