Abstract:
This study was carried out to examine behavioural factors that influence smallholders in
the adoption of manuring in immature rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) cultivations (MIRC)
introduced to Monaragala by the Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka. The data
were collected employing a self-administered survey from 798 rubber smallholders
in Moneragala in 2023 using stratified random sampling. The conceptual model was
developed based on the decomposed theory of planned behaviour. The responses
of rubber smallholders for validated items were captured on a five-point Likert scale.
The conceptualized model was empirically tested using partial least square structural
equation modelling by a bootstrapping procedure using the SMART-PLS 3.2 software.
The composite nine-predictor conceptual framework and structural model were validly
and reliably capable of explaining 78% of the variance in the adoption by rubber
smallholders. This study identified seven behavioural factors; attitude, perceived
usefulness, perceived ease of use, behavioural intention, facilitation condition,
subjective norms, and perceived behavioural condition that act as drivers for the
adoption of MIRC. The most significant influential factor is the facilitation condition
and policymakers should pay more attention to improving it, which could be helped
by improvement in the advisory services. In order to enhance the adoption of MIRC, a
favourable environment contributing to these psychological factors should be improved
among the rubber smallholders in Monaragala.
