Behavioural factors affecting the adoption of manuring of smallholder mature rubber cultivations in Moneragala district

This study was carried out to identify the effective factors that influence the adoption of Manuring of Mature Rubber Cultivation (MMRC) in Moneragala District. The data were collected through a self-administrated survey from 397 smallholders owing mature rubber cultivations in 2020, using stratified random sampling. The conceptual model was developed based on the decomposed theory of planned behavior. The variables were measured with the use of validated items. The responses of rubber smallholders for items were captured on a Five-point Likert scale. Two-stage model-building process was applied in this study. The conceptualized model was empirically tested using partial least square structural equation modeling by bootstrapping procedure using the SMART- PLS 3.2 software. The composite six-predictor structural model was validly and reliably capable of explaining 78% the variability of the adoption of MMRC by rubber smallholders. Adoption of MMRC by rubber smallholders was positively and significantly correlated with the behavioural factors; behavioural intention, perceived behavioural control, whilst perceived behavioural control under adoption was the most significant influential factor. There were positive significant relationships between compatibility and attitude, perceived usefulness and attitude, perceived ease of use and attitude, out of which, compatibility had the most significant effect on attitude, whilst, the relationship between relative advantage and attitude was not significant. These findings can help boost the behavioral intention of rubber smallholders in Moneragala District to adopt on MMRC, especially by improving the aspects of facilitating conditions and subjective norms with the improvement of appropriate development and extension plan.