Behavioral determinants of climate-smart agriculture adoption among smallholder leafy vegetable agripreneurs in semi-arid Tanzania

This study elucidates the behavioral determinants influencing climate-smart agriculture (CSA) adoption among smallholder leafy vegetable agripreneurs in semi-arid Central Tanzania. Employing an extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) that incorporates perceived usefulness from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a mediating construct, the study examines how attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control shape CSA adoption decisions. A cross-sectional survey encompassing 385 agripreneurs from Dodoma and Singida regions was conducted, with data analyzed through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) utilizing Smart PLS 4. The empirical findings demonstrate that attitudes exert the strongest influence on both perceived usefulness (β = 0.528, p < 0.001) and CSA adoption, indicating that agripreneurs who recognize CSA benefits demonstrate greater adoption propensity. Subjective norms (β = 0.231, p < 0.01) and perceived behavioral control (β = 0.198, p < 0.05) similarly influence perceived usefulness significantly, underscoring the importance of social networks and resource accessibility. Perceived usefulness emerges as a robust mediator between behavioral determinants and adoption (β = 0.580, p < 0.001), highlighting its pivotal role in translating positive perceptions into concrete adoption decisions. The investigation yields critical policy implications, including the imperative to strengthen agricultural extension services, enhance financial accessibility, and leverage social networks to facilitate CSA adoption. Notwithstanding limitations inherent in the cross-sectional design and reliance on self-reported measures, this study generates valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners. Future investigations should employ longitudinal approaches and integrate objective farm-level assessments to comprehensively elucidate CSA adoption dynamics in resource-constrained environments.