https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0284-2685
![Sample our Environment & Agriculture journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5934/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Environment-Agriculture.jpg"})
ABSTRACT
The conversion of agricultural waste into organic fertilizer through vermicomposting is a sustainable waste management solution and an income source for organic fertilizer producers. Most of the agricultural waste in Iran is burned, triggering an array of negative consequences. Vermicompost production at the farm level is rarely practiced in Iran, and farmers play a central role. The study aimed to identify the factors influencing the adoption of on-farm vermicomposting and its level (number of cycles), barriers to it, and to provide adapted policy recommendations. The study used a mixed-method approach, with a survey on 142 farmers and semi-structured interviews with stakeholders. The study showed that attitude (β = 0.515, sig. = 0.01), subjective norms (β = 1.745, sig. = 0.01), vermicomposting training (β = 2.160, sig. = 0.01), safe spraying (β = 2.915, sig. = 0.01), and integrated pest management (β = 1.793, sig. = 0.01) influenced the participation in vermicomposting. Some of the barriers to vermicomposting revealed by the qualitative research were the initial investment cost, farmers’ short-term vision, lack of necessary infrastructure, and lack of subsidies. The study complements the scant information on farmers’ vermicomposting behavior and proves that its understanding is essential to remove barriers and engage farmers in vermicomposting. Practical recommendations based on findings support sustainable agricultural waste management.
Acknowledgments
This paper was partially elaborated within the research program ‘Identification of composting opportunities from the point of view of consumer behavior to promote and develop the circular economy’, selected within the bilateral cooperation between the Romanian Academy and Wallonia – WBI, FRS-FNRS. ‘La présente publication a été rendue possible grâce à l’Accord qui lie WBI, le FRS-FNRS et l’Académie Roumaine.’
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Declaration of interest statement
The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.
Data availability statement
The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the first author upon reasonable request.
Correction Statement
This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.
Additional information
Funding
Notes on contributors
Hamid Rastegari
Hamid Rastegari holds a master in Rural Development (2016) from Yasouj University, Iran, and a PhD in Agricultural Development (2022) from Yasouj University, Iran. His research interests include behavior change and sustainable consumption, mainly related to agricultural practices, food, and waste.
Mehdi Nooripoor
Mehdi Nooripoor holds a master in Agricultural Extension and Education from Shiraz University, Iran, a PhD in Agricultural Extension and Education from Shiraz University, Iran. He is associate professor at Yasouj University, Iran. His research interests include climate changes, vulnerability, and sustainability.
Maryam Sharifzadeh
Maryam Sharifzadeh holds a master in Agricultural Extension and Education from Shiraz University, Iran, a PhD in Agricultural Extension and Education from Shiraz University, Iran. She is associate professor at Yasouj University, Iran. Her research interests include social issues in agriculture and natural resources.
Dacinia Crina Petrescu
Dacinia Crina Petrescu holds a master in Marketing (2001) from Complutense University, Spain, a PhD in Economics (2003) from Babes-Bolyai University, Romania, and a Habilitation in Business (2021) from Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania. She is professor at Babes-Bolyai University, Romania, and associate researcher at Liege University, Belgium. Her research interests include behavior change and sustainable consumption, mainly related to food, agricultural practices, land use, and waste.