Analyzing the Conservation Behavior of Edible-Medicinal Plant Species Among Villagers in the Dasht-Room District, Boyer-Ahmad County

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 M.Sc. of Rural Development, Department of Rural Development Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran

2 Professor, Department of Rural Development Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran

3 Associate Professor, Department of Rural Development Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran

Abstract

This study aimed to model and analyze the behavior of villagers in the Dasht-Room district regarding the conservation and exploitation of edible-medicinal plants, utilizing the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) and a descriptive correlation method. The statistical population included rural households in villages with at least 20 households in the Dasht-Room district (2807 households). Using Bartlett et al.'s sampling table, 119 households constituted the statistical sample. The data collection tool was a researcher-created questionnaire based on the PMT variables, which was validated by a panel of experts. To measure the reliability of the questionnaire, a pilot study was conducted outside the study site, and the Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.62-0.87) was calculated. The resulting coefficients indicated satisfactory reliability of the questionnaire. After data collection, the data were entered into SPSS21 software and analyzed using descriptive and inferential tests. The results showed that conservation behavior is moderate among the samples studied. The PMT variables are also significantly related to conservation behavior. In this regard, behavioral intention and self-efficacy had the strongest correlation. Based on hierarchical regression analysis, the mentioned variables effectively and significantly contributed to explaining the variance in conservation behavior. A path analysis indicated that “behavioral intention,” “perceived severity,” “response cost,” and “self-efficacy” had the greatest impact on conservation behavior. Emphasizing that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility, it is advised to use radio and television to promote the growth of medicinal plants suitable for each region's climate and to offer free seeds to those who request them.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journals of Environmental Education and Sustainable Development
Volume 12, Issue 3
2024
Pages 79-93

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