Path analysis of knowledge of young farmers towards climate-smart agricultural interventions

Abstract

The present study employed path analysis to examine the causal influences of selected independent variables on the knowledge of young farmers regarding Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) interventions. While correlation and regression analyses reveal relationships and combined effects among variables, path analysis enables identification of both direct and indirect causal influences, thereby offering deeper insights into the dynamics of farmers’ knowledge and attitudes. Twelve independent variables that showed significant correlations with dependent variables were included in the analysis, with data collected from 280 respondents. The results revealed that leadership ability exerted the maximum positive direct effect (0.180) on knowledge, followed by annual income, mass media exposure, scientific orientation, and risk orientation, while land holding (-0.026) showed the largest negative direct effect. In terms of total indirect effect, leadership ability again exerted the strongest positive influence (0.209), whereas land holding (-0.006) showed a negative effect. Substantial indirect effects highlighted awareness of climate change (0.050 through leadership ability) as the strongest positive influence and mass media exposure (-0.025 through leadership ability) as the strongest negative influence. Overall, the findings suggest that enhancing leadership ability, awareness on climate change, education, annual income, and decision-making skills can significantly improve young farmers’ knowledge of CSA interventions. The study underscores the importance of leadership development and capacity building as pivotal strategies for strengthening farmers’ knowledge systems in the context of climate-smart agriculture.