Promoting 4R Nutrient Stewardship through Behavioral Change: A Case Study of Smallholder Farmers in Telangana, India

Abstract

Background: Smallholder farmers play a vital role in global food security and soil degradation is one of the most significant challenges, leading to the loss of livelihoods and substantial economic losses among smallholder farmers. The efficient use of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizers for food security while preserving the environment is highly essential. The dissemination of the 4R principles (right nutrient source at the right rate, right time, and right place) among the farmers would promote the judicious use of nutrient resources and optimize productivity. The Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) provides a framework for intervention development. This article describes the development of interventions, which aim to educate the farmers about the 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles. Methods: We followed the Behavior Change Wheel guide and used the Capability, Opportunity and Motivation Behaviour (COM-B) model to educate the farmers about the 4R nutrient management. The COM-B interventions were used to educate the farmers (120) about the components of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship. Whereas, to demonstrate the first R (right source) of nutrients we undertook interventions on fields of 30 farmers by suggesting soil test based nutrient application and compared the yield with control plots. Results: Using the COM-B model we used the behavior change interventions to educate, persuade, incentivize and enable the farmers for adopting the principles of 4R nutrient stewardship. The demonstrations on soil test based use of right source of nutrients showed an average yield advantage of 30.6% which was statistically significant in comparison to control plots. Conclusion: The COM B model can be successfully used to disseminate information on optimum use of nutrients based on the nutrient stewardship principles. Interventions based on Behavior Change Wheel were undertaken on farmers’ fields and the yield advantage of using principles of 4R nutrient management practices were successfully demonstrated on farmers’ fields.