Extension Support and Peer Influence on Climate-Smart Agriculture Adoption among Indonesian Rice Farmers

Dwi Sadono; Sumardjo; Murdianto; Adi  Firmansyah; Rafnel Azhari; Siti Syamsiah

doi:10.48165/IJEE.2026.62415

Authors

Dwi Sadono IPB University
Sumardjo
Murdianto
Adi Firmansyah
Rafnel Azhari
Siti Syamsiah

https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2026.62415

Keywords:

Agricultural extension, Behavioral intention, Climate-smart sgriculture, Peer influence, Technology acceptance model

Abstract

Extension support and peer learning are widely promoted to accelerate climate-smart agriculture (CSA), but their relationships with farmers’ cognitive evaluations and realized adoption remain insufficiently understood. This study examined CSA adoption among Indonesian smallholder rice farmers using a TAM-informed exploratory framework. A cross-sectional survey during 2025 involved 342 farmers in Sukra District, West Java, and Praya District, West Nusa Tenggara. Data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. Extension support was positively associated with behavioural intention and perceived ease of use, while peer influence strongly predicted perceived ease of use but not behavioural intention. Farmer characteristics were associated with perceived ease of use but not behavioural intention. Behavioural intention was the strongest direct predictor of CSA adoption, followed by attitude toward CSA, whereas perceived ease of use had no significant direct relationship with adoption. The model explained 31.5% of the variance in adoption and demonstrated positive predictive relevance, although its out-of-sample predictive accuracy was limited. These findings indicate that extension should combine participatory demonstrations with farmer-to-farmer learning to strengthen operational confidence and intention to adopt CSA.

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