Gary D. Lynne

Conservation technology adoption decisions and the theory of planned behavior

Abstract This study of water saving technology adoption and technology investment behavior for Florida strawberry farmers represents an application of the Theory of Planned Behavior. It is compared with the Theory of Reasoned Action, and the Theory of Derived Demand. The focus is on perceived control in the decisions, first, to become an adopter of conservation technology, and, second, to invest more capital in the technology. The results lend credence to the Planned Behavior Theory but also support Derived Demand Theory, in that actual financial capability (actual control) is found important. To predict technology adoption we may need to account for both perceived and actual control. Unfettered government control of farmer technology decisions could be counterproductive, suggesting technology policy may need to include a mix of moral suasion and incentives with more modest controls.

Attitudes and Farmer Conservation Behavior

Conservation behavior is influenced by the attitudes of farmers and by context variables, like income and farm terrain. Important attitudes were selected by using the theory that fundamental value ranks or weights affect attitudes and that only certain values are important to the conservation decision. An extension of the tobit estimation approach, handling both censored observations of the dependent variable and measurement error for the nonlimit observations, was used. Conservation behavior models can be improved with a merger of concepts and approaches from social psychology and economics.

Improving Attitude-Behavior Prediction Models with Economic Variables: Farmer Actions toward Soil Conservation

Abstract Although economists have long argued that the primary motivator of farmer soil conservation behavior is money, income alone was not found statistically significant in this study. Using a Fishbein model of the attitude-behavior relationship modified with an income variable, income was both significant and had a moderating effect on the influence of conservation attitudes. Stronger conservation attitudes and higher income increased the probability of more soil conservation behavior by Florida Panhandle farmers in 1983 and 1984. Farmers with higher incomes, however, tended to have weaker attitudes toward conservation action. The “comfortable life” value, which leads to more income, was apparently being traded off against the “world of beauty” and “being responsible” values, which were associated with conservation action.

Economic valuation of marsh areas for marine production processes

Abstract The relationship of natural marsh-estuarine systems to the economic productivity of marine systems is not well understood, at least in any quantitative sense. An approach is developed for relating blue crab economic productivity on Floridas Gulf Coast to marsh availability in the area. Previous efforts have not always applied economic concepts appropriately in attempts at such quantification. The marginal value productivity of marsh is shown to vary with alternative levels of marsh and effort in the fishery. The interaction and subsequent interdependence is shown to be statistically significant. Data availability on marginal response to marsh changes poses a severe obstacle to further progress.

Modifying The Neo-Classical Approach To Technology Adoption With Behavioral Science Models

The dualistic nature of humans has been recognized for centuries. The intriguing question is the extent to which the human being with her/his display of concern for others can simultaneously act as an egoist, the latter being descriptive of the homo oeconomicus rendition of the human. Multiple utility theory suggests a way to approach research on such issues. A test case of water conserving technology adaptation behavior by Florida growers is examined. Empirical evidence supports moving toward an expanded version of the mono-utility or I-utility model to include a We-utility.

An Economic Model of Soil Conservation: Comment

McConnell presented a dynamic model of soil erosion which gives insight into the influence of economic factors affecting a farmers use of soil. We applaud his effort, for there is limited literature on what motivates land users to conserve or erode soil. Ervin and Ervin give an excellent review of that literature. A problem with the article is a number of aspects implied, but not dealt with specifically, which lead to the assertion that the optimal private and social rates of erosion are identical. The following from the abstract reflects McConnells position.

Irrigation Water Supply as a Bioeconomic Process

Irrigation water is produced within the irrigation subprocess of a farm. Water supply is identified for effective field water, which sets the upper bound on water available for plant use. Georgescu-Roegen process analysis concepts are merged with the neoclassical theory of cost as the underlying framework. The approach is illustrated for a permanent overhead system used in a Florida citrus grove. The marginal cost for the 2.54 centimeters application depth dominates all other depths for the higher water levels. Process analysis is an important analytical tool for increasing understanding of the features of irrigation water supply.

Economic Impacts of Administrative Water Law Systems

ABSTRACT A move to administrative regulation of water is taking place in the eastern states. Private entitlements to water are being allocated on technically based criteria which ignores economic efficiency. Wasteful water use can result. Allocation procedures utilizing economic criteria can increase net benefits from water use. Several allocation alternatives including a technical approach, the western appropriation doctrine, a limited economic information approach and a pseudo-market are examined.