Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to Explore the Intention of Farmers to Use Livestock Protection Measures

Livestock protection measures are necessary to protect livestock from wolf attacks but are highly controversial in the agricultural community. This qualitative study referred to the theory of planned behavior to explore the social elements that influence farmers' intention to use or reject livestock protection measures. Data were collected from 45 sheep farmers on 4 alpine pastures in the Alpine province of Bolzano, Italy, using semistructured interviews. Results show, first, a predominantly negative attitude toward livestock protection measures because of perceived technical constraints, excessive workload, and emotional stress. Second, family, friends, and other sheep farmers were the most important referent groups and could trigger social stress to support or hinder the use of protection measures. Third, perceived behavioral control was constrained by a lack of professional advice in the province regarding protection measures and a lack of funding for additional costs involved. Intentions to use these measures in the future were equally positive and negative, with the sheer inevitability of needing protection measures to allow continued grazing cited as the primary motivator. These findings underline the importance of considering social factors in management plans and conflict mitigation actions and serve as a basis for further, more detailed studies.

Automated summary

This study investigated the social factors that influence farmers' intention to use or reject livestock protection measures in the Alpine province of Bolzano, Italy. The results show that farmers have a predominantly negative attitude towards such measures due to perceived technical constraints, excessive workload, and emotional stress. Family, friends, and other sheep farmers play an important role in either supporting or hindering the use of protection measures. The lack of professional advice and funding for additional costs further constraint farmers' perceived behavioral control. The findings highlight the importance of considering social factors in management plans and conflict mitigation actions.