Factors Associated with Multidimensional Agribusiness Innovation Adoption among Chili Farmers: Mixed-Methods Evidence from Sinjai, Indonesia

Chili farmers often adopt agribusiness innovations selectively because production decisions are shaped simultaneously by financial constraints, technological conditions, institutional support, and farming risks. This study examined factors associated with multidimensional agribusiness innovation adoption among chili farmers in Bongki Lengkese, Sinjai Regency, Indonesia. A cross-sectional quantitative-dominant mixed-methods design combined a structured survey of 67 purposively selected chili farmers with one focus group discussion involving 10 farmers and in-depth interviews with an agricultural extension officer and the Head of the Agricultural Extension Center. The adoption index incorporated production, farm-management, and marketing dimensions with equal conceptual weighting. Thirteen prespecified social, economic, institutional, technological, and risk-related predictors were analyzed simultaneously using multiple linear regression. Because diagnostic testing indicated potential heteroskedasticity, coefficient inference used HC3 heteroskedasticity-consistent standard errors. The model explained 38.1% of the observed variation in adoption (R² = 0.381). External or mixed financing was positively associated with adoption (B = 0.437; HC3 p = 0.040), as were technological conditions (B = 0.047; HC3 p = 0.020). Qualitative evidence supported these findings by identifying limited capital, technology costs, and uneven implementation as practical constraints, while institutional support and risk perception remained important in context. The findings suggest developing affordable technologies, appropriate financing mechanisms, and practical field-based support in an integrated manner. These findings are relevant to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2, 8, and 9 through their implications for sustainable agriculture, rural economic capacity, and agricultural innovation. Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):SDG 2: Zero HungerSDG 8: Decent Work and Economic GrowthSDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure