Understanding farmers' social psychology to improve wildlife habitat conservation.
Abstract
To help address the need to improve wildlife habitat conservation strategies, this study investigates relationships between farmers' perspectives on what it means to be a "good farmers" and their on-farm wildlife conservation behaviors. The researchers analyzed data from survey about 1,000 farmers in Iowa, USA and they found large differences between clustered groups of farmers and their use of wildlife habitat management practices on their farms. The research shows that farmers' diverse perspectives regarding what it means to be a "good farmer" can predict their wildlife habitat management behaviors. These findings can inform the significant effort already expended within farmlands and help to increase the effectiveness of these investments over the long-term.