Behavioral and contextual predictors of sustainable crop farming among rural farmers: The mediation of eco-friendly practices in cross river state

This study investigated behavioral (environmental risk perception and perceived usefulness of eco-friendly practices) and contextual factors (institutional support, and access to agricultural inputs) influence the adoption of eco- friendly practices and sustainable crop farming in rural communities in Cross River State, Nigeria. This study employed a quantitative cross-sectional survey design. A multistage proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to select 2,142 participants, of which 1,987 valid responses were analyzed. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire containing 36 items across six constructs, with reliability and validity confirmed through expert review, pilot testing, and measurement model evaluation. Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability values ranged from 0.84 to 0.95, and average variance extracted (AVE) values exceeded the 0.50 threshold. Indicator loadings were mostly above 0.70, variance inflation factors were within acceptable limits, and model fit indices indicated a good model fit. The results of the structural model of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) showed that while environmental risk perception, perceived usefulness of eco-friendly practices, and institutional support promoted the adoption of eco-friendly practices, only access to agricultural inputs had a direct influence on both adoption and sustainable crop farming. Adoption of eco-friendly practices served as the main mechanism linking farmers’ perceptions and support systems to improved farming outcomes. The findings suggest that programmes aiming to enhance sustainable crop farming should not only provide inputs and advisory support but also address behavioral factors that encourage consistent use of environmentally sound methods. The study is practically useful in guiding agricultural extension, rural development planning, and policy in Nigeria and other regions with similar farming conditions.