Farmers' adaptation behavior to water scarcity in Western Iran: Application of the values-identity-personal norms model

Water scarcity is a major threat to food security and sustainable agriculture. Among the most vulnerable groups are farmers, who are increasingly exposed to the adverse impacts of water Scarcity. Regarding this issue, farmers need to adapt to water scarcity. Thus, understanding the factors influencing farmers' adaptative behavior is important. Therefore, this research aimed to determine the constructs that significantly affect the farmers' adaptative behavior to water scarcity. To achieve this, we used the Values-Identity-Personal Norms (VIP) model and added the construct of environmental self-efficacy. A survey was conducted in Kermanshah Province, located in the western region of Iran. Data for this study were gathered using a multi-stage cluster random sampling method. The study sample consisted of 380 irrigated wheat farmers. Structural equation modeling analysis showed that adding the environmental self-efficacy construct to the model, increased the explanatory power of water scarcity adaptation behavior by 9.3 %, and in total, 43 % of adaptive behavior was explained. The findings of this research contribute to the existing body of knowledge on adaptive behavior, particularly in the context of water scarcity. Practically, the current study provides a rationale for incorporating biospheric value, personal norms, environmental self-identity, and environmental self-efficacy into policy-making and decision-making processes, encouraging farmers to adopt water scarcity adaptation measures. • We suggest an extended Values-Identity-Personal Norms Model. • We employed a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach. • The extended model was more effective in explaining behavior. • Personal norm has a significant direct effect on adaptation behavior. • Environmental self-efficacy significantly influences adaption behavior.