Social capital and behavioral response to water scarcity: Sustainable agriculture policies pathways for adopting dry direct-seeded rice

Farmers play a crucial role in the implementation of sustainable agricultural policies. Their decisions not only directly impact the success of these programs but also contribute significantly to preserving natural resources and protecting the environment. Analyzing farmers’ decisions to shift rice cultivation methods from transplanting in flooded fields to the water-saving and efficient approach of dry direct-seeded rice (DDSR) reveals various influencing factors. Understanding these factors is crucial for identifying the pathways to sustainable agriculture and enabling policymakers and researchers to design more effective and practical programs. In this study, the decision-making process of farmers was analyzed using a combination of two theoretical frameworks: social capital and the theory of planned behavior (TPB). The statistical population comprised all farmers in Shushtar County, located in southwestern Iran, who practice rice cultivation through the flooded method. The results showed that the designed framework was effective, and the research variables explained 75.6 % of farmers’ willingness in this regard. The research revealed that social capital elements (social norms, networks, and trust) significantly impacted the key variables in the TPB related to DDSR adoption. The study’s conclusions offer valuable perspectives for policymakers seeking to advance sustainable rice production strategies.