Factors influencing climate change adaptation behavior among farmers

In this study, we investigate factors influencing climate change adaptation behavior among farmers using structural equation modeling. We examine interrelated causal relationships between contextual factors such as information searches, willingness to sacrifice, and trust in government, along with risk perception, attitude, and farmers' adaptation intentions. We also assess the relative importance of these variables in shaping adaptation behaviors. Data were collected through a combination of field and online surveys targeting farmers aged 19 and older in South Korea from September 2022 to April 2023, with a total of 642 respondents included in the analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to verify internal consistency, convergent validity, and discriminant validity, while path analysis determined the significance of path coefficients. Information seeking and willingness to sacrifice significantly positively influenced risk perception, and willingness to sacrifice and risk perception both significantly positively impacted attitude. Furthermore, information searches, willingness to sacrifice, trust in government, risk perception, and attitude had significant positive effects on adaptation behavior intentions. Among these factors, risk perception was the most influential. To increase risk perception among farmers, information seeking and willingness to sacrifice, which have significant impacts on risk perception, should be encouraged. Additionally, given that attitude significantly mediates the effect of risk perception on adaptation behavior intention, it is crucial to shift farmers' attitudes by emphasizing the value and necessity of adaptation behaviors. Although this study does not comprehensively consider variables such as societal, economic, and policy factors in developing a behavioral model, it provides valuable insights for promoting adaptation behaviors among farmers and offers practical implications for policymakers.