Sustainable innovation adoption barriers: water sustainability, food production and drip irrigation in Australia

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to examine impediments to the adoption of sustainable water-efficient technological innovation in agriculture. Farming is the largest water consumer and food production expansion in response to global population growth, combined with increasing droughts from climate change, threatens water and food insecurity for many countries. Yet, climate smart agriculture (CSA) innovation adoption has been slow, and in this regard, governments and the agricultural sector are not fulfilling their social responsibility and sustainability obligations. Design/methodology/approach Barriers to water-efficient drip irrigation (DI) adoption in Australia were investigated via 46 depth interviews with agricultural stakeholders and a survey of 148 farmers. Findings While DI water efficiency is recognised, this is not the key determinant of farmers’ irrigation method selection. Complex interrelationships between internal and external barriers impede DI adoption are identified. These include costs, satisfaction with alternative irrigation methods, farmer characteristics that determine the suitability of the innovation and the extent it is incremental or radical, plus various multidimensional risks. Government support of alternative, less water-efficient irrigation methods is also a critical barrier. Originality/value A conceptual framework for understanding barriers to sustainability oriented innovation adoption is presented. Its insights should be applicable to researchers and practitioners concerned with understanding and improving the adoption of socially responsible and sustainable innovation in a wide range of contexts. Recommendations for overcoming such adoption barriers are discussed in relation to the research focus of water-efficient agriculture and encouraging uptake of DI.

Barriers and overcoming strategies to supply chain sustainability innovation

“…The third most challenging sub-barrier is "Popularity of traditional technologies" (SC5). The high ranking of the barrier tells us that, manufacturing organizations are seriously confronted with issues related to switching from traditional technologies use and, consumers feel more comfortable in using traditional products which hinders the acceptance and willingness to adopt to latest technologies to aid in reducing negative impacts on environment (Greenland et al, 2018). However, "High initial investment in latest technology" (EF3) happens to be another important issue hampering supply chain sustainability innovation.…”

“…Among the 'Soft' barriers are large financial support and investment for sustainability activities, high initial investment, inappropriate and lack of information for economic transactions and decision making, improper framework for implementing sustainability, and resistance from customers regarding sustainable and innovative products. Greenland et al (2018) conducted a study on sustainability innovation barriers adoption for food production and drip irrigation focusing on some regions of Australia. They found out that there is complex interrelationship among internal and external barriers.…”

“…Al Zaabi et al, 2013;AlSanad, 2018;De Jesus and Mendonça, 2018;Delmonico et al, 2018;Durdyev et al, 2018;Greenland et al, 2018 Lack of incentives (RI2) Inability of the government and regulatory bodies to provide incentives in terms of reduced tax slabs or subsidized technological assistance. Owners of the manufacturing organizations lack innovating thinking and skills to think differently and adapt sustainability innovations.…”

“…Lack of knowledge about benefits of sustainability leads to resistance towards implementation of sustainability. Bhanot et al, 2017;Greenland et al, 2018;Narayanan et al, 2018 Popularity of traditional technologies (SC5)…”

“…Traditional technologies for manufacturing and operations are sometimes so popular that people lack the acceptance of sustainable innovation and its benefits. Durdyev et al, 2018;Greenland et al, 2018 Organizational Barriers (OG)…”