Socio-psychological factors influencing farmers’ willingness to continue participating in collaborative activities of community-based innovation platforms in eastern Uganda

Abstract

This study employed an extended theory of planned behaviour to assess the socio-psychological factors influencing farmers’ willingness to continue participating (WTCP) in collaborative activities of community-based innovation platforms (CB-IPs). Using a structured questionnaire, data were obtained from a random sample of 231 farmers who had participated in collaborative activities of the CB-IPs. Data were analyzed using partial least squares-structural equation modelling. Findings showed that although farmers’ past-experience did not directly influence their WTCP in collaborative activities of CB-IPs, it was positive and significant when mediated by attitudes and perceived behavioural control (t-value = 6.840; p-value = 0.000). Therefore, it can be concluded that farmers’ WTCP in collaborative activities of CB-IPs is enhanced by three socio-psychological factors: favourable past-experience, positive attitudes towards collaborative activities of CB-IPs, and farmers’ perceived capacity to participate. Hence, conveners of collaborative activities of CB-IPs ought to improve farmers’ attitudes through organizing beneficial activities and building their capacity to participate. This study contributed to the body of knowledge by using a behavioural perspective to examine the socio-psychological factors that influence farmers’ continued participation in collaboration activities of CB-IPs.

Keywords:

• collaboration intentions
• innovation platforms
• socio-psychological factors
• theory of planned behaviour
• Uganda

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Cassava Community Action Research Project (Cassava CARP) with funding from the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM).

Notes on contributors

Rebecca Mukebezi

Rebecca Mukebezi is a PhD Fellow in Agricultural and Rural Innovations of Makerere University. She is an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Extension and Innovation Studies, Makerere University. Her interests are in research methods, process documentation, communication skills, managing collaborative engagements, and facilitating multi-stakeholder engagements.

Bernard Bonton Obaa

Bernard Bonton Obaa is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Extension and Innovation Studies, Makerere University. His research mainly focuses on analysis of social networks and resource access, food security, agricultural technology development, farmer organizations including cooperatives and agricultural extension services in post-conflict and pastoral communities in Uganda.

Florence Birungi Kyazze

Florence Birungi Kyazze is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Extension and Innovation Studies, Makerere University. Her research interests are in research methods and statistics, program development and evaluation, and community resource management innovations oriented towards climate change adaptation and livelihoods improvement.

Settumba B. Mukasa

Settumba B. Mukasa is an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural Production, Makerere University. His research interests are in plant biotechnology, seed systems, and community action research.

Irene Bulenzibuto Tamubula

Irene Bulenzibuto Tamubula is a Lecturer at Kyambogo University with interests in rural development, agricultural projects management, and ICTs in agricultural education and extension.