Internet Access, Practice Adoption, and Conservation Program Participation in Three Alabama Watersheds

Abstract

The Internet is changing many things about our society; the way we communicate, do business, and obtain information. While the Internet provides a multitude of services for most of America, questions remain about its usefulness to the American farmer in need of conservation based information and resources. Some researchers feel that the Internet has the ability to form a powerful link between farmers, researchers, and other relevant agencies or groups, but past studies show that farmers are reluctant to adopt. This study focuses on the affects of farm operator Internet use on conservation practice adoption and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) program participation in three Alabama watersheds. Particular attention will be given to indicators of Internet use and its role in shaping conservation adoption. The study examines the overall usefulness of the Internet in creating a natural resource management context that could dramatically change the way information is created and disseminated in the agricultural community.