Use of Weather Information by Sri Lankan Paddy Farmers: An Application of Theory of Planned Behaviour

Use of weather information by the Sri Lankan farmers is based on two information sources: traditional knowledge and agromet advisories provided by the Department of Meteorology through the Department of Agriculture. In this context the weather information use behaviour of Sri Lankan paddy farmers was investigated by using the theory of planned behaviour. The necessary data were collected through a pretested structured questionnaire administered with a multi-stage random sample of 900 farmers representing six districts in Sri Lanka. Two structural equation models (SEM) were built with respect to the two information systems. For both SEMs, the use frequency of information was considered as the behaviour, while subjective norm, perceived behaviour control, attitude and intention were considered as the behaviour specific beliefs. The structural validity of the questions and sample adequacy were separately checked for both SEM models. Results of the two SEM models showed significant (p<0.05) relationships for (1) attitude and intention, (2) attitude and behaviour, (3) subjective norm and intention, (4) perceived behavioural control and intention, and (5) intention and behaviour. It was revealed that the behavioural beliefs are important to determine the use of information systems. Therefore, the correct intervention is required to change or improve the existing behavioural beliefs when promoting weather information systems which are specifically designed against future climate turbulences.