Understanding the determinants of the empowered earthworm farmers’ behavior

Abstract

Earthworm (Lumbricus rubellus) farming offers a unique solution for poverty alleviation in rural Indonesia by transforming agricultural waste into economic opportunities while supporting sustainable farming practices. Empowering these farmers is crucial for enhancing their cultivation techniques and economic outcomes. This study examines the key factors that influence the behavior of empowered earthworm farmers, using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as its framework. Conducted in Temanggung Regency, Central Java Province, Indonesia, in 2023, the study involved 201 respondents selected through a snowball sampling method. Information was gathered via a survey and then examined using PLS-SEM. The findings indicate that empowerment programs significantly influence farmers’ attitudes, social norms, and perceived behavioral control, which drive their intention to become empowered. Empowered intentions and perceived behavioral control strongly predict farmers’ empowered behaviors, which, in turn, enhance their economic well-being. Notably, the study also found that farmers' personality traits do not moderate the relationship between intention and behavior, suggesting that empowerment programs are broadly effective across different farmer profiles. This study underscores the importance of empowerment initiatives in promoting sustainable farming practices, improving farmers' livelihoods, notably the livelihood of farmers, as the empowerment program is based on dynamic open innovation.