Analysis of Behavioral Intention to Use Solar Irrigation Systems in Agricultural Sector of Naghadeh County: The Convergence of TPB and TAM Models

Providing energy for pumping water to pressurized irrigation networks in the agricultural sector on the one hand, environmental crises and global concerns about the consequences and effects of fossil fuels on the environment on the other hand, have led to the necessity of changing mental patterns about the use of clean and renewable energy. In the meantime, solar energy is a response to the challenges posed. The purpose of this study was to analyze the farmers’ behavioral intention towards the use of solar cells in irrigation systems. The statistical population was included (N= 7172) irrigated farmers who were selected (n=365) farmers as a sample group using the table of Krejcie and Morgan. The research instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire which its content validity was confirmed by a panel of agricultural extension and education experts and discriminant validity (AVE). Also, its reliability, using Cronbach's alpha and the Composite reliability indices was obtained in the optimal range. Data processing in both descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSSWin22 and LISREL8.8 software and achieve goals with structural equation modeling was conducted. According to the analyses, a significant correlation between the variables of “behavioral intention”, “attitude”, “subjective norm”, “perceived behavioral control”, “perceived ease of use” and “perceived usefulness” were observed. Also, based on the results of modeling, the independent and mediating variables of the study had a significant effect on the farmers’ behavioral intentions. Those five variables explained 64 percent of the total variance of farmers' behavioral intentions in using solar cells.