Psychosocial, relational and structural determinants of integrated pest management adoption in OECD countries: a scoping review

Abstract

Abstract To reduce the use of synthetic pesticides, it is necessary to understand the factors underlying their use and the adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) among farmers. To achieve this, this study relied on a scoping review carried out following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, using five databases and other grey literature sources. A total of 39 scientific references covering OECD countries over 2008 to 2024 period were included after rigorous screening via Covidence and analyzed using the taxonomy of intervention mapping for behaviour change methods and thematic synthesis. The results show a growing scientific interest since 2019 in the adoption of IPM and highlight the influence of psychosociological factors, professional networks and support and sociodemographic factors on adoption. Among the most frequently identified factors are social influences, economic risk perceptions and information access. Specifically, some such as perceptions of economic and production risks, perceived complexity, loss of time or anxiety, lead to an exclusively negative influence on the adoption of these practices. Others (access to information, ease of use, belonging to an organization, perceived benefits and agricultural experience) rather encourage their adoption. However, other factors (social influences, attitudes and beliefs, farm size, level of education, age) are cited as both positive or negative determinants depending on the context. Consequently, authors suggest strengthening extension systems on the economic risk and benefits of adopting alternative practices, as well as the development of agroecological technologies/practices for less complex use and policies that consider social influences among farmers given their important relationship with adoption.