Hounnou, Houessou, et al (2024) Cotton farmers’ intention to adopt biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More as climate change adaptation and sustainable land management strategy in Benin. Journal of Cleaner Production. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.140685

This study explores the psychological factors influencing cotton farmers in Benin, West Africa, to adopt biochar as a sustainable land management practice. Biochar helps improve soil fertility and combat climate change, but its adoption remains low.

Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework, the researchers surveyed 528 farmers. They analyzed farmers’ attitudes, social norms, perceived control over biochar use, climate change perception, past behavior, and risk perception.

The results confirmed the TPB relationships, except for “attitude,” where perceived ease of use didn’t influence biochar adoption. Interestingly, climate change perception and past behavior positively affected adoption, while potential yield decrease at the start discouraged farmers.

This study highlights the importance of:

• Positive climate change perception: Farmers who see climate change as a threat are more likely to adopt biochar.
• Past experience: Successful adoption of new practices encourages further innovation.
• Addressing yield concerns: Providing support during the initial yield adjustment phase can boost biochar uptake.

This research paves the way for promoting sustainable cotton farming through targeted interventions that address farmers’ psychosocial barriers and concerns. By promoting education, peer learning, and yield-support programs, we can encourage wider biochar adoption and contribute to a more sustainable future for cotton production in Benin.

Key takeaways:

• Climate change perception, past behavior, and yield concerns influence biochar adoption in cotton farming.
• The TPB framework provides valuable insights into farmers’ decision-making.
• Targeted interventions addressing psychosocial barriers and concerns can promote biochar use and sustainable cotton production.