The Impact of Social Network and Government Support on the Adoption of Conservation Tillage Techniques by Farmers

Based on 344 household data in Anhui Province, the Heckman sample selection model was used to explore the impact of social networks and government support on the adoption behavior of farmers’ conservation tillage techniques, and to study the moderating role of government support in the process of social networks affecting the adoption behavior of farmers’ conservation tillage techniques. The results indicated that, (1) Social networks and government support had a significant positive impact on farmers’ decision-making and degree of adoption of conservation tillage techniques. (2) There were differences in the impact paths of social networks and government support on farmers’ adoption of conservation tillage techniques. (3) Government support had a positive moderating effect on the impact of social networks on the adoption of conservation tillage techniques by farmers. In response to the above research conclusions, corresponding countermeasures and suggestions were proposed: Firstly, customized conservation tillage methods were implemented for specific sample areas. Secondly, increased the importance of conservation tillage techniques among farmers, expanded and strengthened their social networks, and strengthened the breadth, depth, and construction of supporting facilities for the promotion of conservation tillage techniques. Finally, optimized government incentives and support to weaken the barriers for farmers to adopt conservation tillage techniques.