Nurturing decisions: impact of children on farmers’ choices in new liquid fertilizer purchase

Purpose: This study explores how family dynamics, particularly the presence and living arrangements of children, influence farmers’ adoption of sustainable agricultural technologies, focusing on bio-concentrated liquid fertilizers (Bio-CLF). Design/Methodology/Approach: Using a sample of 249 professional farmers and 297 amateur farmers in Japan, this study employs propensity score matching and logistic regression to analyze differences in adoption intentions. Findings: Amateur farmers are more inclined to adopt Bio-CLF, while professional farmers living with children exhibit lower adoption intentions due to perceived financial risks. Conversely, professional farmers without children display higher adoption intentions, reflecting reduced immediate financial burdens. Practical Implication: Insights from this research underscore the need for tailored policy interventions, such as financial support and education, to address barriers faced by professional farmers with children. Theoretical Implications: By integrating family dynamics into technology adoption frameworks, this study bridges sociological and economic perspectives, offering a nuanced understanding of how family composition shapes adoption behaviors. Originality/Value: This study provides a novel perspective on the interplay between family dynamics and sustainable technology adoption, offering actionable guidance for policymakers and advancing the literature on agricultural innovation.