Theses and Dissertations

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Peterson, Donna

Committee Member

Morrison, Carley

Committee Member

Graves, Jessica

Committee Member

Osman, Nesma

Date of Degree

8-7-2025

Original embargo terms

Visible MSU Only 1 year

Document Type

Dissertation - Campus Access Only

Major

Agricultural and Extension Education

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department

School of Human Sciences

Abstract

Coffee farming in Puerto Rico has declined over recent decades, partly due to deteriorating soil quality. However, the decision-making process behind farmers’ adoption of soil conservation practices remains unclear, particularly the overlooked role of soil ethics, which emphasizes the moral principles guiding human relationships with the soil. This mixed-methods study examined coffee farmers’ adoption of soil conservation practices by integrating the Values-Beliefs-Norms (VBN) theory and a newly developed Soil Ethics Survey (SES) instrument for the quantitative component, while using Decision-Making Theory and Social Cognitive Theory to qualitatively explore how farmers’ experiences and reflections shape their soil ethics. Quantitative findings revealed that beliefs and norms significantly predict soil conservation behavior among coffee farmers, supporting the VBN framework; however, these factors alone were insufficient to fully explain behavior, suggesting the need to capture additional influences. Qualitative findings showed that farmers’ decisions are shaped by experiential learning, intuition, social networks, and a deeply rooted soil ethic tied to identity, heritage, and resilience. Together, these findings highlight the complexity of conservation behavior as both ethically motivated and contextually constrained. The study underscores the importance of integrating ethical, cultural, and social dimensions into Extension programming, particularly through peer-led, community-based approaches that honor farmers’ lived experiences and values. Conservation strategies should emphasize trust, local knowledge, and support networks rather than focusing solely on technical solutions. This approach may foster more sustainable, relevant, and adoptable conservation behaviors. Future studies should validate and adapt the SES instrument across diverse regions and farming systems to enhance its robustness and generalizability. Additionally, research should explore how peer influence, community dynamics, and experiential learning interact with ethical values to shape conservation behavior. Mixed-method designs remain crucial to capturing the full range of motivational and contextual factors. Fostering soil ethics within communities may be a powerful strategy for promoting sustainable agriculture rooted in legacy, care, and resilience.

Sponsorship (Optional)

USDA Southern SARE

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