This study is guided by a number of research questions that address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Oman; the key influences and influencers that lead to farmers adopting new management approaches and technologies; and the role of cooperatives. The study is centred around the theory of planned behavior, which focuses on farmers’ attitudes and what influences those attitudes. The findings from this study thus provide insights into the choices Oman’s farmers make, particularly why they have not fully embraced management approaches including those that enhance water management through the adoption of modern irrigation; and those that enhance soil fertility, through the increased use of inorganic fertiliser. The study focuses on these two specific technologies because they have been identified as critical for the country with regards to modernizing the agricultural sector. By comparing farmers who belong to a cooperative with those that do not, this study contributes to the on-going policy discussion in Oman as to whether the government should promote the development of new agricultural cooperatives around the country.

This study is guided by a number of research questions that address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Oman; the key influences and influencers that lead to farmers adopting new management approaches and technologies; and the role of cooperatives. The study is centred around the theory o...